THE CANINE CONNECTION
Canine Connection
Dogs hold a special place in the hearts of Sea to Sky residents. - By Alan Forsythe
06 OPENING REMARKS Journalists are tasked with reporting the news, but interim editor Liz McDonald recently learned what it’s like to be on the other side of the ink.
08 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter writers thank supporters who purchased books at a recent book sale, question changes to Art on the Lake and more.
22 RANGE ROVER The end of ski season is an affront to writer Leslie Anthony, who wishes the beauty of spring skiing could go on well into summer.
46 PIQUE’N
YER INTEREST
Vince Shuley has money on his mind, and you should, too.
10 BIRTHDAY BONANZA ‘From trailblazers to tomorrow makers’ is the theme for Whistler’s Golden Jubilee.
12 BEAR UNAWARE A grizzly sighting and inappropriate human behavior around a sow and her cubs sparks public concern.
30 TOUGH LADIES The Sea to Sky women’s rugby team continues to show promising growth.
34
SHARING TRADITIONS
Whistler Multicultural Festival returns on June 6 at the Whistler Public Library and Museum.
COVER Like many dog owners, I am guilty of giving a weeks old puppy car sickness on their first drive up the Sea to Sky. Thankfully he got used it, now he loves hurling himself through space and time with reckless abandon just like myself! - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art
Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com
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Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT www.piquenewsmagazine.com
What it’s like being on the other side of the ink
JOURNALISTS ARE EXPECTED to write the news and not be affected by the story. But that imperative became impossible for me two weeks ago, when I learned a friend had died while highlining.
Aside from trying to process the sudden loss of a valued community member and friend, I was also grieving someone close to me for the first time in my adult life. Perhaps I’m lucky to have made it this far without
BY LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@piquenewsmagazine.com
that kind of pain—but in this context, I can’t see myself as lucky at all.
Death is never easy. An unexpected loss flips your world upside down. We reject the premise that someone we held dear can no longer be held at all. What made it worse, though, was reading the poorly worded and sometimes sensationalized news coverage of the incident.
I felt hurt in two ways: as someone directly impacted by the story, and as a journalist who expects her colleagues to show due diligence in reporting the facts.
To be fair to reporters, highlining is a niche sport. Some people know about slacklining; fewer are familiar with
highlining. The terminology is unfamiliar to many, so when the RCMP referenced a “slackline death” in their press release, many outlets ran with that phrasing—despite the fact the accident occurred while highlining.
One outlet, which I won’t name, took it a step further and made leaps based on what I can only presume came from unverified social media posts. The resulting article contained inaccurate assumptions that misled readers and damaged my
sympathy for those who’ve had to navigate this kind of media attention without knowing how.
When a tragedy occurs, journalists are tasked with explaining how and why it happened. Part of that job involves reaching out to those affected. It’s one of the hardest parts of what we do—and it should never be done without tact, respect and a deep awareness of the emotional toll involved.
We are often asking people in the midst
comment sections? They’re often filled with speculation and judgement, rubbing salt into wounds that may take years to heal.
In a time when public trust in news is already low—sometimes for good reason— this was the most difficult professional moment of my life. How could I defend my profession when some of what I saw barely resembled journalism?
All I can do is carry this experience with me. I will continue to report the facts.
“Because while the media may move on, the people impacted
never will.
For them, this moment becomes part of their life story and they
deserve
to be treated with care.”
community’s trust in the media’s ability to do their job with compassion and accuracy.
As I processed my own grief, filled in for our editor, wrote my own stories, and tried to support friends in any way I could, I found myself reaching out to various outlets to correct their reporting. I did so voluntarily, because I have the skills and media literacy many others in similar situations may not.
But these corrections shouldn’t have been necessary. I now have immense
of grief to go on the record about their trauma, before they’ve even had time to comprehend what’s happened. It’s an essential part of public information, but until this experience, I hadn’t truly understood what it felt like from the other side.
It was awful. It forced me to question how—and why—we report on death.
Some people are private and want to remain so. Others are retraumatized when a news story pops into their inbox. And the
I will take care with how I approach those affected. I will rely on official sources when people at the centre of a story can’t or won’t speak. But most of all, I will extend compassion to the people behind the names in my stories.
Because while the media may move on, the people impacted never will. For them, this moment becomes part of their life story—and they deserve to be treated with care. n
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Love for book-lovers
The Friends of Whistler Library thanks you for all the ways you supported us to make our Giant Used Book Sale a record-breaking success! We raised $5923.75 for programming at Whistler Public Library. So many helpers: book donations, book collection, book sorting, moving thousands of books from the sorting site to the sale site, book selling, set up and take down of the sale, and all the many buyers!! Dozens of tireless volunteers came out in all-weather to make this event possible, and we are so grateful. Happy reading everyone!
Jennifer Black on behalf of The Friends of Whistler Library // Whistler
Missives to Carney and Weiler
Firstly, congratulations on your re-election Minister Weiler. In these uncertain times—marked by growing division and exclusion—Canada needs bold, steady, and compassionate leadership. We need leaders who champion unity and stand up for every Canadian, regardless of age, gender, or ability. When I cast my vote, this is the kind of leadership I believed the Liberal Party would deliver.
As you can imagine, I was shocked and disappointed to see the Minister for Diversity,
Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities eliminated from the new Cabinet.
The Prime Minister announced this new Cabinet is “purpose-built.”Eliminating this position signals that inclusivity, diversity and the needs of disabled Canadians don’t matter
and even worse: this move was intentional. I understand our economy and sovereignty is under threat, and this should be a priority. Eliminating this position seems to imitate Trump administration DEI policy, when Canadians voted for the opposite of Trump.
Write to us! Letters to the editor must contain the writer’s name, address and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 450 words. Pique Newsmagazine reserves the right to edit, condense or refrain from publishing any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Send them to edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com before 11 a.m. on Tuesday for consideration in that week’s
We cannot forget about supporting the needs of Canadians. This means investing in the social supports so that every Canadian can thrive, feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
Living with a disability is incredibly expensive. Many supports are not covered by health plans and given Canada’s population
“Eliminating this position seems to imitate Trump administration DEI policy...”
- JILL BROOKSBANK
dispersion, this also means that disabled Canadians are travelling several hours for appointments on a weekly basis. Specialist appointments, therapeutic treatment, missed work days, gas, ferries, accommodation and food on the road all add up. According to the 2024 Disability Poverty Report Card, 16.8% of people with disabilities live in poverty; poverty rates for people with disabilities are twice as high as for those without disabilities.
So I ask, with 1 in 6 disabled Canadians not having enough income to meet their basic
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daily needs, is now the time to eliminate this voice at the decision-making table?
Canadians need an advocate in the Cabinet so we can continue to evolve the Accessible Canada Act that aims to make Canada barrierfree by 2040 and improve the Canada Disability Benefit so life can be more affordable for disabled Canadians and their families.
I strongly urge the Liberal Government to: reinstate the Minister for Disability, Inclusion to drive equitable policies; increase funding for the Canada Disability Benefit through the Disability Benefit Act to address poverty among disabled Canadians — a campaign promise; and engage with non-profit organizations and people with disabilities to shape decisionmaking and policies that affect disabled Canadians; sit down with constituents within your ridings to truly understand the need and how this underserved population will be further disparaged and left behind without representation and a voice in the Cabinet.
Jill Brooksbank // Pemberton
New location for Art on the Lake questioned
I have a question for Mo Douglas and the Arts Whistler Team about the new location for Arts on the Lake. Who is it more accessible for?
As a former resident of Whistler and frequent attendee at this fabulous festival it is hard for me to imagine how hundreds of people with paddle boards, canoes and kayaks are going to get their equipment to Lost Lake to
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
enjoy the goings on from the water. There is no parking anywhere near Lost Lake and shuttling to the area with a paddle board feels like an enormous undertaking.
The previous location for the festival was perfect in every way and this change feels like it fixing something that’s not broken. So why bother? It should be returned to Alta Lake.
Dawn Minett // Whistler
Music to our ears
We recently marked the first-ever collaborative concert between the Sea to Sky Strings Orchestra and the Sea to Sky Youth Strings Orchestra—and what a night it was! We’re grateful to everyone who came out to support the talented musicians in our community.
Now in its second year, the Sea to Sky Youth Strings Orchestra continues to thrive, bringing together students of various ages from schools across our community. It’s inspiring to see these youth connect through their shared passion for music and create something meaningful together.
A special thank you to Whistler Waldorf School for their generous administrative and venue support. Their partnership plays a vital role in making both orchestras possible.
We’re excited for more opportunities to share music with you—thank you for being part of this memorable evening.
Conductor,
Yuko Iwanaga // Whistler n
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Whistler sets stage for 50th anniversary celebration
‘FROM TRAILBLAZERS TO TOMORROW MAKERS’ IS THE THEME FOR WHISTLER’S
BY LIZ MCDONALD
WHISTLER IS GEARING up for its halfcentury anniversary this year with a renewed commitment to community engagement, updated design principles, and a village-wide celebration anchored in inclusivity, local storytelling, and future visioning.
In a detailed presentation to council on May 21, Resort Municipality of Whistler’s general manager of community engagement and cultural services, Karen Elliott, outlined how staff are applying lessons learned over the past two years to strengthen public trust and build more meaningful connections across Whistler’s diverse population.
