Pique’s guide to the federal election. - By Pique staff
06 OPENING REMARKS Politics should not be about tearing each other down, writes editor Braden Dupuis. It should always be about building a better future for all of us, together.
08 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers keep the conversation going about empty homes in Whistler, and respond to an op-ed in last week’s Pique
28 THE OUTSIDER Supercapacitors may be the technology avalanche airbags have been waiting for, writes Vince Shuley.
54 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST In which reporter David Song discovers a new passion to pursue: the wacky world of improv.
12 TO THE POLLS The Sea to Sky’s federal election candidates met in Whistler for an enlightening debate before election day on April 28.
14 BALD AMBITION Whistler teen Colt Paul honours his late father while raising funds for childhood cancer research at Balding for Dollars, which returns April 26.
36 FAMILY TIES The Whistler father-daughter duo of Chris and Drea Dimma knows what it’s like to train—and win—together.
40 GOING BIG Whistler locals and musicians are rallying behind Kevin “Big Kev” Mikkelsen with a jam-packed fundraiser concert at Merlin’s on May 2.
COVER Canadian elections seem to be a lot like darts. While we aim at one candidate to the left, our dart might just drift a little to the right, hitting the wrong target. - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art
Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com
Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT www.piquenewsmagazine.com
Make politics respectful again
THE FEDERAL LEADERS’ debate on April 17 was possibly the most substantive— and perhaps uneventful—Canada has held in several elections.
Aside from some embarrassing interruptions and a few irritating instances of several people all talking at once, it was mostly a respectful exchange of ideas and policy, highlighted at the end by the Liberal and Conservative leaders, Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, sharing a few friendly words, a smile and a handshake.
The respectful tone carried over to Whistler’s all-candidates debate on April 22
BY BRADEN DUPUIS
(read more about that on page 12).
No matter which side of the political aisle you stand on, this kind of respect between political opponents is refreshing to see, particularly given the dumpster fire of diplomacy south of the border and the increasingly incendiary approach many are now taking to politics here in Canada. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet’s suggestion at the leaders debate that, no matter the result, all major party leaders pledge to meet post-election to discuss the best way forward for Canada was also refreshing to hear.
Politics should never be about entertainment, tribalism, us-versus-them team sports mentalities—and yet lately that’s all it really is.
This election has been the worst in recent memory, in that regard. The partisan lines were drawn some time ago, made deeper by the chaos and confusion of COVID, and each side has its faithful info warriors—useful idiots spamming misinformation in meme form at each other, screeching into the digital void, denigrating everyone who dares hold a different view than them, pissing each other off and ultimately convincing nobody of anything, and changing nobody’s mind. It makes you wonder who they’re even doing it for.
The answer in most cases, one has to suspect, is themselves. Posting the
inflammatory meme, or the self-righteous diatribe, naturally engenders a response— either from those who agree, or those who vehemently don’t. And the response lights up their notifications; triggers that little hit of dopamine; gets the blood pumping and gives them something to fill their days.
That’s the only obvious reason for why a grown adult would spend multiple hours on the internet each day fighting with others in service of politicians who could not possibly care less about them, and policies that will ultimately barely affect them, if they ever come to fruition at all. Calling your neighbours names, hand-waving their concerns, painting everyone who thinks differently than your “team” with the same broad, convenient brush strokes. The proles in open revolt against one another, their country embroiled in a never-ending war with either Eastasia or Eurasia, it doesn’t matter which, while the ruling elite goes about the business of ruling, unphased.
It’s embarrassing and shameful, and regrettably has become the norm in modern society. But politics should never be this emotional. It should never pit neighbours against each other in blood feuds, and have
of lowest-common-denominator consensus. Pre-emptively threatening to secede from the country if we don’t see the results we like at the ballot box, or worse—alluding to or outright threatening political violence.
In the age of Trump 2.0, is there any putting this ugly genie back in its bottle? Or are we doomed to ride this wave of delusional, dumbass discourse to its eventual end, however dark and dismal it will be?
The current outlook is not great.
It is unlikely, for any number of reasons— concerns around censorship chief among them—but a great place to start would be finding a way to properly fact-check and curate all political discussion on social media. The American broligarchy douchebags like Musk and Zuckerberg apparently have no interest in facts anymore, but AI could conceivably be very helpful in that regard.
How about a basic political literacy test to ensure the absolute dumbest, most ill-informed among us are not able to sway important discussions into the weeds?
If curation and accuracy is not feasible, ban online political discussion entirely— force people to actually defend their politics in-person, without the protection of their
politics were it not for social media working them up. The emotionally fragile rubes make an easy target for anyone looking to direct discourse for their own ends.
One bad take deserves another, and another, until the misinformation morphs into a full-blown globalist conspiracy theory.
Much of the nastiness is born online, but it quickly bleeds out into the real world. We see it in the Sea to Sky when candidates have their election signs trashed, or defaced with Hitler moustaches. Sign vandalism happens in every election, but it seems to get more prevalent with each passing vote, as we get more partisan and less patient for the results we hope to see. It doesn’t matter who you support—there is no room in our politics for this nonsense.
The mundanity of the federal leaders debate was defined by the less-politicallyexperienced Carney, who didn’t interrupt, spoke to the moderator/audience rather than the camera, and didn’t seem interested in shoehorning in a bunch of lame catchphrases or gotcha moments, as his opponents seemed intent on doing at every opportunity.
Your view will vary based on your own political leanings, but the non-partisan take
[T]he major driver of our current division is our ill-informed, half-assed approach to political discourse; seeing something on Facebook, not fully understanding the context or nuance involved, but getting angry about it nonetheless, and then spreading our righteous outrage to others like a bad cold for them to share even wider.
them at each other’s throats both figuratively and sometimes literally. Politics should not be about ridicule, belittlement, or intimidation— tactics that reduce us to our dumbest, most basic instincts, and build nothing for anyone.
Politics should not be about tearing society, and each other, down. It should always be about building a better future for all of us, together.
But here we are, bashing each other over the head with our blunt ideas and partisan preferences, a race to the proverbial bottom
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keyboards and computer screens, and see how fast their bullshit evaporates.
Because the major driver of our current division is our ill-informed, halfassed approach to political discourse; seeing something on Facebook, not fully understanding the context or nuance involved, but getting angry about it nonetheless, and then spreading our righteous outrage to others like a bad cold for them to share even wider.
In many cases, these are people who would likely not care a single sniff about
is that Carney presented as a normal, boring human, respectfully presenting policy—an adult talking to other adults instead of the stereotypical politician sending winks and dogwhistles to supporters.
No matter who wins this election, there are tough times ahead for Canadians. We may not be able to force our leaders to act like respectful adults, but we sure as hell don’t have to emulate them.
Make politics respectful again, before it’s too late. n
Many Whistler second homeowners ‘can easily afford to do more’
This is in reply to the letter about the contribution of the “empty houses” in Whistler (Pique, April 18, “‘Empty houses’ in Whistler still contribute”).
Granted, these largely (or seasonally) unoccupied homes do pay the property taxes referenced by the author. And let’s not kid ourselves: Whistler was built on real estate and the sale of ski chalets.
However, the service jobs she references these homes as generating are precisely the type of underappreciated jobs held by the exact people that can’t afford lodging here.
At the least, there should be a local tax or an appropriate ongoing contribution from the owners of these under-occupied houses to help fund initiatives for housing, with a focus towards essential-service employees and retaining potentially longer-term people. (This could be waived with suite occupancy.)
While you mention roads and other physical infrastructure, it is the people parts of the infrastructure that you count on even more, whether or not you realize it. If you do not live, earn, and spend in the community, your property taxes alone do not contribute enough to make it possible for doctors, nurses, techs,
pharmacists, teachers, daycare workers, and the trades (whom you also reference) to build a life here. A more balanced contribution would help keep Whistler safe, healthy, and educated, rebuild and maintain a middle class, and free up affordable lodging for the worker bees.
So while secondary homeowners are absolutely appreciated and some are outstanding philanthropists, many can easily afford to do more than what is currently required. If you are going to own part of this awesome place, there needs to be a balance so
that it can build and stay awesome.
Laura
Countering ‘stagflation’ in Whistler
Canada has a slow-growth, high-inflation future. We have entered a period of stagnation that started well before the Trump tariffs. Last year I asked a senior member of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) executive team about the possibility of stagflation and was summarily dismissed.
Stagflation has been caused by the inflationary effects of deficit spending at all levels of government (minus the RMOW, which can’t deficit spend of course). Combined with general inflation, Canada’s unemployment rate rising to 6.7 per cent and a weakening GDP growth, we are up the creek. Secondarily, the past decades of fiscal policies and lack of capital flowing into our country have put us in a tenuous situation. Other developed economies direct a larger share of their investment toward productive capital, such as machinery and intellectual property, that supports long-term economic growth. In Canada, by contrast, residential structures comprise approximately 54 per cent of the total fixed capital stock, according to Statistics Canada. For reference, Japan and Germany are at about 30 per cent and have stronger investment in public infrastructure and manufacturing capital.
Now add in the potential tariff wars getting worse and tightening supply chains. The Bank of Canada really had no choice but to hold interest rates this week. Their choice was to reduce inflation (higher interest rates) or increase economic growth (cut interest rates). Talk about a dilemma. Now they must know how Jimmy Carter felt.
Now we come to Whistler. It has already seen a drop in revenues, and the answer given to us by officials is to increase taxes and use our piggy bank.
To counter the effects of stagflation locally, Whistler must focus on strategies that strengthen economic resilience while
Scully (Joncas) // Whistler
Backcountry Update
AS OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
That’s a wrap!
The past week brought classic spring-like conditions in the Sea to Sky region, with solid overnight freezes and sunshine during the day. In the high alpine, north-facing slopes still held dry, wintery or “chalky” snow. Daytime warming and solar radiation softened the meltfreeze crust, making for easier turns. Those lucky—and motivated—enough to pursue bigger spring objectives may have even timed it right for corn snow conditions. The region even received a bit of fresh, dry snow at higher elevations, though avalanche danger remained low for most of the period.
Change is in the air, and warmer conditions are expected. Freezing levels are forecast to rise to 2,500 metres or above, with minimal—or non-existent—overnight freeze, especially under cloudy skies. A scenario of all melt and no freeze could lead to increased avalanche activity, with wet loose and wet slab avalanches as well as cornice failures driving the avalanche danger. It is important to stay alert in the field, as warm temperatures and solar radiation rapidly deteriorate the snowpack.
Be mindful of the aspects you’re travelling on or through during the day. It’s a good time
to start early and aim to reach your objective while the upper snowpack is firm. The best riding tends to occur as the surface softens— but timing is everything. If you’re sinking deeply into slushy snow or travelling beneath sun-exposed cornices, it’s a sign to retreat or reconsider your route.
Another consideration is that dormant persistent weak layers may still exist on high, north-facing alpine slopes above 2,200 m. These layers could reactivate under a significant load. Cornice failures may also trigger slab avalanches, so monitor alpine temperatures and freezing levels and avoid travelling beneath cornices during the heat of the day.
Public avalanche forecasting wraps up on April 27.Then we shift to spring messaging, where you can still stay informed about spring conditions and the potential avalanche problems caused by certain scenarios. Check out avalanche.ca/ spring-conditions for detailed descriptions and safety considerations for those scenarios.
From everyone at Avalanche Canada, thank you for including us in your season. We hope our products continue to foster and empower avalanche safety for you and your fellow riders. We truly appreciate all of your MIN Posts and look forward to seeing them again next winter. n
CONDITIONS MAY VARY AND CAN CHANGE RAPIDLY Check for the most current conditions before heading out into the backcountry. Daily updates for the areas adjacent to Whistler Blackcomb are available at 604-938-7676, or surf to www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain-info/ snow-report#backcountry or go to www.avalanche.ca.
This includes supporting small businesses and the tourism sector through targeted incentives, not increasing the mill rate. The same goes for homeowners. The increases of taxes in the past few years are over the top. Budgets at the muni continue to grow. There’s an optimal tax rate that maximizes government revenue, and tax cuts could stimulate economic growth and actually increase revenue, particularly during stagflation (look up Laffer curve).
Continued workforce housing solutions and streamlined municipal regulations to encourage investment and innovation, aimed at maintaining affordability in housing and essential services, are critical to preserving community stability and retaining key workers. The RMOW is doing great here!
Whistler must also streamline and prioritize key investments, which may mean cuts in departments/projects. And while the municipal regulations when it comes to permits etc. are being tackled, the changes must happen quickly more than ever to encourage investment and innovation.
Patrick Smyth // Whistler
In response to ‘The end of magical thinking’
It is pretty clear that ex-premier Gordon Campbell is all-in with the Alberta line that Canada’s future well-being depends entirely on the full and unfettered exploitation of fossil fuels to the exclusion of any other concern and any other interest, and as though nothing else matters but oil and gas (see Pique, April 18, “The end of magical thinking…”). He is entitled to his belief, narrow-focused and faulty as it is. But two other points from his piece do not fall into the forgiveness column.
If ever there was an indication of how close current right-wing Conservative thought aligns with Mr. Trump’s view of how government power should work—exhibited by his threats to deny funds to states or institutions unless they succumb to his demands on a host of matters—it is that. So I guess it is no wonder Mr. Campbell exhorts us to “forget Trump” since they share the same contemptible inclination.
And as for national government debt, also presented in the article as catastrophic: Canada has by far the lowest net debt per capita of all G7 countries.
Richard Coleman // Whistler
Third-annual Sea to Sky Student Short Film Festival a success
The third-annual Sea to Sky Student Short Film Festival took place on April 15 at Whistler Secondary School and attracted 150 attendees. We presented 10 films from Sea to Sky Students including three from Whistler Secondary, one from Pemberton Secondary and four from the Squamish Alternative School. We want to applaud everyone who made the effort to make a film for the festival.
Three students won more than $2,000 in prizes thanks to our generous sponsors, including Powder Mountain Cat Skiing, Whistler Paintball, Whistler Blackcomb, Evo, Arc’teryx, Rocks and Gems, Teppan Village, The Circle, Mons Royale, Foto Source and Ziptrek.
The winners were:
• 1st Place: The Great Dog Escape, Keith Moody, Grade 12 Squamish Alternative School. Prize: Powder Mountain Cat Skiing Trip for 1 valued at $950 plus a hat of choice and Mons Royale pair of socks.
• 2nd Place: The Signal, Lukas Lawrence, Grade 12, Whistler Secondary School. Prize: Whistler Paintball experience for 10 valued at $580 plus a hat of choice and Mons Royale pair of socks.
• 3rd Place: An UNREEL Day in ORL, Mark Kronsbein, Grade 11, Squamish Alternative School. Prize: Vail Resorts retail valued at $100, Samurai gift card valued at $40, 100 prepaid print cards from Whistler Foto Source and an Arcteryx hat.