“This is very exciting for me,” said Elliott, who noted she’s often last on the agenda. “Tonight, I get to be first.”
LESSONS LEARNED AND FORWARD MOMENTUM
Elliott described 2024 as a “year of experimentation” in which the municipality tested a range of engagement approaches— from pop-up events to interactive pub nights. While not all ideas stuck, many revealed surprising insights.
“We realized quite quickly we do not have the staff capacity to manage all of that demand,” she said. “And we also learned … our community can only absorb so much information.”
Analytics from the RMOW’s communications team revealed that reducing
the volume of posts on social media led to more public interaction—a lesson that’s helping staff better time and tailor their outreach.
RMOW also found that “accidental engagement”—like impromptu conversations during a budget event held at a local pub— was unexpectedly effective. “Whoever is there is potentially someone we can engage,” Elliott said.
To support this evolving approach, the municipality is retiring two existing engagement principles and introducing new ones focused on transparency, timeliness, and innovation. The “Add Your Voice” series will continue quarterly, consolidating multiple engagement topics into single events.
REACHING YOUTH AND UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES
One major focus this year is improving how RMOW connects with younger residents.
Staff have already hosted a focus group with local high school students and are now engaging Whistler’s 20 to 34-year-olds through partnerships with businesses and community groups.
“We really have to be careful with this demographic so we don’t build cynicism,” said Elliott, noting younger residents are less patient with lengthy policy timelines. “
TRUST THROUGH CONNECTION
Elliott also emphasized how digital interactions, especially through the newly revamped whistler.ca, play a crucial role in shaping public trust. Drawing on a recent Deloitte study, she pointed to four pillars that build that trust: humanity, transparency,
GOLDEN JUBILEE
capability and reliability.
“It’s not enough to ask if people trust government—it’s too abstract,” she said. “We need to assess whether people believe we care, whether we’re open and consistent.”
TRAILBLAZERS TO TOMORROW MAKERS
Whistler’s formal anniversary marks 50 years since the community incorporated on Sept. 6, 1975—but the celebration will begin in earnest Aug. 22 to 24 with a long-weekend village takeover.
“We’ve come up with the tagline ‘From trailblazers to tomorrow makers,’” Elliott said. “We want to acknowledge the past, really focus on a positive future moving forward, and igniting that spirit.”
The weekend kicks off Thursday, Aug. 21, with PINEO & LOEB and Foxy Moron as part of the Summer Concert Series, followed by Canadian icons Sam Roberts Band and DJ Whitness. Saturday will see a “festival-style” village takeover, culminating in a shared community moment, while Sunday shifts to trail and park activations.
The summer concert series lineup was released May 27, and attendees get to listen to an incredible list of local and Canadian talent.
Throughout the fall, residents can expect art shows, pop-up performances, and events organized by community groups and businesses. The RMOW has hired a community engagement producer to coordinate with local partners and help them integrate the 50th theme into existing programming.
A new marketing kit and branding have also been rolled out, and $5,000 in micro-grants will be distributed via the Whistler Community Foundation to support
neighbourhood-led celebrations. The team is also pursuing a UBCM Community to Community grant to host a meal gathering.
COMMUNITY IDEAS ON THE TABLE
Council members expressed enthusiasm for the plans—and added a few ideas of their own.
Councillor Cathy Jewett raised the potential for a reunion-style event like the one hosted by Whistler Blackcomb in 2000, which invited back decades of former staff. Ralph Forsyth called to celebrate Whistler’s exceptional Olympians and world-class athletes.
“There’s always half a dozen kids from the high school in the Olympics,” Forsyth said. “I think we are the best in the world at this, and I think we should celebrate it.”
Elliott made no promises but said the team is exploring these ideas. She also noted staff are in conversation with Whistler Blackcomb, as the Resort celebrates 60 years of operations in years in 2025-26 season. The RMOW’s 50th is timed to wrap up as WB begins its celebration.
WHAT’S NEXT
Bahamas will headline Whistler’s Canada Day celebrations on July 1, and the next Add Your Voice engagement event is scheduled for June 4.
As for the 50th, more details will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We can’t do everything,” Elliott acknowledged. “But we’re doing our best.” to take all of your ideas and weave them into a celebration.” n
PARTY ON The Resort Municipality of Whistler prepares for its biggest birthday yet. TOURISM WHISTLER/MIKE CRANE
Grizzly prompts school safety measures as bear activity spikes in Whistler
BLACK BEAR SOW WITH
YEARLINGS
ALSO DRAWING CONCERN OVER UNSAFE HUMAN ENCOUNTERS
BY LIZ MCDONALD
A RECENT GRIZZLY BEAR sighting near Myrtle Philip Community School at Nicklaus North Golf Course prompted staff to initiate a hold-and-secure protocol May 26 and modify outdoor activity plans as conservation officers monitor escalating bear activity across Whistler.
“We became aware, conservation contacted us and let us know we had the grizzly sighting,” said Brianne Aldcroft, principal at Myrtle Philip. “In the meantime, we called for a hold and secure, an indoor recess so people didn’t go outside, or do PE outside, until we knew from conservation what was what.”
While the bear was behaving normally and steering clear of humans, Aldcroft said the school took additional precautions. “We’re leaving doors ajar so kids can get in if they need to,” she said, adding that staff are keeping students away from forested areas like Helicopter Park and the lower field. “We don’t want kids in the forest anyway because of shenanigans.”
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) confirmed it is monitoring bear activity and could not verify whether the grizzly is the same one that has been seen in Whistler in recent years.
“The COS has not received any new sightings of a grizzly bear in Whistler,” stated a COS spokesperson. “COs are continuing to monitor bear activity in the community and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety.”
The COS emphasized preventative measures including securing garbage and
leashing pets, with more resources available at WildSafeBC.com.
While the grizzly’s presence has raised concern, officers say a local black bear sow and her three yearlings have been at the centre of more pressing safety issues.
“There have been no reports of aggressive or conflict behaviour,” COS said of the sow.
“We continue to ask the public to give the bears space and an opportunity to move on.”
However, multiple community members have reported people stopping their vehicles
“We’re leaving doors ajar so kids can get in if they need to.”
- BRIANNE ALDCROFT
on Highway 99 and approaching the bears to take photos as reported by Alanna Kelly for Pique Newsmagazine
“Conservation Officers attended and removed the vehicles and people from the area,” stated the COS. “The trail was temporarily closed for wildlife and public safety reasons.”
Emily McCosh, a local resident, witnessed one such incident and captured video of it.
“Stopped so suddenly on the highway and just pulled over and got out of their cars right next to where the bears were,” she said. “Bears are
BEAR UNAWARE Video captures people pulling over on the side of a busy highway to get close to a bear and two cubs.
PHOTO BY EMILY MCCOSH
Tourism Whistler board seats filled by acclamation at AGM
WHISTLER’S TOURISM BODY HIGHLIGHTS RESILIENCE AND SHIFTING MARKETS IN ANNUAL UPDATE
BY LIZ MCDONALD
THREE RETURNING DIRECTORS were confirmed to the Tourism Whistler Board during its virtual Annual General Meeting on May 22, with all seats filled by acclamation.
Saad Hasan, general manager of Lodging Ovations, retained his position representing the Single-Managed Lodging – Small category. Steve Seatle, regional director of Vacasa Canada, also remains on the board, representing Multi-Managed Lodging –Benchlands. Seatle continues as board chair.
Nadia Demers, chief financial officer of Ziptrek Ecotours, returns as the Commercial Director.
The board’s reappointment comes amid continued efforts to support Whistler’s evolving tourism landscape. In a statement, Seatle acknowledged the complexity of sustaining a resort community that welcomes over 3.2 million visitors annually.
“Whistler must continue to adapt and evolve in order to remain a desirable destination to visit and community to live in,” he said. He noted that while some overseas markets have underperformed, Tourism Whistler has focused its resources on key growth areas and recovery efforts, working alongside resort partners to prioritize
destination stewardship and reinvestment.
Tourism Whistler’s 13-member board is composed of seven elected directors and six appointed representatives, including officials from the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb. Directors serve twoyear terms unless appointed by a partner organization.
Tourism Whistler president and CEO Barrett Fisher also presented a recap of 2024’s marketing and sales performance. Despite a slow start to the winter season, occupancy rates rose one percentage point over the previous year, largely driven by B.C. and U.S. visitors benefiting from a favourable exchange rate.
“Whistler must continue to adapt and evolve...”
- STEVE SEATLE
“Summer 2024 occupancy was the third highest on record,” Fisher said, attributing the success to strong leisure travel and record-setting group conference attendance. Overseas markets, however, continued to lag behind pre-pandemic levels.
Fisher said the organization’s focus remains on strengthening year-round viability, transforming the visitor experience, and deepening environmental and community stewardship.
Tourism Whistler represents more than 8,000 members who own, manage or operate businesses on resort lands, including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retailers.
Members can access the full 2024 annual report at whistler.com/members.n
GRIZZLY BEARS FROM PAGE 11
not tourist attractions. Why are you stopping? There’s clearly cubs and a mum bear.”
Aldcroft said the COS has provided education support to the school and was on site earlier this week. “They would try to be on scene unless there was something else,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nicklaus North Golf Course has been another hotspot for bear activity. Five holes were temporarily closed May 26
after a grizzly was spotted near the western edge of the course.
“We’ve definitely been impacted,” said general manager Gavin Eckford. “Not everyone wants to play a 13-hole golf course. We’ve had to cancel some tee times and offer discounted rates.”
The COS responded to the scene Sunday evening and again Monday morning. While the bear has not shown signs of aggression,
officers awere maintaining a presence.
Bear sightings have been a focus in Whistler, with tensions rising earlier this month after a sow was killed by the COS, and her three cubs were orphaned and remain missing.
For emergencies involving wildlife, the public is asked to call 911. Non-urgent bear sightings should be reported to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. n
Rob Katz named Vail Resorts CEO
KATZ SUCCEEDS KIRSTEN LYNCH, WHO REMAINS INVOLVED IN AN ADVISORY ROLE
BY DAVID SONG
VAIL RESORTS announced on Tuesday that Rob Katz has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) once more.
The 58-year-old replaces Kirsten Lynch, who stepped down as CEO and director of the Board but will now take up an advisory role to facilitate a smooth transition.
“It is an honour to step back into the role of CEO of Vail Resorts, and it is a privilege to lead the incredible people who make our resorts and our Company so special. I remain as passionate about Vail Resorts, the sport of skiing and snowboarding, and this industry as when I first became CEO nearly two decades ago,” Katz said in a press release. “While the environment and the Company itself have changed, what remains the same is our deep-rooted commitment to all our stakeholders, including to our team members, our truly unique mountain resorts, and the communities we serve, as well as to our culture of innovation and constant improvement.
“I am very optimistic...”
- ROB KATZ
Resorts and look forward to seeing the next phase of the Company’s journey.”
In addition to his new duties, Katz will continue to act as Chairperson of Vail’s 11-director Board.
“As Vail Resorts continues to execute its strategic priorities and transformational initiatives, the Board believes now is the right time for this leadership transition,” said Bruce Sewell, Lead Independent Director of the Board, in a release. “Rob has a strong track record of driving innovation and executing consistent performance at Vail Resorts and has played a critical role in the development of Vail Resorts’ operations and long-term strategy for over the past three decades. Rob’s 16 years as CEO included reinvigorating the Company during times of industry stagnation and challenging macro environments. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him to ensure that Vail Resorts consistently delivers for our employees, guests, communities, and shareholders as the worldwide ski industry leader.
Lynch added: “It has been an experience of a lifetime to serve 14 years on the executive team at Vail Resorts, including more than three years as CEO. I want to share my
“I am very optimistic about the future of Vail Resorts and delivering for all our stakeholders. I want to thank Kirsten for her leadership over the past three and a half years; she has set us up for the next phase of growth, and I look forward to building upon that work.”
sincerest appreciation to all our talented team members for their passion for our mountains, our guests, and our communities. I also have deep gratitude to Bruce [Sewell], Rob, the entire Board, and our executive team for their partnership. I am a lifelong champion of Vail
“We are incredibly grateful for Kirsten’s leadership and contributions over her 14-year career with Vail Resorts, including driving transformational growth of the Epic Pass, stewarding the business through unprecedented challenges, and driving meaningful investments in innovation to position Vail Resorts for future success.” n
UN-VAIL-ING ROB KATZ Rob Katz with Pique editorial staff in a 2018 sit-down.
FILE PHOTO BY JOEL BARDE
CURE LOUNGE &PATIO
Whistler doubles down on zoning enforcement as home swapping flagged under short-term rental rules
A RECENT BYLAW WARNING ISSUED TO A RESIDENT USING A HOME-SWAPPING PLATFORM HAS PROMPTED RENEWED QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW WHISTLER REGULATES TOURIST USE IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES.
BY LIZ MCDONALD
A RECENT BYLAW warning issued to a local resident for home swapping has sparked confusion—and clarification—around how Whistler’s short-term rental bylaws are enforced.
According to municipal staff, residents offering their homes for exchange on platforms like HomeExchange or People Like Us are still running afoul of Whistler’s longstanding zoning laws.
“It’s the intent of the bylaw,” said RMOW Mayor Jack Crompton. “Tourism uses are meant to occur in areas with tourist accommodation zoning, not in residential zones.”
While short-term rental enforcement in Whistler often brings Airbnb and VRBO listings to mind, officials confirm that even non-commercial swaps—where no money changes hands—still qualify as “tourism use” if they involve stays of less than a month.
That means platforms promoting weeklong or weekend exchanges still trigger the same zoning restrictions.
“Our enforcement is complaint-based,” Crompton explained. “We review listings on
accommodation platforms, respond to every complaint filed, and carry out proactive enforcement on frequent listings. The provincial short-term rental registry has also made our work more effective.”
Despite the municipality’s clarity, many
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homeowners remain unaware that nonmonetary exchanges are also restricted. Some argue the rules are overly rigid, limiting flexible use of their property.
Whistler’s zoning framework, however, has remained largely unchanged since it was
first established.
“It demonstrates some incredible foresight by people who framed up what this community would be,” Crompton said. “They created a huge amount of tourist accommodation intended for tourism use, and a huge amount of residential accommodation intended for residential use. We’re committed to that regime.”
In the case of one resident recently warned for home swapping, a complaint appears to have triggered the response—but officials say these incidents are rare.
“This one came in through a complaint, but I don’t think we’ve seen a whole bunch of home-swapping complaints,” Crompton added. “Still, the bylaw applies.”
Those wishing to rent or swap their homes legally must apply for rezoning to acquire tourist accommodation status. The only exemption is for stays longer than 30 days, which fall outside the definition of “short-term.”
As the line between commercial rentals and casual exchanges blurs, the municipality says the bottom line remains clear: tourist use is not permitted in residential zones, regardless of the platform used. n
HOME SWEET FINES Thinking of house swapping this summer? You’ll need a permit for that.
PHOTO BY LORDRUNAR / GETTY IMAGES
WCSS appeals to community to close in on food bank donation goal
WHISTLER FOOD BANK VISITS SOAR BY 603% FROM 2019
BY ALYSSA NOEL
SINCE 2019, Food Banks BC has seen an 80-per-cent spike in use.
That might seem like a shocking number—until you look at the Whistler Food Bank’s stats.
During that same timeframe, it has seen a 603-per-cent increase in visits.
“We’re serving higher numbers than we did during the onset of COVID,” says Jackie Dickinson, executive director of Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), which runs the food bank. “During that time, because there was this anticipated increase in need because of how it would impact the economy across Canada, we moved to the conference centre. We redeployed volunteers and staff there and we were open 40 hours a week … We’re actually serving more people now out of our 8000 Nesters Road location a month.”
Currently, the food bank is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
To that end, WCSS is at the tail end of a fundraiser to raise $100,000 for the food bank. So far, the community has donated $88,000— thanks in part to the Touchet family, who offered matching funds up to $20,000.
While both food and funds are appreciated, WCSS works with food distributors to
maximize purchasing.
“We did an assessment earlier this year and [found] … if you gave us $1, we could basically triple our purchasing power versus you just buying that can at the grocery store,” Dickinson said.
Last year, the food bank saw 21,137 visits, up from 3,005 in 2019. That includes 2,061 kids and 1,038 families.
“We really did feel as if we were starting to
- JACKIE DICKINSON
see more families come in than we had seen, and so our team went back to the data that we’ve been collecting … and the anecdotal thoughts we had were correct,” Dickinson said. “We’ve seen a 61-per-cent increase just from last year of children coming into the food bank compared to the year prior. That is really something, too. What we have to keep in mind is that a food bank line doesn’t really tell the whole story around who’s impacted, because we at WCSS are very fortunate with
private donor support and support from the school affordability fund and provincial funding from the government to offer a school food program.”
That program contributes between 80,000 and 100,000 snacks per school year, which could help some families avoid needing the food bank.
However, there is some good news in the numbers, too. Pre-pandemic, food bank
connect with them when they are in this space and ensure they’re getting what they need, because we may not get a second chance or third chance to see them, and so we really want to make sure that they leave the space feeling well supported,” Dickinson said.
It’s likely not a surprise to anyone that the reason for food bank visits has changed, too.
Currently, the high cost of living connected to housing and food costs, along with low work hours—which has more to do with full-time hours throughout the year than daily hours—tops the list.
“Illness and injury always sits as a primary reason,” Dickinson added. “From 2010 to 2020, that was the primary reason people were coming to our food bank. And although it still sits somewhere in the top five, it is no longer the primary reason. It is absolutely linked to affordability.”
visitors would come in one to three times total. That increased, on average, to more than six times a year per visitor.
But now “we are seeing people come less often and for those shorter, specific times,” Dickinson said.
But that means WCSS has fewer chances to connect food bank visitors to their other program offerings.
“If people are coming in less frequently, then we have such a strong responsibility to
As they near the finish line of their campaign, Dickinson said any amount can help.
“Sometimes when we think about giving, we’re not sure if what we have to offer is enough,” she said. “And anything, no matter what the amount that people can give us, it will help us get to that $100,000 goal. What you might think is little is big to us. We’re really appealing to the community to get to that $100,000 with just over $10,000 remaining.”
To donate, visit mywcss.org/fundraiser. n
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Pemberton to re-assess proposed short-term vacation rental bylaw after public opposition
RESIDENTS OBJECT TO TWO-YEAR LIMIT ON STVRS, SAY IT’S UNFAIR TO BUSINESS OWNERS AND COULD HARM LOCAL TOURISM
BY LUKE FAULKS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
THE VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON is pressing pause on a proposed bylaw that would restrict short-term vacation rental (STVR) business licences to two years of operation, following opposition from the public.