First, it is false that Canada’s GDP per capita is “at the bottom of the OECD list.” Several reputable statistical sources list Canada at 13th highest of the 38 OECD countries. Perhaps even more relevant, for 2025, countryeconomy.com lists Canada as second best in the G7, slightly ahead of Germany and only behind the U.S. There are issues of falling productivity growth per capita in Canada, largely a result of a fast-growing population (resulting in a larger denominator in the equation), but that is not the same as an absolute per-capita measure. As reported by Statistica, in 2024 Canada’s GDP actually grew at a rate of 1.34 per cent, a better performance than the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and Japan, and only exceeded by the U.S.
Mr. Campbell’s claim that Canada is “at the bottom of the OECD list” in per-capita GDP is exactly the kind of misinformation peddled by the right, referred to in Leslie Anthony’s column in the same issue of Pique
• People’s Choice: The Great Dog Escape, Keith Moody, Grade 12, Squamish Alternative School. Prize: Ziptrek voucher, 100 prepaid print cards from Whistler Foto Source plus an Arcteryx toque.
More than $2,000 was raised for the Grad Class of 2025.
Thank you to our three judges, Rebeca Wood Barrett, Kris Dontas and Kevin Dontas.
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But I think the most pernicious thing Mr. Campbell had to say is the gangsterish proposition that if any province dares to exercise its provincial jurisdiction to disagree with a pipeline, they should be extorted into bending the knee through the denial of equalization payments, thereby threatening that province’s education, health-care and
A huge thanks to Andy Bowes from XL Audio Visual, and our technical director Hugo James and technical support Shion Masuda. Thank you to our Vice Principal, Mr. Hall, and our parent mentor Shauna Hardy, who is the founder of the Whistler Film Festival. Without them, this event wouldn’t be possible. We look forward to seeing you next year! Crystal Brooks, Diamond Richardson & Megumi Takaishi // Producers, Sea to Sky Student Short Film Festival n
Candidates clash over climate, affordability and rights at Whistler all-candidates meeting
PL AYFUL JABS, SATIRE AND SERIOUS POLICY DEBATES DOMINATED THE APRIL 22 FORUM
BY LIZ MCDONALD
WHISTLER’S all-candidates meeting on Tuesday, April 22 was a mixture of playful jabs, satirical tirades and passionate responses from hopefuls who want to represent voters in West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country.
All six candidates for the riding on the ballot took the stage: Keith Roy, Conservative Party candidate; the Green Party of Canada’s Lauren Greenlaw; People’s Party of Canada candidate Peyman Askari; incumbent Liberal MP Patrick Weiler; the New Democrat Party’s Jäger Rosenberg; and Gordon Jeffrey, Rhinoceros Party.
Held at the Rainbow Theatre and moderated by Mo Douglas from Arts Whistler, the live-streamed event was well attended and curiously questioned by constituents in the room and from their homes. Live-streaming was provided by the Whistler Community Services Society to ensure it was accessible to all community members and is available on YouTube.
The format began with opening remarks from each candidate, followed by questions
from the audience, candidate queries to each other, and finally, closing statements.
Greenlaw pitched the audience on her background as an Earth scientist and a councillor for the District of Squamish, her identity as a woman and as a mother, and desire to enact local change by running for federal office.
Jeffrey used his platform to impersonate Donald Trump, commenting on the crowd
his childhood in the ’90s.
Incumbent Weiler focused on his track record in the riding, with housing for the Whistler Housing Authority and childcare touted as wins. He also zeroed in on threats to Canadian sovereignty from Trump and positioned his party leader, Mark Carney, as the right choice.
Roy pitched his story as one of rags to
“We should be thinking about, how do we build a country where people don’t need food banks...”
- KEITH ROY
size and eliciting laughter which would carry throughout the night anytime he spoke. He took aim at the Liberal Party’s record, providing commentary on what is becoming a two-horse race between the Grits and Tories. “We promise to do what they do: bleed you dry,” he quipped.
Askari followed, highlighting his background as an immigrant, his business experience and eventual decision to walk away from a profitable company and into the fray of politicking because he didn’t “like the direction that our country is going in” since
riches, working to get an education through loans and scholarships before doing well in the real estate business. He argued the opportunities he had to move up the social ladder no longer exist for his son, and his goal is to change that.
Rosenberg was late to the party, which he attributed to a delay with BC Ferries.
HOUSING AND AFFORDABILITY
The topic of affordability and housing was
brought up by questioners and candidates, though they often disagreed about what the best approach is to tackle rising costs of living.
Roy, whose party released its platform with six days left in the campaign, zeroed in on increased food bank use, saying the Conservatives would create an economic climate where people didn’t need to rely on food banks.
“We should be thinking about, how do we build a country where people don’t need food banks, and the volume of struggle that runs through the Whistler Community Services Food Bank is staggering for a community of this much wealth and our small size,” he said. His solution? Reducing inflation and building houses.
Weiler echoed the view that bringing down the cost of living is imperative, but proposed affordable housing, low-cost childcare and ensuring the social safety net is strong and the citizenry is well employed.
Askari looked to the past for solutions, saying bringing more industry to Canada like sawmills and factories would help people purchase homes.
CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT
The most passionate responses about climate change during the meeting came from the Green, NDP and Conservative candidates.
To Roy, the problem of climate change can’t be solved through taxing carbon
PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD
emissions, but instead through mining more resources to “offset global use of coal.”
Rosenberg wasn’t accepting that premise. “Sticking your head in the sand and lying about it isn’t going to help. You know, for years, we’ve been told that LNG is somehow going to reduce emissions. We have the numbers. It’s worse than coal. We can’t keep pretending it’s not a problem,” he said.
Weiler framed the Conservatives’ climate policies as a copy and paste of those from the Oval Office.
Greenlaw said ending fossil fuel subsidies is what’s required, alongside tougher regulations on emissions and environmental disasters, while also emphasizing her party isn’t against resource extraction.
“All of our entire economic model is predicated upon infinite growth in a finite system, which any scientist, anyone can tell you is an impossibility,” she said.
INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND RECONCILIATION
In response to a question from Pique Newsmagazine, candidates were asked how they would work with the Lil’wat and Squamish Nations.
“The biggest problem in our world right now is wealth disparity, and wealth disparity is predicated upon social inequity, and that’s gender inequity and also racial inequity. So in my opinion, Indigenous rights is a top priority,” Greenlaw said.
She called for full implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the MMIWG Calls for Justice, and said it was time to have an “honest conversation about Land Back.”
Roy backed his party’s proposed First Nations Resource Charge, a proposal to allow Nations to collect a share of resource revenues directly.
ECONOMICS, TOURISM AND TRADE
The issue of a trade war with the United States was brought forward by one audience member on multiple occasions.
“I have been opposed to this escalation of the tariff war,” Askari said, arguing Canada should be the “adult” in the room.
The Liberal candidate kept to his party’s stance of standing up against the threats of annexation.
“The only way to deal with a bully is to stand up to them, and that’s why we brought in our policies to fight the tariffs… and build our economy so that we can be more resilient to that,” Weiler said.
Whistler’s heavy reliance on international labour sparked questions about recent immigration policy changes.
“We need to have something that’s bespoke for Whistler,” said Weiler, pointing to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot as a possible model. “Some of the national programs aren’t necessarily fit for purpose.”
Roy blamed Liberal mismanagement. “[The immigration system] has been a whipsaw … for employers,” he said. “We are going to fix immigration by reducing the levels to only that which we can support with the infrastructure that we can build when we build homes, when we finally get our healthcare services up and running properly again.”
NEWS WHISTLER
GENDER, TRANS AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Rosenberg asked the right-wingers to speak to their stance on trans rights.
“I believe in parental rights, like a parent should be able to make the decisions for their child. If you have a parent that’s abusing their child, the state shouldn’t go to every parent and say, just because something bad might happen, we have to remove all parental rights,” Askari said.
Roy posited inclusion shouldn’t depend on identity politics and rejected the premise that his party’s policies would create unsafe conditions for minority groups.
Two attendees zeroed in on Roy’s personal position on abortion and not his party’s stance, but he dodged the question. Roy continually repeated, “I will not vote to legislate abortion.”
Another notable moment from the meeting came when Greenlaw questioned Roy and Askari on their economic policies which she argued are predicated on women having more children to make up for cuts to immigration.
“Together, we can make Canada horny again.”
- GORDON JEFFREY
“I’m just wondering how you foresee this happening without increases to childcare and maternal health and any women’s rights,” she asked.
Roy disagreed with the premise of the question and focused instead on economic growth through expanding Canadian resources.
The People’s Party candidate, on the other hand, was open about his stance.
“I understand where babies come from, the birds and the bees. I’m sorry that, you know, God put the burden on you, you lovely women. But if we don’t have babies, we’ve got to bring in immigration. This is just the conversation we have to have if we want to have a national discussion,” he said.
A CIVIL AND HUMOROUS EVENING
Despite heated exchanges on party records and leadership, the evening included displays of mutual respect between all candidates and laughter thanks to the Rhino candidate who took a last opportunity to take aim at the absurdity of politics.
“If you want an option that says none of the above, vote for the candidate with the best moustache. Together, we can make Canada horny again,” joked Jeffrey.
With a record number of ballots already cast in advance voting, the party who takes power will be decided on April 28.
Find a full recording of the meeting on the Whistler Chamber’s YouTube page, and head to elections.ca for all the info you need ahead of election day. n
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‘Just
send it’: Whistler teen takes
the
reins of Balding for Dollars fundraiser
COLT PAUL HONOURS HIS LATE FATHER WHILE RAISING FUNDS FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH
BY LIZ MCDONALD
COLT PAUL has been shaving his head for cancer for as long as he can remember. But this year, the 14-year-old Whistler local is doing more than going bald—he’s leading the charge.
Paul is taking over as organizer of Whistler Balding for Dollars, a longstanding community event that raises funds for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The initiative began 22 years ago under the leadership of Dave and Wendy Clark, but this spring, the Clarks passed the clippers to Colt.
“I took the offer because of my father, who passed away when I was 10 years old from brain cancer,” said Colt. “It’s been a real passion of mine to make sure this doesn’t happen as much to people around me.”
Colt’s father, Al Paul, was a dedicated participant in Balding for Dollars for a decade, making him, in his son’s words, “one of the most consistent balders.” Colt continued the tradition alongside his dad throughout his childhood, pausing only the year after Al died in June 2021. Eventually, he returned to the barber’s chair—this time with friends by his side.
In stepping into a leadership role, Colt has kept his father’s legacy alive while
BY ROB SHAER
digital infrastructure and guiding him through the technical aspects.
Now, he’s gearing up for this year’s head-shaving event, which will take place at Garibaldi Lift Co. on Saturday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. In its 22-year history, Whistler’s Balding for Dollars has raised $475,000 for kids fighting cancer—and Colt is eager to grow that number.
That includes inspiring a new generation of fundraisers like Sammy Lowry, a nine-yearold participant from Whistler who’s excited to sheer his shoulder-length hair.
“One of my sister’s friends did it about two years ago and inspired me to get involved,” said Lowry. “My poppa had pancreatic cancer … I don’t think it’s fair people have to suffer from cancer.”
Lowry set a fundraising goal of $1,000— and smashed it within a night.
“Definitely thank friends and family who contributed,” he said.
building new skills in event organizing and community outreach. He secured sponsorship from Elevation Hair Studios, who will man the clippers, and Crystal Lodge, while also recruiting local DJs Vinyl Richie and Foxy Moron to spin tunes at the event.
“I’ve learned a lot about teaming up with businesses, giving speeches,” he said. “I did a speech to 100 Women of Whistler— unfortunately, I didn’t get the donation,
but I met a lot of great people and received donations through that event.”
Key to the fundraiser’s success has been Colt’s mother, Heather Paul, current CAO of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.
“She knows most of the town,” Colt said. “She’s helped me in contacting people, and she supported me and my dad the whole time.”
Colt said the Clarks made the transition smooth, helping him take over the event’s
Colt has advice for anyone thinking of getting involved.
“Something I always say to decent ideas is: just send it,” he said. “It was one of my dad’s favourite phrases. It’s one of my favourite phrases. If it works, great—and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”
To learn more or to donate, visit whistlerbaldingfordollars.com or fundraise. bcchf.ca/fundraisers/coltpaul. n
CLEAN SLATE Colt Paul, pictured, is leading Whistler’s Balding for Dollars this year. The event happens April 26 at Garibaldi Lift Co.
PHOTO
WNORTH marks 10 years of leadership programming in Whistler
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE RETURNS WITH A THREE-DAY GATHERING FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY, INNOVATION AND GROWTH
BY LIZ MCDONALD
TEN YEARS AFTER it first launched in Whistler, the WNORTH Conference is going strong in the resort community where it all began.
The 2025 edition of the women’s leadership event runs April 30 to May 2 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, bringing together more than 300 attendees for keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking events.
WNORTH was founded in 2015 by Heather Odendaal, who at the time was working remotely for a Fortune 500 company and looking for a conference that supported women in mid-level leadership positions.
“I felt there was an underserved group of high-potential, middle-management women,” she said. “At that time, there were a lot of conversations about how few women were in the C-suite, but very little about the missing middle.”
Odendaal, who moved to Whistler in 2004 to work in events and festivals, saw an opportunity to create a leadership conference that would double as a destination retreat. The inaugural WNORTH Conference welcomed 120 participants to the Westin Resort & Spa in March 2015.
“It was an incredibly powerful
experience,” she said. “It was an enormous amount of work to get off the ground.”
Shortly after the event wrapped, Odendaal found out she was pregnant with her first child, and wasn’t sure whether the conference would return.
But support from the local business community—including one woman who was a general manager of Nita Lake Lodge—helped WNORTH gain momentum. The conference relocated to the Nita Lake Lodge the following year, where it remained for five years.
Since its inception, WNORTH has expanded beyond its Whistler origins. It now operates as a membership-based community with 1,700 members and seven Canadian chapters, as well as hubs in New York and Austin. The organization has hosted 86 events to date, offering a mix of in-person and virtual programming.
“I’m most proud of the growth of our membership and how many women have found a sense of community,” said Odendaal.
The 2025 event features a full schedule of
talks and panel discussions, including sessions on AI-powered leadership, navigating risk as a founder, and closing leadership gaps. While NHL coach Jessica Campbell was initially scheduled as a keynote speaker, she will now appear virtually. Best-selling author and CEO Emily Chang has stepped in as the in-person keynote.
Featured sessions include Leading Through Uncertainty, with Canadian entrepreneurs Kendall Barber and Melanie Auld, and The AI-Empowered Leader, a fireside chat with Whistler-based entrepreneur Paola Telfer and strategist Rika Nakazawa of NTT.
Social impact, innovation and sustainable leadership are central themes of this year’s program, which also includes offsite experiences like a private event at Scandinave Spa.