The proposed bylaw prompted eight letters to council—seven of them opposed to the change—as well as feedback from in-person and Zoom attendees who also spoke out against the plan.
“I have been operating my business in full compliance with local bylaws, Good Neighbour Agreements, and provincial shortterm rental regulations,” wrote resident Britt Walker, who also joined the meeting via Zoom. “I am deeply concerned about the recent proposal to limit STVR licences to a maximum of two years.”
The Village currently allows a maximum of five STVRs per neighbourhood. The proposed bylaw would require STVRs to return to a waitlist—already in place for neighbourhoods that exceed the five-STVR cap—after two years, rather than allowing businesses to
renew their licences consecutively, as they can now.
The bylaw had two key objectives: to increase turnover on STVR waitlists—giving more residents a chance to operate these businesses—and to increase the availability of long-term rentals, as part of efforts to ease the Village’s housing crisis.
“I think council totally sees the value of having some [STVRs]. That’s why we’ve left space in our bylaw to have some,” said Mayor Mike Richman. “But we’re trying to balance that with the fact that we have a real shortage of long-term rentals—[we need housing] for employees at the RCMP and daycare and other [places]. So, we’re trying to find a balance with this bylaw between those two opposing forces.”
NEGATIVE IMPACT ON LOCAL BUSINESS
Other residents echoed Walker’s concerns. Getting established in the STVR market requires sitting on Pemberton’s waitlist— which, as of the May 27 meeting, included 30 applicants—paying fees, passing inspections and adapting to new village and provincial regulations. For Walker, the proposed two-year limit was the final straw.
“A two-year limit on [licences] significantly undermines our ability to operate with any degree of certainty,” she wrote. “Many of us host guests [who] book six to 12 months in
advance, and without a guarantee of renewal, we risk losing our ‘Superhost’ or equivalent status, future bookings, and our long-term reputation—all of which we’ve worked extremely hard to build.”
“In short, this policy could dismantle our businesses and jeopardize the income we rely on to support our families.”
Some residents urged the Village to expand the number of licences allowed per neighbourhood. Councillor Ted Craddock noted that neighbourhood caps are also intended to encourage resident continuity, reducing turnover and ensuring familiarity in residential areas.
Part of the rationale for the two-year cap, reiterated Richman, was to ensure fairness for residents who had been waiting for a chance to operate an Airbnb. But resident Tanys Hopkins pushed back on that framing.
“This notion seems wild to me,” wrote Hopkins. “To be told that after spending years of hard work and energy and money building a business and reputation … ‘it’s no longer your turn.’ This is not a [playground] swing— it is people’s livelihoods.”
Residents also emphasized the role STVRs play in supporting Pemberton’s tourism economy and local businesses. Airbnbs can offer more affordable options for visitors, they argued, helping drive spending in the region.
“Short-term vacation rentals have long contributed positively to the local economy by supporting tourism, providing flexible
accommodations for visitors, and creating income opportunities for residents,” wrote Claire Hayes. “In a town with limited short-term accommodation that thrives on tourism and outdoor recreation, maintaining a balanced and well-regulated STVR system is crucial.”
THIRD READING
Mayor and council thanked residents for sharing their perspectives and opted not to proceed with the bylaw in its current form.
“The original intent on going down this path was, as a council, to reach for that lowhanging fruit in terms of housing,” said Councillor Katrina Nightingale. “This was never an attempt to be punitive to people who were running excellent businesses in town.”
Nightingale also acknowledged the importance of Airbnbs in promoting tourism and local commerce, and suggested business owners connect with the Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce to share their experiences.
Council voted to give first and second readings to the bylaw, but asked staff to prepare options for amendments before the third reading.
Mayor and council requested the amendments explore removing the two-year cap, better management of unused licences, possible changes to the neighbourhood cap, ensuring fair access to STVR opportunities, and improving business certainty. n
OF
Pemberton, SLRD secure funding for universal water metering pilot project
THE PROJECT WILL INCENTIVIZE WATER CONSERVATION BY ONLY CHARGING RESIDENTS FOR WHAT THEY CONSUME, INSTEAD OF A FLAT RATE BASED ON PROPERTY TYPE
BY LUKE FAULKS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
WATER METERS are coming to Pemberton homes and businesses.
The province has awarded $5.1 million to the Village of Pemberton (VOP) and SquamishLillooet Regional District (SLRD) to support the installation of water meters with the goal of tracking and reducing water consumption.
“This project aligns strongly with our strategic priority to protect our environment and focus on sustainable, forward-thinking practices for the community,” said Pemberton mayor Mike Richman, in a release.
“With this investment, we can better manage our water supply, help residents understand their own water use, deliver on our water conservation goals and make informed decisions about our community’s infrastructure for the future.”
The province announced a $50 million Water Meter Pilot Project on May 6. The investment will cover the installation of 15,000 new automated water meters in 19 small, rural and First Nations communities across the province. The funds will cover 100 per cent of eligible project costs—including the meters’ purchase and installation, cellular infrastructure and software and data collection and communication.
This initiative aims to help small communities and local water suppliers manage water use, mitigate the impacts of drought, detect leaks by noting abnormal water usage and ensure that customers are only paying for what they use.
“...we can better manage our water supply...”
- MIKE RICHMAN
An estimate from the province suggests the investment could reduce water consumption by up to 30 percent, saving 1.5 billion litres of water each year—”the equivalent of a day’s worth of drinking water for 750 million people, 37.5 million showers or washing 30 million loads of laundry.”
VOLUMETRIC PRICING FOR THE VILLAGE
The $4.75 million received by the Village of Pemberton will go towards installing meters on properties using the Village and Industrial Park water systems, while the $343,815 to the SLRD will cover the installation of meters in the Pemberton North Water System.
At present, Pemberton residents are charged a flat rate based on property type.
That rate is determined annually through a bylaw, and takes into account annual fixed costs for maintenance, administration and operations.
Water meters provide data that utilities can use to charge customers based on the volume of water they consume, also known as volumetric pricing. That new model provides a direct financial incentive for residents and businesses to reduce water consumption.
Pemberton’s chief administrative officer, Elizabeth Tracy said the long-term goal is to shift towards volumetric pricing, but that the transition won’t happen immediately. The priority is getting the meters installed, then collecting data on consumption.
“This transition would ultimately require Council approval through a future bylaw amendment,” she told Pique in an email. “However, participation in the pilot program positions the Village to take this step in alignment with provincial best practices. These practices emphasize conservation education, leak detection and demand management through volume tracking.»
“Over time, as the Village gathers water use data and applies best practices in water use accounting, volumetric pricing will be optimized with the goal of serving as an effective tool to support long-term water sustainability.”
The pilot project will collect data over the course of six years; participating communities are expected to share their findings on the benefits and challenges associated with water metering with the government and B.C. water suppliers.
The installation of water meters is scheduled to be complete by March 31, 2027. n
Thisisnoticepursuanttosection24and26oftheCommunityCharter thattheCounciloftheVillageofPembertonproposestoestablisha temporarylicenceofoccupationbetweentheVillageofPembertonand TourismPembertonon aportionofthepropertyownedbytheVillage locatedat7424FrontierStreetandlegallydescribedas:
SubjectLand: Lot1,DistrictLot203, LillooetLandDistrict,EPP1760
Nature: TemporaryLicenceofOccupation
Term: May– October2025
Thepurposeofthetemporarylicenceof occupationistoenableTourismPemberton tolocatethePembertonVisitorInformation Centreonthepropertyandinthedowntown coretosupportTourismPemberton’sefforts inpromotingtourismandtraveltothe Pembertonarea.
TheVillagewillbeprovidingassistancetoTourismPembertonbyleasingthe propertyfor$1fortheTerm.
GwendolynKennedy CorporateOfficer
CONSUMPTION CUTTERS The province doled out $50 million to support the installation of 15,000 water meters in small communities across B.C.
PHOTO BY BET_NOIRE / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Say it Ain’t So
WHILE MOST PEOPLE have clearly moved on and don’t really want to hear any more about snow, here’s the thing: I hate the end of ski season; always have and still can’t shake off my annual disappointment.
Yes, I’m one of those who’s never ready to let it go. Someone who, when living in Ontario, was always up for a spring-ski
BY LESLIE ANTHONY
road trip. Whether it was to Whistler, the Rockies, the Chic Chocs of Gaspé or even New Hampshire’s Tuckerman Ravine, I had no trouble rustling up a handful of hardcores to join and have their “driving eyes drip like sweaty palms, reaching for cold beer” (as one more literary acolyte once put it). And that was just to make turns in April! Indeed, it was the prospect of an even more extended ski season, through May and, once upon a time, summer, what lured me to Whistler in the first place—being able to go up the mountain for a couple hours on a beauty day in mid-July never got old and I miss it.
That summer skiing no longer exists in Whistler and abundant snow is left to languish in the alpine once the mountain closes doesn’t sit well with me. In self-directed
inquiry as to why this might be, the reason appears to be that because spring delivers so much of the best of skiing—sunny days, stellar views, low crowds, no lines, and a great vibe among and between both riders and mountain employees—you wish it lasted forever. Although the more-or-less consistent freeze-thaw conditions can demand judicious timing, and the death-before-download ethos often needs recalibration, there’s just so much less to worry about.