WNORTH continues to work with Whistler-based vendors and venues. Odendaal said the ongoing local support has helped sustain the conference over the past decade, including through the challenges of the pandemic.
“I’ve lived in Whistler for 21 years, and it’s meaningful to still be here,” she said. “A lot of attendees haven’t been to Whistler before, and I’m always happy to introduce them to this place.”
For more information, visit wnorthconnect.com/2025conference. n
NORTH STAR The 2025 edition of women’s leadership event WNORTH, founded by Heather Odendaal, runs April 30 to May 2 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Pemberton’s Dreamcatcher Meadows hit hard by U.S. tariffs
WITH NO INCOME AT PRESENT, BARN CO-FOUNDER JILL GIESE HAS SET UP THE DREAMMASTER FOUNDATION TO RAISE MONEY
BY DAVID SONG
SEA TO SKY businesses are grappling with the effects of tariffs imposed by Donald Trump’s administration, and Pemberton’s Dreamcatcher Meadows has not gone unscathed.
Many of the local barn’s financial woes have to do with sales of their Equimats. Launched in 2004, these are a line of rubber stall mats described by Dreamcatcher co-founder Jill Giese as the “standard in Europe” for both horse and cattle care. The barn has sold hundreds of thousands of units via word-of-mouth and trade shows, even through COVID-19.
The United States has been one of Dreamcatcher’s key markets—until now.
“With the tariffs, our income has gone to zero since they were not even implemented, but announced,” Giese said. “Orders have been cancelled or postponed, and … it’s gone from bad to worse because the only factory in the world that can manufacture our secret formulation is in China. We’ve been importing container loads of that here to the farm for 20-odd years.”
One particular order to the U.S., quoted last month at $16,000, was re-quoted for approximately $37,000. Because of
unforeseen shipping delays it crossed the border at a time when tariffs were set at 45 per cent. Giese did not charge the client.
Proceeds of Equimat sales go towards feed and veterinary bills for the numerous animals on site at Dreamcatcher: a cockatoo, some dogs and a large herd of horses. Giese and her partner John Dingle are more than just equestrians—they’re
born here, I can’t sell to the United States without it being subject to a tariff. It’s now between $250 and $350 to get a horse’s feet done—that’s done every six weeks.
“We employ seven people for looking after these animals, and we have the capacity to extend that for retired horses and such, but right now we can’t continue to finance what we’ve got going here. The accountants
“We’re trying to be in the solution, not in the problem.”
- JILL GIESE
passionate about caring for animals that otherwise wouldn’t have a home.
If these creatures are no longer able to live at Dreamcatcher, a grim fate might lie in store. According to Giese, Canada is a major exporter of horse meat and she’s seen planes full of horses bound for Japan, China and ultimately, consumption.
“We’re in between a rock and a hard place,” elaborated Giese. “Our digital marketer Zoe Gray has produced a phenomenal number of orders, but they’re all American and we can’t fill them. A horse
have just said it’s not sustainable.”
In response to these difficulties, Giese and company have established the Dreammaster Foundation: a non-profit to raise funds and facilitate various initiatives giving back to the community.
One such undertaking is a barn dance event slated for June 28, featuring live entertainment, music, comedy and so forth. On that same day, the barn will launch a silent auction to run through the summer.
They’ll also be revitalizing their YouTube channel to share various weekly happenings
(“you’d never believe what goes on here at the farm,” Giese said) with a greater audience.
Such ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Giese and her team are focusing on the Canadian market and aspiring towards other ventures, such as employing Sea to Sky students and helping them earn university grants, offering half-price facility rentals to community members, donating land to grow the Pemberton Cemetery and making what Giese envisions as a place where folks can spread the ashes of beloved pets.
Various barriers, financial and otherwise, stand in the way—but Giese isn’t deterred.
“We’ve been great sponsors of the local community, always buying locally, doing everything locally, but now we need to find a solution to keep this vision going,” she remarked. “We’re trying to be in the solution, not in the problem. God bless Canada and all our locals.
“It’s people helping people. That’s how farmers have done it from time immemorial, and I think in some ways we can turn this into a success story by supporting each other in all sorts of ways. We’re going to try and create some social occasions where families and young adults can have a really good time, and we can generate some money for this foundation.”
Learn more about Dreamcatcher Meadows at dreamcatchermeadows.com. n
Whistler directs $800K in tourism tax to support events, arts and festivals
FROM CRANKWORX TO CORNUCOPIA, RMOW BOOSTS THIRD-PARTY PROGRAMMING THROUGH MRDT-FUNDED FE&A INVESTMENTS
BY LIZ MCDONALD
WHISTLER IS INVESTING in expanded year-round programming and more than $800,000 in support for third-party events in 2025, as part of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Festivals, Events and Animation (FE&A) program funded through the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT).
The update was presented to council on April 9 by Bob Andrea, manager of resort experience, who outlined upcoming events, evolving programming, and how the FE&A program continues to support Whistler’s tourism economy and community life.
Andrea emphasized the program aims to strengthen Whistler’s tourism brand while enhancing experiences for both residents and visitors.
Funds are allocated through a continuous planning cycle, with targeted investments supporting periods of lower visitation and events that align with Whistler’s values, including sustainability, accessibility, and Indigenous programming.
“Whistler’s visitors, they spend a lot of time and money looking to come to Whistler,” Andrea said. “So, our free programs help offer that added value experience and try and help support that high net promoter score,
which means they go back home and tell their friends and family, ‘you gotta go to Whistler.’”
He pointed to events like the Whistler Village Beer Festival as an example of using creative incentives to encourage producers to activate in shoulder seasons, even when conditions aren’t ideal.
The FE&A program also funds original programming such as Canada Day, the Whistler Summer Concert Series, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, as well as animation programming like village entertainment, movies in the plaza,
and the licensed busking program.
This summer’s highlights include a return of 13 concert nights at Olympic Plaza in July and August, an expanded Canada Day celebration with a parade and interactive, inclusive programming, and more.
Andrea said the Wintersphere programming introduced this past holiday season—featuring multi-sensory installations at the Whistler Conference Centre—was a success, and staff are considering expanding the program for next year.
$800,000 INVESTED IN 2025 EVENTS
Through its “Attract, Retain and Augment” (ARA) funding stream, the FE&A program is providing more than $800,000 to third-party events this year. That includes:
WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL: $170,000
WHISTLER CUP: $22,000
WHISTLER CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL: $30,000
RUN COMFY NUMB: $2,500
NOURISH WELLNESS SERIES: $30,000
XFONDO WHISTLER: $5,000
WHISTLER HALF MARATHON: $20,000
THE BACK FORTY: $2,500
ART ON THE LAKE: $2,500
CRANKWORX WHISTLER: $140,000
FLAG STOP THEATRE & ARTS FESTIVAL: $5,000
RBC GRANFONDO WHISTLER: $40,000
WHISTLER VILLAGE BEER FESTIVAL: $35,000
WHISTLER X-TRI: $5,000
THE WITSEND: $2,500
ULTRA TRAIL WHISTLER BY UTMB: $25,000
WHISTLER WRITERS FESTIVAL: $14,000
WHISTLER 50 RELAY & ULTRA: $13,000
CORNUCOPIA WHISTLER: $95,000
WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL: $50,000
AUDAIN ART MUSEUM: $30,000
SLCC INDIGENOUS FASHION EXHIBIT: $75,000
The Whistler Winter Lights program launched in November will also return next season with more dates.
Council showed enthusiasm for the presentation, with councillors asking about shoulder-season strategies, connections to local Olympians during Canada Day, and the muchanticipated return of the 60-foot Ferris wheel.
“We’re looking at that,” Andrea said, responding to Councillor Jen Ford’s question. “The supplier told us about a larger Ferris wheel opportunity. We’re considering … let’s hope that the engineering and levelling works for our little space.”
Crankworx Whistler’s shift back into August is creating a ripple effect on the calendar, Andrea noted, requiring changes to the timing of some events such as Art on the Lake and the Summer Concert Series.
With Vancouver set to host seven matches during the FIFA World Cup in summer 2026, Andrea said the team is already looking at regional tourism implications and considering investments to take advantage of that global spotlight.
Asked about building out fall programming, Andrea pointed to new and existing events like the Ultra Trail Whistler, Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra, Whistler Writers Festival, and Cornucopia, and said the municipality is continuing to work with producers to explore new opportunities— especially in October and early November. n
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AboutWhistlerLakesConservation Foundation
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Pemberton becomes 10th B.C. community to join Sue Big Oil campaign
THE PROPOSED CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT DEMANDS OIL COMPANIES WHO KNOWINGLY LIED ABOUT THE LINKS BETWEEN THEIR INDUSTRY AND CLIMATE CHANGE COVER THE COST OF MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION
BY LUKE FAULKS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
THE VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON (VOP) is bringing the number of B.C. communities suing the world’s biggest polluters into the double digits.
During an April 15 meeting, mayor and council voted unanimously to join a classaction lawsuit against oil producers to recover a share of the community’s rising climate costs.
“This campaign could provide municipalities with much-needed revenue to help us [adapt to climate change],” Councillor Katrina Nightingale previously told council. “As it stands now, taxpayers are shouldering the entirety of this financial burden.”
If the case proceeds, the Village will commit $1 per resident to help cover legal costs. The Village’s population, as of the 2021 census, stands at 3,407. Council motioned to use up to $4,000 from the Speĺkúmtn Community Forest Legacy Fund to cover that cost.
Sue Big Oil is a campaign to get municipalities to sign onto and file a classaction lawsuit against the oil and gas industry for its role in knowingly fuelling climate change.
The campaign was launched by West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL) in 2022.
That same year, journalist Geoff Dembicki published The Petroleum Papers, which discussed how the American companies who founded Alberta’s oil sands knew as early as 1959 that burning fossil fuels would lead to a warming climate, but worked to sow doubt about the existence of human-caused climate change. As recompense, WCEL and its partners are looking for those companies to cover the financial costs of climate change.
She noted at the time the Village’s finances were already sufficiently constrained by infrastructure upgrades, service maintenance and the upcoming policing transition.
“Now, factor in climate change. As the severity of climate-related events increases, the strain on resources is only going to become more. One stark example is the millions of dollars required to upgrade our dikes to protect this community from more extreme
“Small B.C. communities like Pemberton cannot afford the emergency and disaster management programs...”
- FIONA KOZA
“Like the tobacco industry, which was forced to pay tens of billions of dollars in compensation to victims and governments, fossil fuel companies should also be required to ‘pay up’ to protect communities from the harms that they’ve knowingly caused,” said WCEL staff lawyer Andrew Gage in a statement. “Climate change is costing B.C. communities billions of dollars, and it’s time that global polluters paid a fair share.”
The Sue Big Oil campaign was originally invited to Pemberton in 2024 by Nightingale.
flooding events,” she told council.
Nightingale also cited damage to infrastructure and economic costs caused by wildfires, along with the cost of emissionsreduction strategies like new housing and transportation options, as being onerous for the Village.
“Small B.C. communities like Pemberton cannot afford the emergency and disaster management programs and massive upgrades to infrastructure that are increasingly needed because of climate change,” said WCEL
climate accountability strategist Fiona Koza. Pemberton follows Gibsons, View Royal, Slocan, Qualicum Beach, Squamish, Port Moody, Sechelt, Cumberland and Burnaby—with some stipulations. Burnaby will participate as long as another municipality with a population of at least 150,000, like Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Kelowna, Richmond, Surrey or Vancouver, joins in. Port Moody’s accession is contingent on another municipality acting as the lead plaintiff.
Sue Big Oil is looking to get between 10 and 20 municipalities and regional districts representing a total 10 per cent of the province’s population. The tally currently sits at just over six per cent of B.C.’s population, including those municipalities with asterisks accompanying their participation.
Once that threshold has been reached, a legal team will be retained, one or more lead plaintiffs will be selected and local governments will be expected to develop a cooperation agreement with one another for the duration of the case.
The Squamish advocacy group My Sea to Sky (MSTS) emphasized this marks a step forward for the Village. They also nudged Pemberton’s neighbouring municipalities.
“By signing on to the Sue Big Oil campaign, Pemberton is standing up for climate justice and protecting their residents from the rising costs of climate change,” said Tracey Saxby, MSTS executive director, in a statement. “We encourage Whistler, West Vancouver and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District to follow their lead.”
ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT WHISTLER?
Tourism Pemberton settles on new location for Visitor Centre
THE NEW CENTRE WILL BE LOCATED NEXT TO BLACKBIRD BAKERY IN A BUILDING DONATED BY THE PEMBERTON MEN’S SHED
BY LUKE FAULKS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
FOLLOWING A SURPRISE closure in September 2024, the Pemberton Visitor Centre is set to re-open in a new location. The new building next to Blackbird Bakery is targeting a May long weekend re-launch.
“We really just want people to connect,” said Christine Raymond, Tourism Pemberton’s executive director. “What we’re the most excited about is providing a space for that connection.”
In August 2024, news broke on Facebook that the former centre, located on the south side of Highway 99, would be closing its doors.
The Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce (PDCC) explained at the time that the land, owned by the Lil’wat, was set for re-development by the Nation. The sanidump on the same parcel of land, which allowed RV owners to safely discharge their sewage to a septic tank, was set to be removed as part of that redevelopment.
“When the septic system is removed, we are not able to run a facility there,” former PDCC president Adam Adams previously told Pique.
He also noted the closure was only a few days earlier than the centre’s regular seasonal shut down, and that the students who made up the centre’s staff were busy going back to school.
On Sept. 5, 2024, Pique reported that Tourism Pemberton would oversee the development of a new centre and was hoping to open it by the time the tourism season kicked into high gear in May 2025.
Since then, Raymond said the board has been working on a new vision idea for the facility—one that squares with Tourism Pemberton’s goal of promoting “responsible and sustainable tourism.”
“But when we raised our hand and we were like, ‘OK, we want to take on the centre,’ We didn’t know what it was going to be,” she said.
The board kicked around a handful of ideas, drawing data from tourism organizations across the province. They considered fully digital, fully physical and hybrid options.
The board landed on a hybrid model; a physical, staffed, window-service location next to Blackbird Bakery, but with an occasional sign out front that directs visitors to join Tourism Pemberton staff at a local business to help out-of-towners branch out and explore the town.
“So maybe one day you go to the visitor centre and it’ll say, ‘Today, find us at Mount Currie Coffee,’ or, ‘Today, come visit the Pemberton Valley Lodge.’ Or, ‘Find us at Copper Cayuse Outfitters,’ just to bring people out to participate,” Raymond said.
She added the new building is a testament to the community; the Pemberton chapter of the Men’s Shed—an international organization aimed at reducing isolation among older men, particularly in rural areas—donated its old shed
to act as a new centre. Raymond estimates it stands at eight by 14 feet.
“It really takes a village; the men’s shed, the public and the council... we really have that image of the community coming together to make this a reality,” she said.
Throughout the deliberations, there was one recurring amenity—which helped clinch the new location.