Spring skiing on Blackcomb this year was good, and I made the most of it. Glorious
actually started my spring ski season this year in Switzerland, in mid-March.
While we think of March as late winter and don’t really label anything “spring” until April, things are different in parts of Europe. When I first started going to the Alps it was usually late March or early April, and still quite reliably winter-like, with good powder and occasional big storms that would dump metres of snow. (Indeed, France, Italy and Switzerland unexpectedly experienced one of these multi-metre monsters in mid-April— weeks after most ski areas had shuttered).
“I know it doesn’t make economic sense to stay open any longer...but I sure wish money wasn’t the sole arbiter...”
- LESLIE ANTHONY
days, with smooth skiing underfoot and the air-freshener phenols of evergreens constantly wafting past my nostrils. Gazing out and around the Spearhead and its glacial mantlepieces from the higher alpine perches, it was hard to imagine winter had any intention of saying farewell. And my god, all that snow going to waste on Whistler Mountain!
Yeah, I know it doesn’t make economic sense to stay open any longer than is already the case at North American resorts, but I sure wish money wasn’t the sole arbiter, or for running more lifts more often as they do in Europe, where the price of a lift ticket ensures you have access to the entirety of skiable terrain, all the time. I mention this because I
In the past few decades, however, average freezing levels in March have risen many hundreds of metres and most ski towns are in full spring bloom by the month’s end if not weeks before. The high alps of Switzerland will still hold snow above 2,000 metres but you’d never know it to travel through the lowland staging grounds for storied resorts. And so I wasn’t surprised that a mid-March trip had delivered spring skiing conditions of hot, sunny days and mostly melting pistes in Andermatt, Mürren, and my final destination, the esoteric Val d’Anniviers.
Located in the heart of Valais and reached only by a hair-raising road, Val d’Anniviers is home to the villages of St-Luc, Chandolin,
Grimentz, and Zinal. Once four ski areas, these have merged into two cross-valley behemoths with 220 kms of piste, the majority of which sits between 2,000 and 3,000 metres—the larger Grimentz-Zinal, where global alpine teams converge for training in November, and sun-soaked St-Luc/Chandolin.
True to their roots, the Anniviards have preserved both heritage and environment. Traditional architecture of wooden chalets, shingle roofs and cobblestone streets reflect the valley’s cultural identity. Grimentz, lowest at 1,570 metres, charms with flower-lined streets and its old village. Nestled at 1,670 metres at the foot of the Imperial Crown—five peaks over 4,000 metres—Zinal is another gem with breathtaking panoramas. Likewise, St-Luc, set at 1,650 meters on the other side of the valley, offers similarly dizzying views and is nicknamed “Station of Stars” for its small observatory, planetarium, and Planetary Trail. Finally, perched at 2,000 metres, Chandolin is one of the highest year-round inhabited villages in Europe.
Despite the altitude, in mid-March spring had long since arrived, and the tree phenols were mixed with cow dung. Yet the skiing was still insanely good, with everyone—parking lots were packed on a Saturday—reveling in the weather and a chance to make a few runs before hitting one of the abundant patios in the towns. With a hard-charging local guide, I skied more in two days than I would have in a week at home. I felt like I was on one of those hastily convened spring ski trips with my Ontario buddies, enjoying the best of the mountains. This time, I suppose I can partially blame the stellar spring skiing I started with on the attitude I carried home: I’d still wanted it to last forever. n
SUMMER NOSTALGIA Leslie Anthony remembers when summer skiing was a right of passage for die-hards.
PHOTO BY LESLIE ANTHONY
Lil’wat Forestry Ventures
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Noticeishereby giventhat Lil’wat Forestry Ventures,holderofLicense #N2V,isseekingpublic review and comment on Forest Operations Map(FOM)ID#2359,whichis covered by Forest StewardshipPlan #891.The review and comment period related to FOMID#2359is available fora30-dayperiodfromMay30th,2025 to June30th,2025. This FOM consistsof2sectionsof road reconstructionand1section ofnew road constructionlocatedinthe generalareaaroundthe Ryan RiverandS&MCreekintheSea to SkyNatural ResourceDistrict.
The FOM canbeviewed athttps://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, and by searchingLicenseeusingthe‘find’function.Alternatively, theinformation containedinthe FOM canbemade available forinpersonviewingduringnormalbusinesshours at Chartwell Resource Group Ltd.’s office at #201–1121CommercialPlace,SquamishBC.
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Followingthe review and comment period,thisFOMmaybe relied upon to apply fora Road PermitorCutting Permit fora3-yearperiod, endingJuly1st,2028.
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THE CANINE CONNECTION
BY ALAN FORSYTHE
n any given morning in Whistler, the trails hum with the sound of paws on packed dirt. Dogs weave between hikers and mountain bikers, stopping to sniff branches, leap into alpine streams, or pause— alert—for the scent of a squirrel. It’s a canine paradise: endless trails, dog beaches, and forested escapes that stretch into the mountains.
But for many dogs in this outdoor haven, the journey here hasn’t been idyllic. Before reaching the loving homes of the Sea to Sky corridor, some have lived through unthinkable trauma.
Erica Egyad knows their stories well. For more than a decade, she’s been rescuing dogs and placing them with families across Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. She started at a local rescue in Squamish and eventually founded her own organization, Pawsitive Animal Rescue, after learning about the high-kill shelters in the southern United States.
“I had a connection down south and was made aware of the situation in southern California,” she said. “Shelters were getting between 200 and 600 dogs a month, and they would have to euthanize just to make space. That’s how we started. I sort of went into a panic and made Pawsitive.”
Shortly afterward, a call from San Diego connected her to an even more desperate situation—street dogs in Tijuana.
“So I started helping those dogs out,” she said.
The dogs that came to her, Egyad said, often bore visible— and invisible—scars.
“One … came to us with horrible road rash from being dragged behind a truck,” she said. “Some had been locked in garages for years. Or they’re simply abandoned. There were so many horror stories.”
FINDING LIGHT IN DARK WORK
For Pemberton paramedic Kelly Budway, adopting her dog Skye was more than an act of compassion—it was a lifeline.
A Shepherd mix affectionately called a “Tijuana special,” Skye came to Budway through Pawsitive five years ago. It was, she said, the best decision of her adult life.
“I see a lot of death [in my job] and sometimes I just don’t want to deal with people anymore,” Budway said. “I just want to be with my dog. She’s my best friend and has changed my outlook for the better.”
During the isolation of the pandemic, Skye became a constant source of support.
“During COVID, when we weren’t able to see people— especially for me as a first responder, I didn’t want to get anyone sick—I really needed that companionship.”
But the transition wasn’t seamless. Skye, like many rescues, arrived with deep anxieties.
“When I first got her, everything was a new experience.
She was afraid of doors, of stairs and men, so we had to work through that. She also had no clue about bikes or cars,” Budway said. “It really made you wonder what life she led before I got her—you just have no idea. It took a long time for her to settle in.”
HARD CHOICES IN RESCUE
In the early days of Pawsitive, Egyad tried to help every dog she could—including those with severe behavioural issues.
“They were aggressive dogs that probably had a lot of trauma, and it was hard to place them,” she said. “Now we just don’t take dogs that need that much socialization, as it means bringing in fewer dogs.”
That balance—between helping the most in need and saving the most lives—is one of the hardest parts of rescue work.
TRAIL COMPANIONS AND FOREST THERAPY
These days, Budway and Skye are inseparable.
“She even follows me into the bathroom,” she said. But it’s out in the woods where the connection deepens.
“I call it forest bathing—just being in the forest surrounded by nature. She gets her therapy taking in all of the different scents, and I get joy from watching her. It’s such a great feeling—no electronics, not being in front of a screen. It brings you back to nature. And it’s so important, for our mental and physical health.”
DOUBLE THE DOGS, DOUBLE THE HEALING
Tara Iles, a frequent Whistler visitor, doesn’t hesitate when asked about the role her dogs play in her life.
“He is my therapy every day, he’s my snuggle-bug, my confidant and my voice of reason,” she said of her 12-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Hemi. “He is my rock. He’s been with me for the worst times of my life, and we have shared the best times as well.”
Recently, Iles welcomed a second rescue—a one-year-old husky mix named Mila. The dog had been found abandoned on a rural road, without water and severely underweight. Adopting her came with its own challenges.
“Hemi was not sure at first, and at times he’s still annoyed with her,” she said. “But he has fun chasing her when he’s in the mood, and he does protect her from other dogs. I wouldn’t say it’s been difficult; change is hard but it’s worth it when you see them realize they are safe and loved.”
When dogs can’t come to work
Caring for an active dog while juggling a job can be a logistical puzzle. For Budway, the solution is Mt. Currie Canine, a trusted local dog walking service in Pemberton.
“I feel relieved knowing she’s been out on the trails getting some fresh air and being taken care of while I’m at work,” she said.
Iles, meanwhile, works mostly from home, which makes things easier.
“Hemi spends most of his time on my couch or next to me
wherever I’m working,” she said. “He hates it when I have to go to the office, and barks like crazy at me when I return—and now Mila does as well.”
FROM PIZZA TRUCK TO TRAILHEAD
For Whistler locals Cory and Tess Klein, the solution was simpler: take their dog everywhere.
“We got Asher as a birthday present for our daughter when she turned eight,” said Cory Klein. “And we wanted a dog that could do everything with us—hike, mountain bike, go fishing, swim, scare off the occasional bear, and even come to work with us in the pizza truck.”