“The location we were looking at was always going to be close or include a washroom,” noted Raymond. “So we’re going next to Blackbird Bakery, and there’s a public washroom three steps from where we’re going to be located in the bakery location.”
Another benefit of being located beside the bakery? The connection to an important part of the town’s history.
“It’s fun to wrap it in the history of Pemberton, like how the train came through,” said Raymond. “And we’re so close to the museum, which is one of those spots we want to send [visitors] to once we bring them into town.”
The new location marks a first for the centre; it’s now located within the Village proper, instead of across the highway. Raymond said she’s excited to have another opportunity to get people into Pemberton’s downtown area.
She said signage on the highway will be updated to reflect its new location, and additional signage is being considered to guide visitors through town towards the visitor centre.
Once open, the centre will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Thursday to Sunday. Raymond said hours may be adjusted as staff examines what works best for guests. n
CENTRE OF ATTENTION The original centre closed in September 2024 to make way for new development.
PHOTO BY RÓISÍN CULLEN
WHISTLER’S FAVOURITE VOLUNTEER DENISE WOOD
By Braden Dupuis, photo by David Buzzard
In a town full of passionate, caring, engaged volunteers, one Whistler local stands out for her contributions to community.
Denise Wood, longtime board member at Whistler Animals Galore (WAG), has been voted Whistler’s Favourite Volunteer four years running in Pique’s annual end-of-the-year readers’ poll, Best of Whistler.
That’s not to say she’s more involved, or that she cares more than Whistler’s other amazing volunteers—maybe just more visible.
It helps that Whistler is head-over-heels in love with its fourlegged furry pals, and as a 15-year board member with WAG, Wood has plenty experience in that realm herself.
“One of the things that I do is, it’s silly, but I make bandanas—really fun dog bandanas, and all the money goes to WAG,” she told Pique in December 2023.
“Our friends at Happy Pets, who are incredible, sell them, and they don’t take a profit, and our friends at WOW Treats, who are often at the farmers’ market, they sell them as well … everybody comes together to sell them and no one takes a dime.
“So maybe people start to know me through that, because when I’m selling them I get really active on Instagram with them.”
So even if you haven’t met her personally, you’ve likely seen Wood out and about at WAG’s various fundraisers.
“I try to get the word out there about [WAG], and I volunteer and actively promote the animals through my own social media and that kinda stuff,” she told Pique last year. “And yeah, I’m a real advocate for WAG, and passionate about all the animals there, so I don’t know if that’s why.”
Why should people volunteer?
“Obviously it gives back to the community, and it helps any nonprofit—whatever your interest is, it helps them, because non-profits … I would say most are always financially challenged, so whatever you can give back in your expertise [is helpful],” Wood said.
“Obviously I love animals and I really care about animal welfare, but I think it’s good for people to find what their passion is [and volunteer in that area].”
There is never any shortage of need for volunteers in Whistler, with its endless lineup of events big and small on the calendar.
Read more about how you can get involved at whistlerfoundation.com/ work/non-profit-network/volunteer-in-whistler.
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VILLAGEHOST ANDBIKEHOST VOLUNTEERS
THANKSTO YOUWEARE CELEBRATING 19YEARS!OF SERVICETO THEWHISTLER COMMUNITY
$20,000 Oncologytreatmentcomfortitems,wheelchair/scale,ultrasound Generousgrantdonationsfrom; TB Vets,JBS, PA Woodwards,WLNG,SurerusPipeline, AtlanticPowerandUtilities,BCHydro,RBC, SquamishCommunityFoundation.
A solution for fewer batteries
HAVING ACCUMULATED enough outdoor gear over the years to open a small retail store, I like to think I have most of my bases covered. For example, I own three sleeping bags—one warm-weather synthetic bag for summer camping, one cold-weather down for fall and winter camping, and one extreme cold-weather
BY VINCE SHULEY
down bag for high-altitude expeditions. I haven’t used that last one for many years, but if I ever end up getting to Alaska for skiing someday, I’ll be ready. That’s the thing about mountaineering equipment. Some pieces of kit won’t see the light of day for a decade, but the one time you bring it and use it, it could save your life. Or at least make your trip a lot more comfortable and convenient.
Everyone likes to get a deal on their outdoor gear, but unless you’re an industry professional with a discount code, you have to wait until stuff goes on sale. Black Friday is good for deals on all sorts of things, but November is when new winter outdoor equipment is in its highest pre-season demand, so deals are rare. The best time to buy winter gear is now, at the end of the season when low demand means retailers are
trying to clear their shelves for summer stock and people are transitioning to summer toys.
One of the pieces of gear I have yet to throw into my pile of winter equipment is an avalanche airbag. I’ll get into my reasoning for that shortly, but while these multi-functional safety devices have been slowly gaining popularity, the backcountry community is still a ways from fully adopting the technology.
The biggest barrier is the obvious one— cost. An avalanche airbag can cost three to six times as much as a premium ski-touring backpack. And while some owners of these backpacks will decry “What’s your life worth?” I still don’t see avalanche airbags
The system was heavy, the design of the pack itself was boxy and uncomfortable and I never wanted to pull the trigger to test it. To do so would require a canister refill, which was somewhat complicated at the time. Today you can take it to a backcountry store in the village where the staff will fill the canister for about $40, which isn’t the worst, but is still reliant on a dealer if you want to get your bag working again after a deployment, for testing, practicing or otherwise.
Battery-powered fan airbags can be deployed many times over for as much practice as you want, but then you’re lugging around several pounds of lithium-ion battery
The third option is in my opinion the technology avalanche airbags have been waiting for—supercapacitors. These handy electrodes can’t store anywhere near as much charge as a battery, but they can charge and discharge much faster.
as an essential piece of the snow-safety tool kit (transceiver, shovel and probe) yet. To be clear, I have friends who have walked away from being caught in avalanches and claimed the airbag was the thing that saved them. Statistically, airbags are safer. But only when they are deployed in time. Practice is crucial with these devices.
That brings us to the technology of airbags. I owned one of the early air canister bags a few years ago but ended up selling it.
in the mountains. Batteries—like compressed air cylinders—can also cause transportation authority headaches with flying, so you need to read up on your airline’s policy before packing it for that trip to Japan.
The third option is in my opinion the technology avalanche airbags have been waiting for—supercapacitors. These handy electrodes can’t store anywhere near as much charge as a battery, but they can charge and discharge much faster. Avalanche airbags
only need one sudden burst of current to fill the bag. Systems like Alpride can then recharge the supercapacitors with a USB cable at home or a couple of AA batteries in the field. All at a weight in your pack that makes sense for ski-tourers.
If you’re in the market for an airbag and haven’t cleaned out the bank account on bike stuff already, the best price I’ve seen is under $500 for a canister-style and just over $1,400 for an Alpride-equipped supercapacitor bag. It doesn’t get much cheaper than that buying from a retailer.
Supercapacitors have the potential to change the game with e-bikes, too. Dutch brand Oostrich makes an e-bike powered by this technology, which they claim charges to 80 per cent in 10 minutes with a range of 120 kilometres (540Wh capacity). The motor gives you a burst of propulsion when accelerating and riding up hills, then charges while you ride, through pedalling and regenerative braking. The tech uses significantly less rare earth minerals than batteries, has a significantly longer service life, is much more recyclable and won’t catch on fire in random situations. Where supercapacitors fall short is in sustained power output, so don’t be expecting an e-mountain bike version to cruise up for your third lap of Dark Crystal anytime soon. Lithium-ion supercapacitor hybrid bikes are on the way, too, so we’ll see what types of bikes we’re all running in the next decade.
Vince Shuley is already swimming in enough batteries and charging cables. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider, email vince.shuley@gmail.com or Instagram @whis_vince. n
SUPER DUPER Supercapacitors offer an alternative to batteries with faster charge times and more sustainable manufacturing. PHOTO
Poilievre’s B.C. blitz has left other leaders flat-footed
BY ROB SHAW
CONSERVATIVE LEADER Pierre Poilievre returned a third time to British Columbia over the Easter long weekend, as his party executes the final days of a two-year strategy to go all-in on this province.
Poilievre visited Richmond and Surrey, making an announcement to change the Criminal Code to allow judges to sentence people to involuntary addictions care.
It was another in a series of drug and crime-related announcements the Conservatives had made in B.C., including a pledge to scrap decriminalization, increase addictions treatment funding and ban overdose prevention sites.
“It’s very important,” Poilievre said Saturday when I asked him about how B.C. fits into his election strategy.
“The question for British Columbians is, after a lost Liberal decade of skyrocketing costs and crime, can you afford a fourth Liberal term?”
In contrast, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has visited the province once during the election—though both leaders are expected to return again during cross-country blitzes in the final days.
Poilievre has campaigned in the province 19 times since he became leader two and a half years ago, visiting B.C. frequently to pick up on themes of crime, addictions, housing affordability, cost of living and expanded natural resource jobs in forestry, mining and natural gas.
and North Island; make inroads in Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey; and target the only two ridings in the Interior the party didn’t win last time.
Combined with low Liberal polling under Trudeau, the Conservatives saw potential to grow their 14 B.C. seats by at least half a dozen more at the expense of the 14 Liberal, 13 NDP and one Green ridings.
But the collapse of the federal NDP has thrown much uncertainty into battleground B.C.
Parties are now left targeting unexpected new ridings, while the Conservatives also fend off progressive anti-vote-splitting campaigns that encourage New Democrats to vote Liberal to block Conservatives.
“I’m calling for people to vote according to what they care about most. And if they want to stop a Conservative here on Vancouver Island, the best way to do that is to vote for a New Democrat,” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said in Victoria on Sunday.
The NDP’s five ridings in Metro Vancouver— Vancouver East, Vancouver Kingsway, Burnaby South, New Westminster-BurnabyMaillardville and Port Moody-Coquitlam—are all vulnerable this election, as are its six seats on Vancouver Island.
The Conservatives hope their focus on natural resource jobs will help defeat the NDP in its two Interior ridings of SimilkameenSouth Okanagan-West Kootenays and Skeena-Bulkley Valley.
The Liberals, meanwhile, see Conservative vulnerability in areas like Kelowna, one of the few communities Carney has visited.
Liberal strategists also hope to benefit from Conservative missteps, such as refusing
Thank YoufromtheBirken Recreationaland Cultural Society
TheBirken Recreationaland CulturalSociety wouldlike to extendaheartfelt THANK YOU to everyone whohelpedmake our Annual Easter Event at GatesLake Park anunforgettable celebration!With over500 attendees, theday wasfilledwithlaughter,music, andcommunityspirit.
His party says he’s held more than 275 events in 40 communities, many of which have never been visited by the federal Liberals, either through Carney or predecessor Justin Trudeau.
Poilievre has targeted a young, workingclass, frustrated blue-collar voter base that has morphed over the last decade from New Democrat to Conservative, often holding events at sawmills and factories in places like Campbell River, Castlegar and Penticton.
When the election writ dropped, the Conservatives had candidates ready in 34 of 43 B.C. ridings, compared with 19 Liberals, allowing for extra days out organizing.
The original Conservative plan for B.C. appeared to be to fan the flames of strong second-place showings from the 2021 election in ridings like Nanaimo-Ladysmith
to give the Conservative nomination in Abbotsford-South Langley to longtime B.C. cabinet minister Mike de Jong, who is now running as an independent, setting up a potential vote-split in what would otherwise be a safe Conservative seat.
Still, if there are major Conservative gains in British Columbia on election, it won’t be a secret why: The party under Poilievre has put more effort into this province over the last two years than any of its rivals.
Rob Shaw has spent more than 17 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for Glacier Media. He is the co-author of the national bestselling book A Matter of Confidence, host of the weekly podcast Political Capital, and a regular guest on CBC Radio. rob@robshawnews.com n His party says he’s held more than 275 events in 40 communities, many of which have never been visited by the federal Liberals, either through Carney or predecessor Justin Trudeau.
A hugeshou to ut to Ir a Pe ttl e fo r gettingthe party hoppingwithhis fantastic Dance Party, and to Jadeand her adorablebunnies for spreading joy and snuggles Our carnival-style gamesandthe Mega Easter Egg Hunt were ahitwithkidsofallages!
We are incredib ly grateful to ou r generous Sponsor: Ru sse l Mack & th e Sq uamish-Lillooe t Re gional District(SLRD) yoursupport helpsmake communitymagicpossible.
To our amazing donors, thank you for yourkindcontributions: AG Foods Pemberton, Pemberton Valley Supermarket, Grimms Deli, The Pony, The AnimalBarn, Sunstone Golf Course, Scandinave Spa, SquamishLil’wat Cultural Centre,andBritanniaMine Museum yourgiftsaddedsomuch to theday!
Thank you to the BirkenFire Department for yourcrucial help withparking and safety, and to FireSmart, Nikki fromStewardship Pemberton for the fantastic seedplanting station , and BlueShore Pemberton for yourongoingsupport
A roundofapplause forouramazing volunteers!
Pemberton Secondary School'sInteractClub and the PembertonGirl Guides –thank you forrunningthe games and keepingthefunflowing!
Thank you all for helping usbring joy to our community We can’t wait to doitagainnext year!
Withgratitude, TheBirken Recreationaland Cultural Society
Your Vote 2025:
PIQUE’S GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL ELECTION
By Pique staff
Canada’s 45th election campaign is almost in the books, after five weeks of crosscountry campaigning.
Here in the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding, candidates have had ample opportunities to familiarize themselves with each other and their constituents, whether through all-candidates meetings, town halls, or going door to door themselves.
Millions have already voted in advance polls, and by the time this week’s issue of Pique hits the stands, election day will be mere days away. But if you’ve yet to solidify your vote, here’s one last chance to hear from each candidate in their own words.
As with every election, Pique gave all candidates the same four questions and 1,000 words to answer them as they see fit.
The below answers have been lightly edited for style and grammar, and the responses are arranged in random order (determined by pulling names out of the office sombrero—not for any symbolic reasons, it was just the closest receptacle we had to put the names in).
So read on, get informed, and most importantly, make sure you vote on April 28. Your country will thank you for it.
LAUREN GREENLAW – Greens
1. Please share a short bio and any relevant experience
2. Trade with the U.S. aside, what do you see as the top three issues in our riding? How would you address them?
which are deeply intertwined. Our housing and affordability crises are both rooted in this growing wealth disparity that we see globally. There are systemic issues that need to be confronted, like: introducing regulations for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and foreign ownership, both of which are artificially inflating our housing prices; and increased investment in our social infrastructure, including housing and health-care, paid for by ending fossil-fuel subsidies that cost Canadians tens of billions of dollars a day and modernizing our tax structure to increase big-corporate tax rates and increasing the tax free income level to $40,000 a year which will keep $300/month in the pockets of people making less than $100,000/year.