Asher, an English Shepherd, became more than a pet—he was a part of the business and the family. He passed away last October at age 14.
“Dogs can be the soul of the people here,” said Klein. “When everyone’s done for the day, people who have dogs—they have a moment walking their dogs. They have time to appreciate life walking on the Valley Trail.”
CALIFORNIA RESCUE, PEMBERTON LIFE
Susan Hutchinson, known to many as the sales manager at Pique Newsmagazine, also turned to rescue. She now shares her home with Beau, a husky mix that was dumped on her sister’s farm in southern California.
“My boyfriend and I both wanted a dog, so when my sister sent us videos … it seemed like a sign,” she said. “We drove three days at the beginning of December to go get him, spent two days in the Coachella area, and then drove back with our new dog. Thank goodness he loves being in the car. We really did not think that one through.”
Though she had initial reservations about adopting a rescue, Hutchinson is now a convert.
“I have heard great stories about adopting a dog and most of the time it works out—but sometimes it doesn’t. There are dogs that could be too traumatized to be socialized. But I think that most dogs are very forgiving and loving—it is their best quality and why I got over my reservations. I am so glad I did.”
A DOG’S PLAYGROUND: THE SEA TO SKY
What makes Whistler and Pemberton such ideal places for dogs?
According to their humans, it’s the endless trails, dog-friendly lakes, and a community built for outdoor living.
“There [are] loads of recreational areas for dogs in Whistler,” said Iles. “Lakes, hiking trails, river beaches, and the village itself. Hemi loves hiking—he’s always the leader on the trails.”
Hutchinson said Pemberton stands out for its infrastructure.
“One thing Pemberton has that Whistler doesn’t is a poo bag and garbage container on practically every corner,” she said. “Whistler, you need to pick up your game.”
CONNECTING THROUGH CANINES
Dogs aren’t just companions in the Sea to Sky—they’re community builders.
When Klein’s family had Asher, he brought a circle of friends with him.
“He always had to say hello to all the dogs at Rainbow
Park,” said Klein. “He was well known in Whistler.”
Even if they didn’t have a dog with them, the Klein’s would still go to the dog beach because it keeps them connected.
Hutchinson met one woman in Pemberton who kept a little black book filled with the names of dogs and their humans.
“She said it helps her connect and remember everyone,” Hutchinson said.
Budway had a similar experience when she moved north.
“I met so many people through our dogs. I find Skye to be a good judge of character—so if she likes you, I’ll probably like you, too.”
ADOPT WITH INTENTION
While the rewards of dog ownership are rich, the responsibilities are just as real.
“Once you get a dog, it’s for life—their life,” said Budway. “You’re their everything, so they need stability. Taking a dog and then sending it back to a shelter can break them.”
Iles agreed: “Pets are a lifetime commitment and a lifestyle, meaning your lifestyle needs to cater to what those animals need to have a happy and fulfilling life. If you are not that kind of person that enjoys giving them that life, then it’s not fair to the animal.”
Hutchinson added: “If you rent, have a serious and honest conversation with your landlord. Make sure you have a longterm place. And look at your budget—see if you can fit a dog into your life.”
RESCUE THE RIGHT WAY
One of the best ways to reduce pet overpopulation is to spay and neuter—a policy firmly in place at Pawsitive.
“Before they’re even transported to us, we have to make sure that’s taken care of,” said Egyad. “Vaccines, medical issues—they have to be healthy before they come to us.”
Her team carefully vets potential adopters, and it shows— only about one in 100 dogs are returned.
“I believe there’s a perfect home out there for every dog in need—but not every home is perfect for a dog,” she said.
To Adopt, volunteer, foster—or simply walk a shelter dog visit: pawsitiveanimal.com whistlerwag.com. n
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Axes and Oars trending upward after inaugural playoff game
THE SEA TO SKY WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM CONTINUES TO SHOW PROMISING GROWTH
BY DAVID SONG
IN 2023, the Axemen Rugby Club relaunched its women’s program as a combined effort between Sea to Sky players and the Vancouver Rowers. The Axes and Oars are still going strong: in fact they earned a first-ever playoff berth this spring.
The final score of that match left something to be desired: a 121-0 blowout loss to the No. 2 seed Comox Valley Kickers. Yet the milestone is very much worth celebrating nonetheless.
“Comox is a phenomenal team and they should be moving up a division next year,” said Axes head coach Mel Michener. “It was a tough game in the sense that we didn’t have a lot of subs against a really high-level team, and we had a huge travel day so the girls unfortunately were exhausted.
“The way that we made the playoffs was really phenomenal, because we saw from the beginning of the season to the end how much our women had improved. One of the last games we played against the Richmond Lions, we won by quite a few tries, versus our first
game against them earlier in the season which had been much, much closer.”
Michener stepped up to fill a need as the demands of parenthood and full-time firefighting drew former coach Lauren Arthur away from the club. Michener took up rugby as a ninth-grader in Orillia, Ont. and played throughout high school before joining the University of Guelph as a starting winger.
DRIVE AND DEDICATION
Michener has worked with high-calibre coaches during their era as a provincial and varsity athlete, so a bit of time was needed for them to understand the Axes and Oars’ needs. These players—dedicated and passionate though they may be—have busy lives and multifaceted responsibilities. Naturally, a feeling-out process unfolded as
“...incredible to see their dedication to each other...”
- MEL MITCHENER
They won a national championship with the Gryphons to complement three more in a Team Ontario jersey.
Repeated concussions forced Michener to truncate their playing career. They had always wanted to explore coaching, but didn’t do so until last October when the Axemen reached out seeking volunteer help.
“What Lauren did is amazing,” Michener said about their predecessor. “She did all of the heavy lifting to get the team up and running…and set up an amazing baseline for the women’s program.”
coach and squad got to know each other.
Once trust had been built, Michener began running a tighter ship: greater formality, strictness and challenge to ready people for the intense nature of competitive rugby. In their experience: a coach sets the tone at every practice, which in turn sets the tone for each game.
The Axes and Oars evidently responded well. They fielded 15 regular participants from the Sea to Sky, including five newcomers to rugby and two sophomore players. All began to form deeper bonds with
their Vancouver-based counterparts.
“Chris Sayler is such a phenomenal coach [for the Rowers],” said Michener. “He did a fantastic job of getting everyone on the field and also making an effort to do some combined practices. Chris and I really communicated about what we needed to work on and tried to highlight specific things at practice so that when the women came together on game days, they were on the same page.
“Some of the more experienced players were able to lead the team in strategic play, while the less experienced players amplified their basic skills and were hungry for learning. [It was] really incredible to see their dedication to each other and the drive to get better: not just for themselves but for their team.”
Michener would encourage pretty much anyone to try rugby, for it’s an inclusive sport capable of accommodating a variety of skills and body types. Perhaps more importantly, they’ve experienced it as a healthy space to work on one’s fitness, make friends and build the camaraderie needed for women to put their bodies on the line as a group. Such a “heartfelt connection”, as Michener phrases it, is well worth the bumps and bruises.
Find out more about the Axes and Oars at https://www.axemenrugbyclub.com/ womans-rugby. n
GAME ON The 2025 Axes and Oars women’s rugby team.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEIL IRWIN
‘A good start to the U19 season’
WHISTLER’S VALENTINO BLEWETT WINS YOUTH & JUNIOR IQFOIL INTERNATIONAL GAMES
BY DAVID SONG
A YOUNG WHISTLER Sailing Association (WSA) product continues to make a splash in a niche sport dominated by Europeans.
That individual is Valentino Blewett, who recently won gold at the Youth & Junior iQFOiL International Games in Torbole, Italy. Frenchman Brisedou Leopold checked in for silver, and Robin Zeley brought bronze home to Switzerland.
“It’s a good start to the U19 season and a good way to compare myself with the people whom I will race with at Worlds,” Blewett said. “It went good. I felt good. [I just wanted] to do my best and see how it goes.”
The International Games are one of the most prestigious events on the international youth iQFOiL windsurfing circuit, just a notch below the U19 World Championship with many of the same people in contention. Athletes from across the globe represent countries with top-tier programs. The competition is physically demanding, mentally intense and tactical, with success requiring optimal fitness, equipment, wind strategy as well as mindset.
If you reach the podium at this level, it means you’re one of the world’s best young windsurfers.
Blewett is entrenching himself into that category as he displayed poise and skill to qualify for the finals in first place. As a result, he avoided a dramatic semifinal round with three competitors being penalized for false starts.
“We’re incredibly proud of Valentino,” said WSA general manager Francois Hebert. “His win at the Youth & Junior iQFOiL International Games is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and determination. At Whistler Sailing, we’ve watched him evolve from a promising junior into a world-class athlete. It’s inspiring to see him continue to elevate his performance.”
‘INTENSELY FOCUSED AND QUIETLY DRIVEN’
In 2024, Blewett placed 11th at the iQFOIL
Youth & Junior World Championships as a 16-year-old in a show of his nascent potential. He’s been hitting the gym hard since then, and feels like he’s grown “a lot.”
Hebert would agree.
“Advancing from 11th to 1st in just a year demonstrates remarkable progression and commitment. While the field may not be quite as strong, it’s essentially the same group of competitors,” he explained. “This improvement indicates that Valentino’s training is effective and that he’s learning from each race. More importantly, it reflects his mindset: he’s not just participating; he’s striving to improve at every level.