To further address affordability and economic resiliency, as part of the campaign (and beyond) we are working to connect businesses, producers, growers and makers in the riding to each other and to their markets. This network will simplify our ability to support local, facilitate circular economy and serve to determine barriers-to-market. This program will improve farmto-table access, build up local businesses and help to build a more resilient economy and food system that will provide stability in a time of political and environmental upheaval.
3. If elected, how will you make life better for Whistler residents?
I’ll be working to protect our ski industry by fighting climate change! That is good for the local economy and the health and well-being of residents.
4. If elected, how will you help Whistler businesses?
With great crisis comes great opportunity: we need to use these economically volatile times to really invest in local businesses and promote them in any way that we can. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. I want to work with businesses in Whistler to determine which bureaucratic barriers are inhibiting businesses, and how we can increase access to market.
KEITH ROY – Conservatives
1. Please share a short bio and any relevant experience
I was raised on the Sunshine Coast, live in Whistler with my wife Stephanie and our four-year-old son Kai, and I built a business in the Lower Mainland. Like you, West Vancouver-Sunshine CoastSea to Sky Country is my home.
I have a BA in political science from the University of Guelph in Ontario and a diploma in sales and marketing from the Sauder School of Business at UBC.
Over the last 19 years I’ve been a real estate professional. During this time, I’ve helped almost 2,000 families buy and sell homes.
I was the host of the UnReal Estate Show podcast which explored best practices to housing solutions around the globe and sat on the Professional Conduct Committee of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver where I was a strong advocate for increased realtor ethics, transparency, and oversight.
I’m running to restore the promise of Canada for your family and mine where hard work could buy you an affordable home in a safe neighbourhood.
2. Trade with the U.S. aside, what do you see as the top three issues in our riding? How would you address them?
When I talk to people at the door, the issues I hear about most are the cost of living, crime, and housing.
The cost of living skyrocketed during 10 years of Liberal government, and people are struggling. We will cut income taxes 15 per cent, make housing more affordable, fully eliminate the carbon tax, and let seniors keep an extra $10,000 tax free.
Our Conservative government will repeal soft-on-crime laws and bring jail, not bail, for repeat violent offenders. We can’t afford another four years of Liberal government leaving criminals on our streets.
And we will make housing more affordable by taking the GST off new homes and providing incentives to get more homes built.
3 . If elected, how will you make life better for Whistler residents?
You know this is the most important election of our lifetimes. You want to feel safe in your neighbourhood. You want to keep more of what you earn. You deserve a government that spends your money wisely and produces great results. You don’t want to reward the Liberals with another term. You desire a country that is self-reliant in the face of external economic and military threats.
Only the Conservatives will deliver real change that puts Canada first. We won’t get that change if we give a fourth Liberal term to Trudeau’s economic advisor.
4 . If elected, how will you help Whistler businesses?
We need to put Canadian businesses first and make our country less reliant on the U.S. Conservatives have a plan to help local businesses and grow the economy.
We will remove the capital gains tax if you reinvest the proceeds in Canada, giving local businesses the ability to unlock money to grow. This will be like rocket fuel for the economy. We will cut taxes so people have more money in their pocket to spend on what they need and want.
We will get nation-building projects built, creating more work for businesses in Whistler and across the region.
GORDON JEFFREY – Rhino Party
1. Please share a short bio and any relevant experience
I am several years old and work full-time in Whistler at a job doing work. I enjoy a quiet mountain life with my dog, so I will not be divulging any personal information beyond that. I may not be as skilled a liar as some of the other candidates, but I can promise my lies will be much more amusing.
2. Trade with the U.S. aside, what do you see as the top three issues in our riding? How would you address them?
Trade war with the U.S. will not be an issue under the Rhino Party. We will turn the U.S. into the fourth Canadian territory and enjoy free trade with Trump after demoting him to Premier. Somehow, the top three issues of this election are the same as the previous election. It’s almost like the government we keep electing back has been completely unable to solve our problems. Those issues, of course, are: the economy and cost-of-living crisis, the housing crisis, and the environment. I have previously suggested radical ideas to attempt to tackle these issues, but have been met with few votes and little excitement. Between that and my party being in crisis this past year (leadership change, party restructuring, empty party coffers), we are pivoting in order to be more in line with the popular parties and delivering what the people apparently want.
We will work just as hard as the Liberal Party to get your hard-earned money out of your pocket and into the government’s pockets where it belongs. Just like the Liberal and
GORDON JEFFREY
Conservative parties, we are now committed to getting rid of the middle class once and for all, turning them into working-class slaves who exist to make more money for the oligarchs. To ensure you can be as productive as possible, we will gamble away pensions and get rid of the retirement age altogether. If you’re worried you might still have some time left for leisure and loved ones, don’t worry, we will introduce a six-day work week to ensure you will be too tired with your time off for anything other than looking forward to the coming work week!
Regarding housing, we will again copy the Liberal platform of overpromising and underdelivering. Housing costs have gone up more than 61 per cent during their reign, we think it would have been nice if they had gone up at least another eight per cent. Most people have given up on home-ownership altogether, barely breaking even after paying for rent, bills, and groceries, but we can do even more. By prioritizing protection of the assets of the wealthy, we can surely make rent go up even further and increase the cost of living. Then we will build small apartment ghettos for the worker bees.
Finally, to address the environment, we will also turn China (the largest emissions producer by far) into the fifth Canadian territory. Both they and the U.S. will then be subject to our environmental regulations.
3. If elected, how will you make life better for Whistler residents?
We see now from repeatedly voting the Liberal Party in, that the people do not want life to be better. In light of this, we will promise to work in conjunction with the winning party to make life worse for all! You’re welcome!
4. If elected, how will you help Whistler businesses?
Again, we have seen how the people have actively voted against their own interests, so we will pledge to ruin Whistler businesses by providing tax breaks to big corporations and doing what we can to further increase retail rental costs. We won’t rest until the town is essentially one giant Walmart.
Peyman Askari – People’s Party
Please share a short bio and any relevant experience.
I’m a small business owner, researcher, and political outsider. I moved to Whistler two years ago and previously lived in West Vancouver. I was born in Iran, immigrated to Canada as a child, and studied computer science before founding my own software company.
Until the COVID lockdowns, I had no interest in politics. But government overreach and economic mismanagement changed that. I volunteered with the National Citizens Inquiry and began interviewing Canadians from all walks of life. What I’ve learned is clear: our system is broken, and Ottawa is not listening. That’s why I’m stepping forward.
Trade with the U.S. aside, what do you see as the top three issues in our riding? How would you address them?
1. Housing affordability.
Whistler’s affordability crisis isn’t just about demand—it’s the product of bad federal policy. Inflation, speculation, and bank-driven asset bubbles have turned housing into a rigged game. The PPC would regulate commercial banks to stop speculative lending, pause immigration to ease pressure on housing demand, and restore a zero-per-cent inflation target to stabilize the dollar. Housing should serve Canadians—not speculators or foreign capital.
2. Health-care access.
More than 700,000 people in B.C. are without a family doctor, and Whistler is not immune. Canada is a vast country, yet Ottawa insists on micromanaging provincial health systems by attaching strings to cash transfers. We would repeal the Canada Health Act and replace cash transfers with permanent tax points, giving provinces full authority and stable funding.
We will also launch a federal investigation into why provinces like B.C. are spending more
JÄGER ROSENBERG
and more on health-care, yet nurse-to-patient ratios are declining. Our suspicion is that funding is being swallowed by an expanding management class, rather than frontline care. It’s time to demand accountability for where health dollars are actually going.
Additionally, we would push for the rehiring of unvaccinated nurses who were unjustly terminated, with full back pay. These health-care professionals were unfairly removed from the system during a crisis, and it’s time to right that wrong.
3. Drug use and public safety.
Small towns across B.C., including Whistler, are grappling with the consequences of the drug crisis. We would launch a full federal investigation into the fentanyl pipeline, ban the most addictive pharmaceutical drugs, and impose tougher sentencing for traffickers. We’d also work with provinces to eliminate “safe supply” programs, and withhold education funding from provinces that promote drug use to minors under the guise of harm reduction. Our focus is on recovery, not normalization.
3. If elected, how will you make life better for Whistler residents?
Most of what’s hurting working families—skyrocketing housing costs, health-care shortages, food inflation—can be traced back to policy failure at the federal level.
A PPC government would eliminate corporate welfare, scrap unnecessary regulatory regimes, and simplify taxes. This would allow us to lower personal income taxes and capital gains taxes once the deficit is eliminated, giving people more control over their own finances.
We would also restore integrity to Parliament. As your MP, I will vote independently—not by party whip. Our current system puts party control ahead of voters. That’s how we ended up with bad bills, big budgets, and immature debates. I’ll report directly to you through livestreams, town halls, and regular updates.
Beyond that, we need to fix the root: our monetary system. So long as the dollar is being devalued and our country runs on debt, everything else—from housing to wages—will remain unstable.
Whistler doesn’t need more slogans from Ottawa. It needs policy rooted in reality. I’m offering that.
4. If elected, how will you help Whistler businesses?
Whistler’s businesses don’t need handouts—they need Ottawa to get out of their way.
We’ll cut corporate and income taxes, eliminate capital gains tax on small business growth, and stop subsidizing large corporations that undercut local competition. Big business should compete on merit—not on government privilege.
We’d also simplify the tax code and review all federal regulations that drive up costs for small, seasonal operations. From payroll compliance to environmental paperwork, many policies serve bureaucrats—not business owners.
Finally, I’ll fight to give small businesses a direct voice in Parliament. Too often, policy is written by and for billion-dollar lobbyists. I’ll consult directly with local operators and bring their concerns to Ottawa—unfiltered.
Whistler’s economy is built on hard work, tourism, and local ownership. That model works— if government doesn’t ruin it. I’ll make sure it doesn’t.
JÄGER ROSENBERG - NDP
1. Please share a short bio and any relevant experience
I’m Jäger Rosenberg, your federal NDP candidate. I was born and raised in our riding. I’ve spent the last few years actively involved in politics, youth advocacy, and grassroots campaigns focused on affordability, climate justice, and mental health.
At 17, I made history as the youngest person to ever run for office in Canada, seeking the B.C. NDP nomination in Powell River–Sunshine Coast. That experience deepened my commitment to building a more just, democratic, and sustainable future—one that puts people and communities first.
I currently serve as Diversity Director for the BC Young New Democrats and have held executive roles on two NDP riding associations. I also participated in the Gibsons Citizens’ Assembly on housing. In these roles, I’ve worked to elevate youth voices in politics and champion policies for affordable housing, stronger public health-care, climate action, and democratic renewal.
I’m running to represent the people of West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country and give a voice to the people who feel shut out of the political process.
2 . Trade with the U.S. aside, what do you see as the top three issues in our riding? How would you address them?
Housing affordability is one of the most pressing challenges across our communities. People who work here can’t afford to live here, and the dream of home ownership is out of reach for an entire generation. The federal NDP is committed to bold action: banning corporate landlords from buying up affordable rentals, building 500,000 units of below market and co-op housing, publicly backed mortgages for first-time home buyers, and using federal tools to incentivize affordable developments—not luxury real estate that sits empty.
Climate action and emergency preparedness are also top priorities. Our region is already feeling the impact of the climate crisis—from wildfires to floods and extreme heat. The federal government must invest in renewable energy, wildfire prevention, and resilient infrastructure. The NDP will end fossil-fuel subsidies, cap oil and gas emissions, and fund a just transition that supports workers and communities—so no one is left behind as we move toward a net-zero, green economy.
Health-care access is another major concern. Residents across the riding struggle to access timely care—from family doctors to mental-health services. The federal NDP will deliver universal pharmacare and dental care, ensure mental health is covered under our public system, and increase federal transfers tied to hiring more frontline staff, especially in rural and remote communities.
3 . If elected, how will you make life better for Whistler residents?
Whistler residents are dealing with some of the highest living costs in the country—while seeing basic services like health-care, childcare, and public transit stretched to the limit.
As your MP, I’ll fight for:
Affordable housing: support co-ops, fund below-market rentals for workers and locals, and crack down on property speculation and vacant home flipping.
Better health-care access: attract and retain health-care professionals in underserved communities through federal funding, improved training programs, and incentives for rural practice.
Improved public transit: fund regional transit networks that connect Whistler, Pemberton, and the Lower Mainland, so people don’t have to rely on cars.
Environmental protection: safeguard alpine ecosystems and support sustainable tourism policies to ensure Whistler remains a livable and resilient community for generations to come.
Strengthen democracy: advocate for proportional representation and a lower voting age, so every vote counts equally, and our government reflects the will of the people.
The NDP’s vision is one where communities like Whistler don’t just survive—they thrive.
4. If elected, how will you help Whistler businesses?
Whistler’s economy is powered by local businesses, hospitality workers, and tourism—yet many small businesses are struggling with labour shortages, high commercial rents, and supply chain instability.
Here’s how I’ll help:
Address labour shortages by investing in affordable housing for workers, speeding up credential recognition for newcomers, and expanding childcare so parents can rejoin the workforce.
Ensure small businesses have access to fair credit and recovery support—including better access to federal grants and loan forgiveness from pandemic-era programs.
Push for sustainable tourism development, including federal investments in infrastructure, environmental protections, and workforce development that support long-term economic stability.
Support digital infrastructure improvements, especially for businesses in rural and remote parts of the riding that need reliable high-speed internet and online tools to grow.
I’ll be a strong advocate for a thriving, inclusive economy that supports small business—not just big corporations.
This election is about choosing who we want to work for us in Ottawa: corporate lobbyists or community voices. I’m not a career politician. I’m someone who grew up here, who understands the urgency of climate action, affordability, and making our democracy work better for everyone.
If elected, I’ll bring integrity, energy, and a strong voice for working people, renters, youth, and small businesses in West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country. Let’s build a future where no one is left behind.
PATRICK WEILER – Liberals
1. Please share a short bio and any relevant experience
It’s been the honour of my life to represent Whistler and our entire riding since you first elected me as your MP in 2019 and to make a real difference in the region where I was born and raised. Before politics, I worked as a lawyer for municipalities, Indigenous governments, and small businesses on environmental, constitutional, and business law issues, while also working internationally with the United Nations to improve how countries manage shared waterbodies.
In Parliament, I served as Chair of the BC Liberal Caucus and the All-Party Tourism Caucus, helping advance important federal investments for our province, from salmon restoration and old-growth forest protection to growing our tourism economy and supporting small businesses and B.C. entrepreneurs. I also chaired the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee and served on Finance, Environment, and Fisheries committees—helping shape legislation and policies that reflect our region’s values and priorities.
I have championed clean energy projects, nature conservation, and climate adaptation measures that help communities like Whistler become more resilient to wildfires, floods, and drought. I am seeking re-election to continue building a future where people can thrive with good jobs, affordable homes, and an environment that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
2. Trade with the U.S.
aside, what do you see as the top three issues in our riding? How would you address them?
Housing is one of the most urgent issues in Whistler, and through collaboration with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and organizations like the Whistler Housing Authority, the federal government is stepping up to tackle the housing crisis—more than $78.5 million in funding and 295 affordable homes in Whistler that have been built. We are also working with the RMOW to help them expedite the way homes are permitted to get more housing built, fast. Investments like these are critical to ensure that the folks that work in Whistler can afford to live in Whistler, and keep the community as vibrant as it is.
This remains a critical issue and we are proposing the most ambitious housing plan in Canadian history to build half a million homes per year. We’re eliminating GST on homes under $1 million and reducing it on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. We will support housing-enabling infrastructure so municipalities can reduce development cost charges, and support prefabrication of homes to speed up the construction process. Together, we will build, using Canadian resources and skill, to make sure everyone has a home they can afford.
To tackle the congestion on our highways, and better connect the Sea to Sky for all, we are focusing on supporting transit improvements. We have invested 10-times what the previous Conservative government did, and are committed to long-term predictable funding so that transit expansion can move ahead. Tens of millions have been invested in Sea to Sky transit, and regional transit needs to be core to the future transit plans for the corridor. A Liberal government would be a key partner in this and the future of transit.
Finally, we need to continue growing our local economy, and sustainable tourism in particular. When we do this right, visitors will support our businesses, create good jobs, and contribute to economic growth without negatively affecting the quality of life of residents. Working in partnership with the businesses and organizations like Destination Canada, Whistler can continue to attract visitors that grow our economy, celebrate our nature, and return year after year.
3. If elected, how will you make life better for Whistler residents?
In a community like Whistler, I have seen how affordability and access to services can be major challenges. Beyond advancing housing investments through the Whistler Housing Authority and regional transit upgrades, I’ll also focus on services that directly improve people’s quality of life. We’re going to continue expanding programs like dental care and pharmacare, so people who need it can receive the preventative health-care and medication they need, as well as making sure we have more $10-a-day childcare spaces to help families. If we want a strong economy, we have to support our workforce and our health, and not make parents choose between working and childcare, or neglecting
health issues that will unnecessarily push people into our hospitals. We’ll also cut taxes for the middleclass that leave more money in people’s pockets, while maintaining strong public services.
I’ll also continue advocating for climate adaptation investments, like wildfire prevention and infrastructure upgrades, to protect homes, businesses, and our community. These projects will help Whistler thrive in all seasons for generations to come as we confront the reality of climate change—something some political parties are unwilling to acknowledge.
Most importantly, I’ll continue collaborating with and supporting those who work the hardest for Whistler. From the small businesses, the municipality, affordable housing advocates, and our social service providers that dedicate themselves making this community the best it can be. I’ll be your voice and advocate in Ottawa, not the other way around.
4. If elected, how will you help Whistler businesses?
Whistler’s businesses are the backbone of our local economy. To support them, we need to address the source of the challenges they face: labour shortage, affordable housing, and the rising cost of living.
I’ve heard from business owners who, due to a lack of local staff, have been able to fill their labour gaps through federal programs but I’m also hearing that these programs need to be more responsive to local business needs. The long waits, uncertainty, and convoluted process puts a strain on businesses and business owners. For the people who leave their home countries to support our local economy, it puts them in an incredibly vulnerable position. That’s why it’s important that we work towards improving immigration pathways and support faster processing for workers in sectors like food and beverage, tourism, and hospitality, and treat areas like Whistler separately from large urban areas.
On the tourism front, we have an opportunity to welcome Canadian and international visitors reconsidering their vacation to the U.S. As part of my role Chairing the National Tourism Caucus, I work with organizations like Destination Canada to attract folks here, and develop programs and incentives that lead to investment in tourism-enabling infrastructure like better transportation and conference centres. n
Whistler father-daughter duo Chris and Drea Dimma train—and win—together
THE LOCALS, ALONG WITH DREA’S YOUNGER SISTER ZAHRA, ARE HIGH-LEVEL FREERIDE ATHLETES
BY DAVID SONG
PARENTING AN ATHLETE is no easy feat, as Chris Dimma understands.
Chris lives in Pemberton with his wife, Valeinna. Both their children, Drea and Zahra, are talented freeride skiers—in fact Drea, 20, is a two-time Freeride Junior World Championships (FJWC) entrant who now competes on the IFSA Qualifier Series. Zahra, 18, is about to graduate high school and plans to give the Qualifier level a crack as well.
“It has been a fun and rewarding journey,” said Chris about being a father to his girls. “It’s amazing to watch [them] chase goals and put in the hard work to achieve them. There have been challenges along the way, and it requires a lot of support from both my wife and me. They’re extremely determined and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Many athletic parents focus on supporting their kids: transportation, financial backing, logistics, guidance and so on… yet watching Drea and Zahra launch themselves off of intimidating terrain re-ignited Chris’ own competitive fire. A former slopestylist and boardercross racer, he finds freeride suits his skills well and entered his first IFSA contest in 2022.
Dad and daughter have excelled together as of late. Chris won the Red Mountain 2* competition in his division two years in a row,
while Drea has a pair of bronze medals from that venue on her resume.
“With years of backcountry experience, [my dad] has a great eye for choosing a solid line in a freeride event,” Drea said. “Travelling to competitions with him has been a lot of fun, and it’s great to have someone to inspect the venue with. He’s very calculated and smart when it comes to picking a good line.”
Chris likewise had plenty of praise for his eldest daughter’s skill and sportsmanship.
“I’ve been inspired by Drea’s dedication, perseverance and passion for skiing. Drea has become very confident in selecting smart lines during competitions. She understands what scores well and knows what is within her ability,” he explained. “In December, Drea came back from university to watch her sister compete in the Whistler Junior 2*. She took the time to ski the venue with Zahra, and together, they planned a line.
“It was awesome to see her supporting her sister, offering guidance and encouragement. Zahra ended up on the podium with a thirdplace finish.”
TIME, CONSISTENCY, FUN
Chris was born in Oliver, B.C. Strapping on his first snowboard at 12 years of age, he moved to Whistler in 1995 and ended up meeting Valeinna. Now 49, Chris prioritizes exercise and a healthy diet to keep up with his kids and manage the inevitable aches that result from high-level riding.
His advice to others in similar shoes would be to “put in the time, stay consistent and most importantly, have fun.”
Drea strives to live by those values in
triumph and defeat. An untimely knee injury derailed her medal hopes at the 2023 FJWC, and in 2024 high winds necessitated a venue change in Austria. Freezing levels spiked at a lower section of the mountain, generating sticky snow that contributed to Drea catching a ski and crashing out again.
“It was heartbreaking after so much anticipation, and I definitely put a lot of pressure on myself to perform well,” she admitted. “I’ve learned that things don’t always go as planned, and I can’t be too hard on myself. In the end, it’s all about the experience. I got to share this opportunity with my friend and teammate, Kayla Constantini, and we had an incredible time, meeting so many new friends along the way. The freeride community is amazing, the camaraderie among all the athletes and coaches is incredible to be a part of.”
At the junior level, Drea became wellacquainted with her opponents and could gauge their abilities. IFSA Qualifiers deliver a novel field of rivals and therefore, an exciting new challenge.
Post-secondary education might be described that way, too. Drea is in her first year of a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology at Thompson Rivers University: a central location which allows her to return home and go to various resorts for competitions. She admits it can be exhausting to balance school with skiing, but is up for the task.
STRONG BONDS
Eventually, Drea hopes to join fellow Whistler Freeride Club alumni Marcus Goguen and Wei Tien Ho on their sport’s biggest stage:
the Freeride World Tour (FWT). To achieve this goal, she’ll need to perform well at 4* Qualifier events and make a jump up to the FWT Challenger Series.
“It’s incredible to watch our Whistler Freeride Club alumni athletes succeeding on the World Tour at such a young age, it’s so inspiring,” Drea remarked. “And [my dad] has always encouraged me and my sister in our skiing, supporting both of us in our competitions. While most people start to slow down at 49, he’s done the opposite, choosing to enter freeride events and even winning some. I hope I have the same drive when I’m his age.”
Described by his girls as a man who rides at every opportunity, Chris is a frequent early riser who braves the conditions to get his fill of snow. According to him, Drea can be quiet and shy off the slopes—but driven and fiery when it’s time to compete.
“I’m incredibly proud of her continuing to pursue ski competitions while attending university at the same time. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work,” said Chris. “Our whole family has spent a lot of time travelling to competitions together. We have travelled all over the province and even to the U.S., skiing mountains we likely never would have visited if not for our daughters’ competitions.
“Sharing a passion for skiing and snowboarding has given us countless experiences, from competing to simply freeriding together for fun. These experiences have undoubtedly strengthened our bond.”
Chris’ next aspiration is to talk Valeinna into picking up women’s freeride so the Dimma clan can truly compete together. n
TOP TALENT Left: Chris Dimma (middle) stands atop the podium at a freeride event in Red Mountain. Right: Drea Dimma in action in 2023. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DREA DIMMA
IN 2024-25, expectations for the U15A Whistler Winterhawks were very much in flux. After the demise of the Sea to Sky Bears program, the Whistler Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) chose to enter a team into the rep league and go without a house squad. Rookie head coach Matthew Létourneau found himself commanding a small roster of 12 skaters and two goalies.
Now, that group reigns as B.C. Tier 4 Champions after besting Langley 5-4 in the provincial final late last month.
Assistant coach Andrew Haig described the pivotal game as “destiny in the making.”
The Langley Eagles had disposed of a shorthanded Whistler unit in the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA) playoff banner game before provincials. Again they got off to a fast start, building a 2-0 lead before Ty Miller got the Winterhawks on the board late in the opening frame.
Létourneau’s first-intermission speech clearly paid dividends. Miller found twine again in the next period, as did alternate captain Ashur Livingston and captain Laine Kaufmann. Yet the Eagles struck back, and Whistler held a 4-3 edge through two stanzas of play.
Whistler netminder Connor Haig stood on his head for much of the third period, but a desperate Langley unit pulled its own goalie and drove home a late equalizer with six attackers on the ice. Overtime seemed like a foregone conclusion… until it wasn’t.
Livingston won a faceoff of paramount importance and burst into the offensive zone. He made a crisp pass, and Miller roofed his hat-trick goal with 23 seconds left. One last Eagles push fell short, and the Winterhawks ascended to provincial glory.
‘SEASON-LONG DEDICATION’
Whistler began its campaign in PCAHA Flight Six, but a 6-1-1 placement record had them bumped up quickly to Flight Four. Things became more difficult from there, as injuries afflicted several players and the bench was further shortened by untimely waves of illness.
Deploying icing only eight skaters at times, the Winterhawks gritted through to a 13-8-1 regular season record and a PCAHA banner.
In spite of falling in the league playoffs to Langley, Whistler qualified for Provincials in second place. The team journeyed some 1,400 kilometres north to Kitimat, home of the previous back-to-back champs, and opened their tournament with a 9-2 drubbing of Vanderhoof followed by an 8-2 rout of Oceanside.
“We were labelled ‘the team to beat’ by a local restaurateur,” Andrew said.
However, the Winterhawks floundered against a physically imposing Dawson Creek squad in a 5-2 loss. Kitimat next awaited in the provincial semifinal, where the margin of error would be zero.
In a battle between two organizations to bear the Winterhawk name, Whistler prevailed over Kitimat 5-2 thanks to a robust, 30-save performance by Connor and an insurance empty-netter by U13 call-up Max Darlow.
“Hockey cannot happen without an army of volunteer support. Special thanks to the families who made this happen,” said Andrew. “Extra mention to the two U13affiliated players, Max Darlow and Reece Gemmill, for joining the team on its journey, Julius Dallago for keeping the boys on the ice, team manager Lee-Anne Kaufmann’s thankless hours behind the scenes.
“The logistics and planning to pull it all off were impeccable. Head coach Matt Létourneau [displayed] season-long dedication with the rest of the coaching staff.” n
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Call for Nomina�ons to the Board of Directors
TheWhistler Farmers’Market is pleased to announcea Call for Nomina�ons to jointhe Board of Directors.
The Whistler Farmers’Market (WFM)Board valuesengaged, passionateandskilledleadersandinnovators,whowillhave anac�ve rolein represen�ngtheorganisa�on’s membershipandshapingthe future oftheMarkets.The WFMBoardofDirectorsis commi�ed to energizingandsuppor�ngthevision,missionanddevelopmentof theorganisa�onwithinour communityandbeyond.The following experienceand exper�se wouldbenefittheorganisa�on:
•Secretarialandadministra�on
•Fundraisingandfinancialdevelopment
•Board governance
•Commi�ee experienceand workingwithcra� juries
•Strategicthinkingand/orpolicy
•Marke�ngandsocialmedia
Visitwhistlerfarmersmarket.org/call-for-nomina�ons for details. Nomina�ons are now open andclose5PM on Tuesday, May6,2025.
TheWhistler Farmers’Market AnnualGeneralMee�ng will be heldThursday,May29,2025 at 7PM
FLYING HIGH The U15A Whistler Winterhawks won BC Provincials in late March.
PHOTO BY TONI REINERT
A taste of tradition: Bearfoot Bistro’s Magic of Maple blends East Coast
sugar shack with West Coast flair
THE SECOND-ANNUAL EVENT CELEBRATES CANADIAN CULTURE WITH A FIVE-COURSE MENU INFUSED WITH SYRUP, WATER, BUTTER AND TAFFY—SERVED WITH A SIDE OF STORYTELLING AND QUÉBÉCOIS CHARM
BY LIZ MCDONALD
MAPLE SYRUP is more than a topping—it’s a symbol of Canadian identity, woven into the very fabric of our flag. Whether it’s evoking memories of fall foliage or elevating gourmet cuisine, this golden liquid is as resourceful as Canadians. At Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler, it’s also the centrepiece of a culinary celebration that brings heritage and innovation together.
The restaurant is marking the return of its Magic of Maple Sugar Shack dining experience, a tribute to Quebec’s sugar shacks reimagined through a West Coast lens. Culinary director Dominic Fortin has created a five-course, maple-forward menu that transforms rustic Québécois classics using modern techniques and seasonal ingredients.
Partnering with the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) and Maple from Canada, Bearfoot Bistro’s menu—priced from $49— features a variety of maple-derived products, including syrup, sugar, water, butter, vinegar, and taffy. Each dish showcases the versatility of maple and highlights its deep connection to Canadian culture.
The event is also part of a national campaign led by Maple from Canada to highlight the culinary and cultural importance of maple syrup. As outlined in its Cursus d’Érable, pure Canadian maple syrup is a natural product containing more than 100 compounds, including vitamins and antioxidants.
Maple syrup’s story in Canada dates back long before colonization. When European settlers arrived, they learned how to use “sweet water” tapped from maple trees from Indigenous communities. That knowledge shaped the foundation of what would become a global export.