“This result bodes extremely well for his future, as Valentino aims to represent Canada at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
If Blewett does make it to sport’s grandest stage, he would be carrying on his father’s legacy in outstanding fashion. Curtis Blewett is a decorated Canadian sailor whose extensive achievements include: two America’s Cup wins in 2003 and 2007 with Team Alinghi, victory in the 1997/98 Whitbread Round the World Race (now the Volvo Ocean Race) with Paul Cayard, membership in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” crew in 2005/06 and a 2013 stint with Swedish unit Artemis Racing.
Blewett inherited his dad’s work ethic and is known for his volunteer hours with the WSA, repairing boats and contributing to various projects. Hebert praises him for being “a tremendous help to me personally during a key phase of our growth.”
“Valentino is intensely focused and quietly driven. He possesses a rare combination of athletic talent, mental composure, and a relentless curiosity about the sport,” Hebert said. “Coming from a sailing family, he’s benefited from early exposure, excellent mentorship, and a deep understanding of the sport’s nuances.
“However, his success stems from his own passion and work ethic. The family foundation provided a base, but he’s the one pushing it to world-class heights. Talent can only take you so far; ultimately, hard work is essential to succeed at this level.”
Full results from the Youth & Junior iQFOiL International Games are viewable here. n
WIND IN HIS SAILS Valentino Blewett of Canada won the 2025 Youth & Junior iQFOiL International Games in Torbole, Italy. PHOTO COURTESY
Take me out to the ball game…
AND BUY ME A FOOT-LONG DOG
THE CRACK OF THE BAT. The slap of the ball in your beat-up catcher’s glove….
Maybe you were all in — or is that all out?
— at the Homerun Derby at the local lottery tourney hosted last Sunday by Whistler SloPitch at a nicely spruced-up Spruce Grove Park. (The official season kicked off May 27.)
BY GLENDA BARTOSH
It’s a legacy that goes back to the early ’80s when Whistler still called a beer league a beer league, and teams came up with names like the Rainbow Reefers; the Nads (you could yell Go, Nads! Go!); and The Dregs — our own Whistler Question team so-named since we figured it suited us on all levels imaginable, both on and off the field. It was a team name that lived on, even without any Questionables. (Read all about the old beer league in back issues of the Question, nicely preserved at Whistler Museum and Archives.)
Maybe your summer sweet spot is classic Nat Bailey Stadium with a golden sunset igniting the Vancouver Canadians to another hometown homerun. Or maybe you can’t resist Toronto lately, much like our fearless editor Braden Dupuis who’s catching the Jays up against the likes of the Padres and Tampa Bay Rays right on home turf.
Whether it’s little league, beer league or major league, welcome to summer — and the hottest game in town that serves up another summer classic.
The mighty hot dog has been the champion of the concession stand for a century or more, at baseball games and beyond. But they don’t get even a mention in this old chestnut which, believe it or not, was a waltz from 1908:
Take me out to the ball game
Take me out to the park,
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks
I don’t care if we never get back… Sure, we still don’t care if we never get back, and we still love those peanuts and Cracker Jack (made by German immigrants in Chicago who borrowed the nickname for the US Navy’s service dress uniforms). But I say hot dogs have largely taken their places in the concession stand line-up, so where did those dang dogs come from?
It’s hard to say, and maybe I’m too “dogged” (add winking emoji) about the
and tell you which part of France it came from. This was long before “less reputable” restaurants in Paris in the 1800s served fricassee of cat, pretending it was rabbit. Think of the possibilities! Vendors in the stands yelling, “Hot cats! Hot cats! Get your foot-long hot cats!”
We know that the first evidence of pigs being domesticated comes from Çayönü, in Turkey, some 10,000 years ago. And lord knows you need good pork to make a good hot dog. That is, unless you go for more contemporary versions, like all-beef dogs. Or good veggie ones from that very Vancouver Yves Cuisine, ironically born in 1985 in a plant above Save-On Meats in the downtown eastside, and once the only hot dog Paul McCartney would allow at his concerts.
You can learn who made the first bread (again, the ancient Greeks) or where the first
“Whether it’s little league, beer league or major league, welcome to summer...”
- GLENDA BARTOSH
whole thing. But either way it’s fun to explore. Like who knew that Pliny wrote about ancient sauerkraut, which is very good on hot dogs although none were around back then.
Another ancient Greek, a naturalist named Strabo, figured out that rabbits — which eventually became so popular they were carted all over the world for a quick, meaty meal such that they often became pests, like in Australia — came from the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. (Mallorca is the largest one).
Apparently Louis XVIII was such a fan he could take one sniff of rabbit fricassee
commercial mustard came from (Dijon). Or all about hotchpotch (or hodgepodge) — mixed stew from the 16th century. There’s hot pot, from both eastern and western cultures and connected to hotchpotch. But, alas, no “hot dogs.” Maybe they’re not a serious enough topic.
However, we do know from numerous sources, including Wikipedia, that both “wiener” and “frankfurter” come from Germany, named for their places of origin: Wienerwurst, which literally means “Vienna sausage” and frankfurter, from Frankfurt, of course, where pork sausages were known
since the 13th century.
But it’s the origin story about sticking a wienie in a bun that’s, well, still a good summer mystery.
From Martha Barnette and her eyeopener, Ladyfingers and Nun’s Tummies: A Lighthearted Look at How Foods Got Their Names, we know that in the early 1900s, a famous American cartoonist, T. A. “Tad” Dorgan, first drew one of the above sausages to resemble a dachshund in a bun, riffing on the dog as a jokey meme for all things German, and on the idea you might find whoknows-what kind of meat in a wiener.
In Germany, “dog” was used as slang for “sausage.” And, according to Wiki, dog meat was once pretty common in sausages and eaten straight in parts of Germany in the 1800s and 1900s. (Do an internet search today and you’ll see all kinds of prompts like, human DNA, or brain meat, in wieners.)
Still, it’s the first use of a hot dog with bun no one can pin down. Barnette and Wiki both agree it’s usually one of two Americans — Charles Feltman, who sold “red hots” on Coney Island, or Antoine Feuchtwanger, from Frankfurt, who usually get the credit. Wiki elaborates, offering several versions, as only collaborative histories can, that Feuchtwanger originally served his frankfurters with gloves for his customers so they wouldn’t burn their hands. Expensive when the gloves weren’t returned so, as one story goes, his wife suggested using a bun instead.
Think about that next time you’re enjoying your hot dog, all carefully wrapped in insulating foil and paper so the only glove you’ll need is for baseball.
Then get out there in this gorgeous summer weather, and play ball!
Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist whose grandad was key in starting men’s softball leagues in the prairie towns of Alberta way back when. n
BEYOND CLASSIC Never mind a one-foot dog. The Guinness world record for the world’s longest hot dog was just over 668 feet, set in Paraguay in 2011.
PATTERSON
MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE
‘A resort-wide collaboration’
THE NOURISH WELLNESS SERIES RUNS FROM MAY 31 TO JUNE 29 IN WHISTLER
BY DAVID SONG
THE THIRD ANNUAL Nourish Wellness Series is headed to Whistler on May 31 and will continue until June 29. More than 60 events are on deck, twice as many as last year: fine dining, workshops, speaking sessions by renowned wellness professionals, et cetera. They will be held at numerous venues across town, including a novel geometric dome at the Roundhouse Lodge.
Maybe you’ve never heard of Nourish Wellness. If so, Tourism Whistler events manager Bree Eagles wants you to know about it.
“From our perspective, we really wanted to explore wellness in quite a holistic way,” she explains. “We’ve got everything from physical wellness via movement and food to mental wellness through mindfulness and inspiring talks, and we touch on some spiritual wellness as well via some creativity and art workshops. What we were trying to do was create a schedule that allows people to hone in on their particular areas of interest. Spring is a beautiful time of renewal and rejuvenation.
“Tourism Whistler’s vision is to see this series continue to grow into the future. We
work with Watermark Communications to produce the programming…they brought a lot of passion and new ideas to the table this year. We’ve got some great partnerships: Whistler Blackcomb have really gotten behind the initiative, the [Audain Art Museum and Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre are involved], and a ton of local studios, chefs and facilitators have all come together. We’ve really made it a resort-wide collaboration.”
Anchoring the diverse lineup is an event called “The Art of Wellness” taking place on
tour of the Burtynsky exhibition contributing to the experience.
June 21 will involve another full-day market and guided movement sessions like yoga with Laura Davies, tai chi with Master Sun Ying, and a family dance party presented by ALGN Whistler.
‘SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE’
Among the many wellness experts involved with Nourish, few are as known as Seane Corn:
“...we really get the opportunity to build momentum and awareness... ”
- BREE EAGLES
the summer solstice at the Audain. For $5, guests can check out a market atmosphere on June 20 with artisan goods, wellness brands and Museum exhibits like the recently-opened Gathered Leaves gallery and The Coastal Mountains: Recent Works by Edward Burtynsky.
Later that evening, a ticketed long table dinner will be held for 100 guests at the Audain’s north terrace. The four-course menu offers sustainable food, with a garden, live music by Stephanie Lundy and a director’s
a yoga teacher, public speaker and author of international renown. She will lead five unique sessions revolving around spiritual alignment, physical movement and in one case: a healthy approach to menopause.