Fortin’s personal favourite maple product? Maple water. “It’s fairly different, delicate. For example, we make snow for the oysters that brings a refreshing sweetness, with hints of maple,” he told Pique. Unlike syrup, maple water is subtly sweet and rich in electrolytes—a nod to modern health trends.
Inside Bearfoot Bistro, the restaurant transforms into a sugar shack scene with checkered tablecloths and rustic touches. The experience begins with a shareable amusebouche platter: pork and venison cretons, maple salmon jerky, oreilles de crisse (crispy pork rinds), fruit ketchup, Parker House buns, and pure maple syrup.
First-course selections include French onion soup with Québec Louis D’Or cheese and maple syrup, butter lettuce salad with smoked aged Québec maple cheddar and maple pecans, and Sawmill Bay oysters topped
with maple water granité and sherry pearls.
Main course highlights range from braised venison and beef tourtière with Pemberton beets and caribou liqueur jus, to duck confit cassoulet with maple pork belly, and maple miso black cod in a maple water dashi broth. A vegetarian cassoulet and an Alberta elk tenderloin with elk sausage and celeriac-apple maple jus round out the savoury options.
Desserts include the nostalgic pouding chômeur with maple butterscotch and blueberry ice cream, and a showstopping Nitro Ice Cream Sundae prepared tableside with Tahitian vanilla and maple syrup drizzle. Petit fours include maple taffy on snow, maple leaf cookies, marshmallows, fudge, and chocolates.
After tasting each and every dish, I can say with certainty there are no wrong choices. All lead to a warm heart and full belly at a reasonable price point.
Marc Des Rosiers, marketing and communications manager for Bearfoot Bistro, said the sugar shack concept complements the restaurant’s goal of offering immersive experiences—from sabering champagne in the wine cellar to tasting vodka in the Grey Goose Ice Room.
“Magic of maple was aligned with the shoulder season,” he said. The event offers locals a chance to enjoy Whistler’s best without the usual crowds, though it’s best to get a reservation ahead of time because of popularity.
Canada is home to more than 13,300 maple syrup producers, with more than 90 per cent based in Quebec. The country produces roughly 75 per cent of the world’s maple syrup. The sap is harvested during a short window in early spring, making the season as precious as it is sweet.
David Marino, spokesperson for QMSP, emphasized the global appeal of maple. “If we go to Japan, they use it with soy sauce. It’s fascinating to see the different ways it’s incorporated,” he said. “It’s also a great opportunity to share what we have in Canada with Canadians.”
Sugar shacks remain cultural mainstays in Quebec and Ontario. Families gather during the sugaring-off season to enjoy hearty comfort food and freshly tapped syrup.
“I want people to learn about a Canadian tradition,” said Fortin. “For West Coasters, tourists from overseas, we aren’t doing classic French Canadian. We’re matching East and West Coast—we’re trying to build an event that comes back year over year.”
His signature tourtière has proven a hit with guests. “It’s a favourite—classic but extremely rich,” Fortin said. “Lots of meat: elk, pork, duck, beef, and potato, finished with a caribou liqueur jus.”
Running from April 22 to May 4, Magic of Maple is more than a meal—it’s a uniquely Canadian experience that pays tribute to the enduring sweetness of our natural and cultural landscape. n
SWEET RETREAT From April 22 to May 4, Magic of Maple is a culinary and cultural experience you don’t want to miss.
MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE
SCHEDULE
‘Music heals’:
Rock for
Big
Kev scheduled for May 2 at Merlin’s Bar & Grill
PROCEEDS FROM THE FUNDRAISING CONCERT WILL GO TOWARDS LONGTIME LOCAL KEVIN MIKKELSEN, WHO IS AFFLICTED WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
BY DAVID SONG
WHEN IT COMES to Whistler’s arts scene, Kevin Mikkelsen is no doubt a superfan. Mikkelsen, a.k.a. “Big Kev,” is a Thornhill, Ont. native who since 2005 has lived in Whistler. He’s been employed at numerous local operations, including Black’s Pub, iHost, the Whistler Film Festival (WFF), Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, Whistler Hardware, the Point Artist-Run Centre (PARC) and the Whistler Question. None of those jobs have stopped him from faithfully attending as many local concerts as possible.
On Sept. 27, 2023, Mikkelsen was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) after nine months of graduallybuilding symptoms. In layman’s terms, his immune system now attacks a protective sheath that covers nerve fibres called myelin, which disrupts communication between the body and brain.
This ailment has generated numbness in the hands and feet, electric-shock sensations that happen with certain neck movements, lack of dexterity and coordination, trouble with walking and balance, vertigo, bowel and bladder function issues, fatigue and brain fog.
Previous attempts to walk with a cane and a wheeled walker led to an infected callus on Mikkelsen’s right foot, necessitating a 60-day and a 50-day stay at Lions Gate Hospital— split by a 25-day period at Squamish General.
No longer able to work, Mikkelsen relies on a power wheelchair to get around. His friends love him, and they’re going to help in a big way.
Merlin’s Bar & Grill is set to host “Rock for Big Kev” on May 2: a concert packed with Sea to Sky standouts like Ruckus Deluxe, Taylor James, Stephen Vogler and the West Coast
heart. You don’t think about it because we don’t flash it, but whenever anybody comes across hardship, this town really bands together to look after our own.”
‘LAND OF MISFIT TOYS’
WFF founder Shauna Hardy is producing the concert and associated GoFundMe campaign with help from Carol Severson, Chris Quinlan, Stephen and Peggy Vogler, Glenn Mishaw, Angie Nolan, Mike Tolton and Martha Kertesz, with Andrew Bowes of XL Audio Visual and
“It’s a little overwhelming to have the community come together, and very humbling.”
- KEVIN MIKKELSEN
Front, Red Chair, Big Love, DJs Vinyl Ritchie and Foxy Moron, and the Rutherford Creek Collective. Everybody’s donating their time to play, with XL Audio Visual taking care of production services. Whistler Blackcomb (WB) is lending support as well.
“It’s a little overwhelming to have the community come together, and very humbling,” Mikkelsen says. “I love the musicians we have in our town. Per capita, I think we’ve got way more awesome musicians than most towns our size. The one awesome thing about this town is: it has a really big
WB’s own Mike Wilson. Proceeds will go towards easing Mikkelsen’s financial burden as well as purchasing equipment and furniture needed to improve his quality of life.
“He’s just got a great attitude. He is a very kind, gentle human being and very wellliked,” says Hardy about Mikkelsen. “He’s the biggest fan [of local bands]. They’ve seen him go from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair. They all know that playing that night is going to help change his life.”
Big Love frontman Erik van Meerbergen adds: “Kevin is such an ally of the arts. In
the life of a musician, you get a few friends coming to a few shows—and then there’s the few that go to almost every show. Kevin is one of those guys, and it makes such a difference for us to have that kind of support.”
Mikkelsen chooses to view his life as a novel, ongoing adventure. He focuses on the good days, even though the bad ones are painful, as he believes staying positive is key. The proud Whistlerite faces his challenges and surmounts them, even trying to have fun along the way.
For one such as himself, music is an invaluable medicine.
“Music heals. It’s good for your soul,” Mikkelsen remarks. “I think of the arts as the land of misfit toys. A lot of artists don’t quite fit into the mould of what people should be doing with their lives. Musicians follow their hearts and dream big—two things that you don’t get in the nine-to-five world very often. You’ve got to step out into the fringe to really appreciate the incredible people that congregate there.
“I’ve known all these people for the last 15 or 20 years. We’ve had so much fun together. We’ve worked on some amazing projects and stuff. It’s kind of hard to stop Shauna when she gets on a roll—she’s a force of nature. I hope to remain in Whistler for many years to come, supporting the arts and Whistler’s rich and vibrant music scene. This place is just too special to say goodbye to.”
Visit eventbrite.ca/e/rock-for-big-kevtickets-1278950327859?aff=oddtdtcreator to grab tickets to “Rock for Big Kev,” which runs on May 2 from 6:30 p.m. to late. n
SUPERFAN Kevin “Big Kev” Mikkelsen is a fixture at Whistler gigs, and a longtime supporter of local music—now some of his favourite bands are returning the favour.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN MIKKELSEN
‘Invitations to connect with your higher self’
LOZEN’S NEW BOOK, SOUL PATH , IS MEANT TO FACILITATE HEALTHY SELF-AWARENESS AND REFLECTION
BY DAVID SONG
IF YOU KNOW Lozen (as she prefers mononymously to be called), you’ll know she wears a lot of hats: Aprés Lounge host, music director at Whistler FM—now dubbed Vibe Radio—and all-round creative. She’s got a book coming out April 24, too: Soul Path Guided Journal: A Journey of Consciousness, Intuition, and Spiritual Exploration.
The title’s a bit of a mouthful, but it hints that this work isn’t just something you read. It’s something you experience.
“This book—this offering—is part journal, part guide, but more than that, it’s a sacred space. It wasn’t created to tell you who you are. It’s here to shine light on what’s already within you—not to replace your voice, but to echo its truth,” Lozen reveals. “It supports that inner journey through reflective prompts, spiritual practices and invitations to connect with your higher self.”
She wants people to know Soul Path is not rooted in her own spiritual beliefs, nor is it emblematic of any particular faith or religion. Instead, the book takes a universal approach to consciousness, intuition, and spiritual exploration, one that “transcends labels and honours the individual path of each person.”
Lozen doesn’t believe in gurus. She feels that, while professional psychiatric input can be helpful, it can also create a false sense of dependency and hierarchy. Instead, Lozen asserts we must be able to trust our own inner knowledge, especially at a time when longheld structures in government, media and religion are collapsing or transforming.
Put differently: if you give a man a fish (or in this case, an expert to turn to), you only feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for a lifetime.
“My goal isn’t to have people come back to me. It’s empowering them to listen to themselves,” elaborates Lozen. “That’s why I love the Buddha in a sense. He never said, ‘hey, I’m the guy. Do what I say.’ He was like, ‘this is my experience, so I’m going to share that. If it applies to you and it’s helpful, sweet. If it doesn’t, don’t hold on to it.’”
No matter what you believe, self-awareness is essential for healthy growth. It grants us the opportunity to pause and observe our own thoughts, emotions and behaviours in a curious and honest manner. Thus we reconnect with our core values and ponder why they are our core values to begin with—an uncomfortable but important process. We can make intentional decisions rather than floating through life on autopilot, or on somebody else’s script.
Lozen can personally attest to the value of introspection. She hails from a diverse religious background: her mom was Catholic, but her dad was a Buddhist. One day, Lozen asked her father why he didn’t get up to take communion in church. His response: “I don’t believe in that doctrine, however, I love your mother and her family so I’m here out of respect.”
In young Lozen’s mind, her dad had just given out a permission slip for her to explore different faiths. She did just that extensively, and he nurtured the process by offering all kinds of metaphysical literature. Above all, she just wanted to learn more about that which seemed unexplainable.
During adulthood, Lozen has also questioned her future in music. Some aspects of the industry didn’t line up with who she was becoming: a divide between self and career she could not ignore.
Many people would have swept that kind of conflict beneath the proverbial rug. Others might have acted rashly or allowed the tension to decimate their mental health. Lozen found a better approach.
“In 2020, I founded Soul Path Records as a convergence of those worlds. It was a turning point, where I realized that these parts of me—music and spirituality—were intrinsically connected and could coexist with intention,” she recounts.
Despite growing up in Gatineau, Que., Lozen has felt Whistler’s call for a long time. She didn’t actually show up, however, until life’s roadblocks drove her west. As it turns out, a good number of locals have a similar story: moving in pursuit of some intuition or impulse.
“When you live here, especially long-term, you learn to have faith. I’ve had times where I didn’t know where I’d live next, but somehow, something always came through,” says Lozen. “Miracles. Acts of generosity. Divine timing. Whistler taught me to trust.
“It also gave me my career and introduced me to people from all over the world—people with different cultures, perspectives and languages, but who all came here with the same spark. For those of us who live here, that’s something we don’t take for granted. It’s a choice to live in alignment with that wonder.”
Soul Path is one way Lozen desires to give back to a community she characterizes as passionate, magical and spirited. Everyone, from the long-term local to the 18-year-old Australian getting a six-month taste of winter paradise, is in need of genuine connection—whether that happens on a gondola, a bus or a coffee date.
“There’s a lot going on in the world right now. So much darkness and it can feel heavy, collectively, globally … but I see that as a macrocosm of what happens within us,” Lozen says. “Our own inner seasons. Our own shadow work. The point isn’t to judge the dark, it’s to meet it. Sit with it. Let it teach us, because the contrast matters.
“The sun is beautiful, but if it shone all the time, everything would burn. We need the night. We need balance, and darkness isn’t bad—it’s what allows the light to be seen more clearly. Think about the stars: you can only see them in the dark. We may not be able to fix everything happening in the world, but we can come back to ourselves.”
Visit lozenmusic.com/product-page/soulpath-guided-journal to order Soul Path, which is also available locally at Armchair Books. n
Formore information,visit bctransit.com/Whistler or refertoyourRider’sGuidetoviewfull schedulechanges.
PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE
Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/local-events
PARTY FOR THE PLANET
ALPENGLOW APRÈS
As the sun casts its final golden hues across Whistler’s peaks, the Mallard Lounge Patio transforms into the heart of Alpenglow Après. This limited-time event invites you to revel in an elevated après-ski experience. Live DJ tunes fill the sun-soaked patio, while fireside warmth and shareable culinary delights create a vibrant atmosphere in the Upper Village. Sip Kettle One cocktails, including signature tap espresso martini, and let the magic of Alpenglow illuminate your evening.
> April 25-26, 3 to 6 p.m.
> Mallard Lounge
> Prices vary
TACOS & TRIVIA
Tacos & Trivia features host Guy “The Trivia Guy” McDowell. Tuesdays also feature $5 tacos and $15 pitchers. Head on down for trivia in Whistler’s Creekside!
> April 29, 6 p.m.
> Cure Lounge & Patio
THE PEOPLE’S FILM PRESENTS THE PRINCESS BRIDE
PARTY FOR THE PLANET
Wrap up Earth Week at AWARE’s Party for the Planet! This festive evening features inspiring talks, live music and a final opportunity to participate in the silent auction. Bid on a variety of sustainable goods, local art and unique adventure experiences, with all proceeds supporting AWARE’s environmental initiatives. Enjoy food and beverages as you mingle with community members and reflect on a week of impactful environmental activities.
April 27, 6 p.m.
Garibaldi Lift Co.
PAPA JOSH RISING STARS BAND SHOWCASE
The Alpine Cafe hosts a showcase of up and coming Whistler bands coached by local musician Papa Josh, featuring The E-Laters, Jaxon Mishaw, Mom Jeans, Steve St Arnaud, Papa Josh, and more! Papa Josh’s youth band program is sponsored by The Point ArtistRun Centre.
> April 27, 4 to 6 p.m.
> Alpine Cafe
It’s time to relive a classic with The Princess Bride Join the journey to the land of Florin, where farm boy Westley battles giants, rodents of unusual size and the nefarious Prince Humperdinck to rescue his true love, Buttercup. This beloved tale, filled with witty banter, epic sword fights and unforgettable characters, has captured hearts for generations.
> April 30, 7 p.m.
> Maury Young Arts Centre
MAC MAKING CONNECTIONS DEMENTIA FRIENDLY SOCIAL CLUB
Supported by a federal grant and organized by the Whistler Mature Action Community, a weekly program of 45 minutes of gentle fitness followed by stimulating activities such as card games and music therapy, and socializing over a light lunch. The program was designed to improve physical fitness, delay cognitive decline and build friendships and support networks. We provide a welcoming stress-free environment for those whose lives have become isolated by dementia. Join us for fun, fun, fun.
There is no fee but we require registration at whistlermac.org/making-connections. Donations welcome.
For additional information: whistlermac.org/makingconnections/ or enquire at mcp@whistlermac.org.
ThePublicHearingwillbeconductedelectronicallyviaZoomonApril30,2025,at7:00PM.Alinkwillbeavailableandposted ontheSLRDwebsitethreedayspriortothePublicHearing. To attendorparticipate,pleasecontactthePlanningDepartment at planning@slrd.bc.catorequestthemeetinglinkandaccessinstructions.Aresponsewiththenecessarydetailswillbeprovidedpromptly.
The inn crowd
BY ALLYN PRINGLE
IT’S NOT uncommon when looking through newspapers to find letters responding to stories and events in previous issues. It is less common, however, for letters to be given a whole page, be accompanied by multiple photographs, and to be addressed to a building. In the April 16, 1981 edition of the Whistler Question, Jan Systad wrote a letter to the Cheakamus Inn after learning from the April 9 issue the lodge she worked at would be torn down.
The Cheakamus Inn was built for $300,000 in 1965 by Eric Beardmore, one of the founding directors of Garibaldi Lifts Ltd., and his business partner Frank Menendez. It had two dormitories (one for men, one for women) and 22 private rooms, and could reportedly sleep up to 50 guests. The Cheakamus also had a dining room and bar. According to Ian Beardmore, the Cheakamus was modelled after the lodges at Alta, Utah, where his parents would often go for a week
some more unexpected events. In August 1970, according to Garibaldi’s Whistler News, the Cheakamus was the host of the Simon Fraser Solid State Physics School, a two-week summer school that gathered scientists from around the world. The lodge was also the site of one of Dag Aabye’s more memorable stunts at Whistler when he jumped off the roof on his skis and landed in the parking lot below.
When looking back at the Cheakamus before its demolition, what Jan Systad remembered most were the people she had met and the friends she had made there, a sentiment reflected in most stories about the Cheakamus Inn. Providing room, board and a ski pass, the Cheakamus employed many longtime Whistler residents during their early years in the valley, including Colin Pitt-Taylor, Roger McCarthy, Bob Daniels, Connie Cathers, Charlie Davies, Roger Systad and more.
In 1965, John Reynolds, also known as J.R., came to the Cheakamus to work as a bartender and assistant manager under Frank Menendez, who filled both the chef and manager roles. According to Jan, under
The lodge was also the site of one of Dag Aabye’s more memorable stunts at Whistler when he jumped off the roof on his skis and landed in the parking lot below.
or two each ski season with the Wilhelmsens and the Woodwards (fellow directors of the Garibaldi Olympic Development Association and Garibaldi Lifts); Frank Menendez even worked at the Rustler Lodge in Alta for more than a decade before coming up to Alta Lake.
John the bar was “respected and cherished” and “your drink was poured as you came through the door and by the time you reached the bar it was waiting for you.” After leaving the Cheakamus and the Whistler area for a time, John returned to Whistler in the 197677 season to run the bar at JB’s and opened Tapley’s Pub in 1981.
Through the 1960s and into the 1970s, the Cheakamus served as a gathering place for guests and others around the ski hill. In 1967, Tony and Irene Lyttle held their wedding reception there following a ceremony at the Whistler Skiers’ Chapel, and on Sundays the Cheakamus hosted General Information Night, where skiers at Whistler for the week could come see a slide show and ask questions of mountain representatives. Some winters also saw film nights at the lodge courtesy of Pacific Ski Air and the Cheakamus was known for events such as its annual New Year’s Eve masquerade party, which in 1970-71 was given a Disneyland theme.
The Cheakamus was also the site of
The Cheakamus Inn changed hands in 1975 and by 1981 was operating under the name Whistler Vale. It was announced in April 1981 that the Whistler Vale would be torn down and a new, larger hotel would be built on the site, incorporating salvaged lumber and reusing part of the foundation. It was expected the new hotel would be ready to open by December 1981. Although the building was demolished in June, construction did not go as planned and no hotel had arisen by the end of the year. For those who knew the Cheakamus Inn, however, Jan concluded that “the memories and friendships will never go.”
INN AND OUT The Cheakamus Inn rebranded as the Whistler Vale after a change in ownership, though the restaurant retained the Cheakamus name.
ASTROLOGY
Free Will Astrology
WEEK OF APRIL 25 BY ROB
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries filmmaker Akira Kurosawa devoted meticulous attention to weather conditions. He would postpone shooting a particular scene for days, waiting for the influx of the exact right blend of wind, clouds, or precipitation to create the ideal ambiance. I recommend you adopt his patient sense of timing in the coming weeks, Aries. While you typically prefer direct action, now is a favourable phase to coordinate your desire to get what you need with life’s changing conditions. What advantages might you gain by waiting for the ripest moments to arrive?
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You can’t see or hold the wind, though you can feel its force and observe its effects. It scatters some seeds far and wide, dispersing them to grow in unexpected places. When harnessed by turbines, the wind is a renewable energy source. It can be utilized to pump water and fuel telecommunications equipment. Winds influence daily weather by transporting water and heat. I have summarized wind’s qualities because I see this upcoming phase of your cycle as being wind-like, Taurus. You won’t necessarily have to be obvious to spread your influence. You will be able to work behind the scenes in potent ways. Who knows where your seeds will land and germinate? There will be surprises.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The Earth’s first big ecological crisis happened 2.5 billion years ago. Ancient bacteria became a successful life form. They proliferated. The only problem was, they produced an abundance of oxygen, which was toxic to all the other existing life forms at that time. And yet that bump in evolution was ultimately essential in the rise of complex organisms that thrive on oxygen, like us. We wouldn’t be here today without bacteria’s initially problematic intervention. Nothing as monumentally major or epic will occur for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. But I do suspect that what may initially seem disruptive could ultimately generate positive outcomes. I hope you prime yourself to transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth. For best results, set aside your fixed beliefs about what’s necessary for maximum progress.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): From the 17th through the 19th centuries, Paris was famous for its salons. There, artists, writers, and big thinkers assembled to exchange ideas and inspire each other. The salons were often orchestrated by illustrious, educated women in their private homes. They were hotbeds of networking and cultural innovation. Listening and learning were key elements. Now would be an excellent time for you to organize, host, or encourage similar gatherings, Cancerian. You have extra power to facilitate the stellar socializing that generates zesty connections and spreads invigorating influences.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was one of the bravest Americans who ever lived. After escaping enslavement, she heroically returned to other southern plantations many times to help free enslaved people. To accomplish her miraculous rescues, she relied in part on her dreams and visions—what she called divine guidance—to navigate through challenging situations. I suspect you will soon have access to similar assets: extraordinary courage and help from unusual or even supernatural sources. Use these gifts wisely, Leo!
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The nations of planet Earth launched 263 space flights in 2024 and are on track for more than 300 in 2025. Most of the satellites and spacecraft are devoted to scientific research. A relatively small proportion is dedicated to communication, navigation, and military uses. I would love for you to have an equally high level of exploratory and experimental energy in the coming weeks, Virgo. You will align yourself with cosmic rhythms if you spend more time than usual investigating the frontiers. It’s time to expand and extend yourself!
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What’s the oldest living organism
BREZSNY
on Earth? It’s a bristlecone pine tree nicknamed “Methuselah.” Almost 4,800 years old, it resides somewhere in California’s White Mountains, though its precise location is kept secret to protect it. In the spirit of shielding and nurturing valuable things, I urge you to consider maintaining similar safeguards in the coming weeks. Like Methuselah, your precious processes and creations might thrive best when allowed to grow free from undue attention. You may benefit from maintaining privacy and silence about certain matters as they develop.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I love to gaze out my office window at Gallinas Creek during high tide. At certain interludes, the water is perfectly still. It almost perfectly reflects the sky in every detail, with all its clouds, birds, and hues of blue. My conscious mind knows the difference between the real sky and reflected sky, but my eyes can’t discern. That’s a helpful metaphor for all of us all the time, and especially for you in the coming weeks. It will be crucial for you to maintain an acute awareness of what’s genuine and what’s illusory.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978) revolutionized her field. She didn’t study other cultures from a distance with a detached perspective. Instead, she learned their languages and immersed herself in their daily lives. So she earned the intimate understanding to conclude, “What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are entirely different things.” This is a crucial principle for you right now. You must directly observe people’s actions rather than simply believing what they say about themselves— or what others say about them. You must look beyond surface declarations to understand the deeper rhythms and patterns. For best results, be a devoted participant, not an uninvolved judge.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn mystic Alan Watts wrote The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are. He proposed that each of us is far more glorious than our separate, isolated egos. It’s difficult to come to this understanding, however, since our culture conspires to hide it from us. That’s the bad news. The good news, Capricorn, is that you will have an unprecedented chance to partly shatter this taboo in the coming weeks. I have high hopes that you will discover deep truths about yourself that have previously been unavailable.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Beginning in 1946, Bedouins exploring caves near the Dead Sea discovered an immense trove of ancient documents written on parchment. These manuscripts provided many new revelations into early Christianity, Biblical texts, and the history and culture of Judaism. I suspect that in the coming weeks, you may experience a metaphorical equivalent of this breakthrough and unveiling. To prepare, meditate on these questions: 1. What mysterious parts of your life story would you like to have illuminated? 2. About which aspects of your past would you like to receive new truths? 3. Is there anything missing in your understanding of who you really are?
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): White light enters a glass prism and is translated on the other side into a rainbow of colours. That’s because each colour rides its own wavelength, even while seamlessly blended in the white light, and then gets bent differently by the prism. The magic of the prism is that it reveals the hidden spectrum within, the latent diversity contained within the apparently monolithic beam of white light. In the coming weeks, Pisces, I predict that you will be like a prism, bringing out vibrancy in situations or relationships that may seem nondescript or mundane at first glance. Your ability to discern and appreciate multiple perspectives will enable you to create an intriguing kind of harmony. You will have the power to notice and reveal beauty that has been veiled or unnoticed.
Homework: Look in the mirror and praise yourself. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.
In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates
weekly forecasts designed to inspire and uplift you. To buy access, phone 1-888-499-4425. Once you’ve chosen the Block of Time you like, call 1-888-682-8777 to hear Rob’s forecasts. www.freewillastrology.com
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BACK IN HIGH SCHOOL during the 1980s—just kidding, the early 2010s—drama class was one of my preferred electives. I found myself to be decent at certain forms of acting, or at least bold enough to try (although the
BY DAVID SONG
dsong@piquenewsmagazine.com
song and dance elements of musical theatre were well outside my realm of interest).
Improvisational theatre, or improv, was my favourite: a medium of performing where most or all of what happens on stage is created spontaneously.
Then I graduated believing my short-lived acting days were over. No part of me wanted to pursue live entertainment as a career, so instead I got two university degrees and put my writing skills to work as a journalist.
Drama unexpectedly found me again this January. No, not a breakup or a shocking revelation about a once-trusted individual. The other kind of drama.
I volunteered to go onstage at an improv show hosted by local comedy troupe Laugh
Out LIVE. Afterwards, a number of people— including the three friends I brought, eight or nine strangers and Laugh Out LIVE co-founder Rebecca Mason—heaped praise upon my off-the-cuff role in a skit about a restaurant.
“You killed it!” Rebecca said that night. “You saved the whole skit!”
My friends suggested I try out Laugh Out LIVE’s upcoming mixed-level improv class. It was the most unnecessary peer pressure I’d ever gotten.
Before we go any further, I’ll emphasize that this column is not meant to be a testimonial for Laugh Out LIVE. I’ve had
because I am naturally good at it—yet at the same time I’ve got much to learn. That’s a great zone to inhabit for somebody wanting to pick up a new skill.
As a naturally extroverted, quick-witted and imaginative man, I relish envisioning various outside-the-box scenarios and helping others spontaneously bring them to life. I appreciate interacting with other people’s ideas, laughing with them and using their inspiration to jumpstart my own.
Introverts might find all of the above daunting… but that’s an excellent reason to try. People don’t grow if we remain in our comfort zones forever, and over the last
Life can be difficult, but it also contains joy, and what’s the point of living if you’re unable to find that joy?
positive experiences with the group and I’ve written about them for my job as a sports/arts reporter, but it is up to you to decide if you want to check out any of their stuff.
Instead my goal is to share my thoughts on dipping my toe back into performance art in adulthood and why I think it can be a worthwhile experience for virtually anyone. Improv is a productive hobby for me
two-odd months I’ve watched my shyer and less-experienced classmates emerge from their shells. You don’t have to like acting, per se, but improv can help you boost self-esteem and potentially make friends in an uplifting environment.
Improv is also teaching me that mistakes in life are inevitable, but it’s how I respond to these screwups that matters most.
Even our instructors, Mason and Ira Pettle, sometimes falter in exercises they’ve been doing and teaching for years. They just shrug it off and move on—in fact they seem completely unafraid of showing us pupils they aren’t perfect. I tend to beat myself up for mistakes I deem “avoidable,” but that isn’t the healthiest outlook on life.
Finally, improv can be fun: and that fact is of vital importance because far too many adults forget how to have fun.
I am not arguing that as grown-ups we should be childish. There are bills to pay, mouths to feed, relationships to maintain, jobs to hold down, responsibilities to address, etc. Immature people don’t usually succeed at any of these endeavours.
Nevertheless, it is tragic when a human being forgets how to be childlike. Life can be difficult, but it also contains joy, and what’s the point of living if you’re unable to find that joy? Fun (when had wisely) keeps our minds active and our souls happy, which in turn energizes us to do what’s required in paying those bills, feeding those mouths and giving back to our communities.
If there is a person on Earth who can attain consistent mental, spiritual and emotional health without having fun, I’ve yet to meet or hear about them.
The other day I was video-calling a friend of mine. Upon hearing of my improv exploits she said something along the lines of: “Improv is like playing games. We adults don’t get to play games much. That should change.”
It absolutely should. n
LIVE A LITTLE Laugh Out LIVE! co-founders
Rebecca Mason (left) and Ira Pettle.
PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY OF LAUGH OUT LIVE