Molly Kawahata, a former climate advisor to Barack Obama’s White House, is dropping by for a seminar titled “The Power of Hope”. She believes in hope as an evidence-based tool and mindset—not just a feeling or abstract idea. Kawahata’s life story, from ice climbing to speaking about climate change, will also
be shown at a screening of the 2022 Patagonia film The Scale of Hope.
Neuroscience professional Catherine Roscoe Barr will run a workshop that blends her scientific background with mindfulnessbased practices to help attendees facilitate healing and self-discovery.
Regarding the new venue at the Roundhouse Lodge, Eagles says: “The top of the mountain feels like an incredibly natural fit. It really leans into Whistler’s natural beauty with fresh mountain air contributing to wellness. And of course: there’s a ton of complementary activities and things you can do at the top of the mountain.”
There are, of course, many other speakers and activities—too many to cover in one article.
“I just want to hone in on the breadth of the schedule: 60-plus events, 20-plus wellness professionals involved,” says Eagles. “We’ve worked really hard to bring in [people] who are experts in their field that can help elevate [our speaker series and masterclasses]. There’s really something for everyone.
“Because Nourish happens over five weekends, we really get the opportunity to build momentum and awareness as the series goes on. The formatting was intentional in that it allows attendees to get involved at their own pace…to curate their own wellness retreat. We hope that it does leave a meaningful effect and create new habits and connections within the resort.”
Visit https://www.whistler.com/events/ nourish-whistler-wellness/ for tickets and more details. n
CENTERING THE SENSES: Three women practice yoga at Alta Lake in Whistler.
PHOTO BY JUSTA JESKOVA/TOURISM WHISTLER
Whistler Multicultural Festival returns on June 6
THE FREE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE WHISTLER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
BY DAVID SONG
FOR AN 11TH YEAR, the Whistler Multicultural Society (WMS) is teaming up with the Whistler Museum and Whistler Public Library to put on the event they describe as “for and by locals.”
The upcoming Whistler Multicultural Festival is free, family-friendly and organized by immigrants residing in the Sea to Sky corridor. All locals are encouraged to celebrate their own heritage.
“Since 2013, the Multicultural Festival has been the single annual event in Whistler that intentionally brings together immigrant, Indigenous, culturally diverse cultural ambassadors and local community members,” says WMS outreach worker Yami Yeung. “With our growing cultural diversity, it is increasingly important that we recognize, value, and celebrate what this diversity brings to our community. It’s a true grassroots celebration of the cultural mosaic we live in every day.”
The 2021 census revealed that 34 per cent of Whistler’s permanent population is made up of immigrants, who combine to represent at least 30 distinct cultures. A press release notes that the Festival’s goal is to validate hardworking newcomers and migrants who play important roles in the local economy.
Continuing partnerships from regional organizations have been critical. This event will be held at the Library, Museum and Library Plaza, with various Whistler businesses providing volunteer appreciation support.
“The Whistler Multicultural Festival is deeply grateful for the generous fundraising support from local businesses and community-minded companies,” Yeung says in a release. “Their contributions help cover essential event costs, from supplies and equipment to volunteer appreciation, and ensure the Festival remains free and accessible for everyone.
“Other local sponsors who continue to show their commitment to inclusion, community-building, and cultural celebration in Whistler. If your business is interested in supporting this important event, please reach out—we’d love to partner with you.”
‘UNDERSTANDING AND OPENMINDEDNESS’
Festival visitors can expect a myriad of different activities: tai chi, zumba, Peruvian, Ukrainian, Chilean and Filipino dances, a traditional Burundi musical instrument known as an inānga, and Japanese calligraphy. There will also be a game derived from (although presumably less hazardous) than the South Korean dystopian survival thriller Squid Game.
Residents with their own cultural traditions are invited to share them. Yeung
and her peers are “keen to hear the stories of all participants, as well as the background and personal importance of the cultural activity or tradition they have chosen to present”. WMS staff are available to help folks who might like to join in, but aren’t sure how to start.
Members of the Lil’wat and Squamish Nations will be invited too, a measure that Yeung says is “incredibly important.” She elaborates that the Festival is about building relationships and mutual respect among all cultures that call Whistler home, and that a First Nations presence helps ground the proceedings in a shared commitment to reconciliation.
“Over the 10 years of the Whistler Multicultural Festival, we’ve seen the changing face and growing diversity of Whistler’s amazing cultural mosaic,” remarks Yeung. “With residents who have moved here from a growing number of countries, not to mention all those local families who have international and multicultural roots, this is an opportunity to build new connections and understanding across our community.
“Experiencing other cultures and traditions encourages understanding and open-mindedness. It has the power to strengthen social cohesion and create a sense of belonging. Sharing culture can be a real empowerment and validation, supporting self-identity and providing an important way to contribute to the wider community. Whether you’ve just arrived or your family has been here for generations, this is your Festival too. We encourage everyone to come out, bring friends, and celebrate the incredible diversity that makes Whistler so unique.”
The Festival takes place on June 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit https://festival.wmsociety.ca/ for more details. n
FAMILY FUN The 10th anniversary of Whistler’s Multicultural Festival begins June 6. PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE
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
EVENT LISTING
SPACED OUT COMEDY SHOW
Arts Whistler Live! present Spaced Out! What if you could just leave? A retired astronaut has stolen a spaceship — and you’re invited onboard. In this tender and hilarious steampunk space adventure, you’ll launch into the unknown alongside emotional androids, cosmic mishaps, and a crew that’s barely holding it together. Created by award-winning improviser David C. Jones, Spaced Out! is a wildly absurd mix of scripted comedy, spontaneous improv, and surprising moments of heart. So buckle up — it’s a rollercoaster through space, chaos, and the universal urge to escape it all... just for a little while.
May 31, 8:15 p.m.
Maury Young Arts Centre
WHISTLER GOBYBIKE WEEK
Each spring and fall, Whistler takes part in GoByBike Week, a province-wide challenge that encourages people to bike instead of drive — for commuting, errands, or just for fun. We know biking is good for our health, our community, and the planet, but old habits can be hard to break. This week is a chance to shift gears and make cycling part of your everyday routine.
May 31 to June 6
Various locations
WHISTLER FARMERS’ MARKET
A feast for your senses, the Whistler Farmers’ Market features local produce, tasty food, local artisans, live entertainment and family activities. Markets happen every Sunday until Thanksgiving on October 13, with the addition of Saturday markets on June 28, August 2, August 30 and October 11.
June 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Upper Village Stroll
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month during June with the spirit of Skw_xw_ú7mesh and Líl’wat7úl at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Connect with Cultural Ambassadors as they share craft workshops, art, performances, storytelling, and guided tours – Whistler’s authentic Indigenous experience. Experience the Legends of the Land feature exhibit, and the Legends of the Land storytelling tour daily at 11 am, and the Interpretive Forest Tour at 3 pm, along with the signature What We Treasure Tour.
June 1 to June 30
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
SHAMANIC YOGA IN THE PARK
Presented by Tina Pashumati from Loka Yoga and Crystal Bowls with Julie, this vinyasa series is made up of four classes based on the elements. Each class features an animal meditation and a crystal bowl savasana nestled within the forest with the soothing sounds of nature and the river running by.
June 3, 9 to 10 a.m.
Rebagliati Park
BARBED CHOIR
Do you love to sing? Do you love meeting new people? Do you like all types of rock music, new and old? Head on down to sing with Barbed Choir - Whistler’s rock choir. Meetings are drop-in, no registration or experience necessary.
June 4, 7 p.m.
Whistler Public Library
MUSEUM MUSINGS & ASTROLOGY
Whistler’s First courier
BY ALLYN PRINGLE
WHEN CHERIE CHAFFEY took part in the Great Snow Earth Water Race in 1979, she was not expecting it to lead (in a roundabout way) to starting her own business in Whistler.
The Great Snow Earth Water Race was a relay race founded by Bryan Walhovd that included skiing, cycling, canoeing and running. Cherie was the cyclist for Ken Hunter’s “Nearly Normal Racing Team,” which meant she met the running skier at the bottom of Whistler Mountain and then had to cycle along the highway to the north end of Green Lake, where the baton was handed off. Unfortunately, when Cherie reached Emerald Estates she was hit by a car coming out of the neighbourhood. While she doesn’t remember much about the aftermath of the accident, in a recent interview she recalled waking up to see Chuck Blaylock standing over her and that the driver of the car was an off-duty ambulance driver, which meant that he was able to provide assistance before she was taken to Squamish General Hospital. Instead of finishing the race, Cherie returned to Ontario to recuperate.
Cherie had first moved out from Ontario three years earlier with a friend from school, Cathy Jewett. Despite the slow start to the 1976–77 season that year, the two got jobs
with Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. working for Ron Johnson on the lifts. According to Cherie, on her first time up Whistler Mountain, she managed to make it to the top of the Red Chair where she asked the lifties where she could find the T-bars, where she was supposed to be working. They pointed her in the right direction and she asked, “OK, how do you ski?” She was told, “Go straight until you fall, get up, and do it again.” Although she soon switched to working the gondola, she did get better at skiing with more practice.
Over the next few years, Cherie worked on various lifts and at different jobs for the lift company, though her favourite was that of lift supervisor during the Toni Sailer Summer Ski Camps. She would drive up to Midstation in an “old army truck” to start up the gondola
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The strongest, most enduring parts of China’s Great Wall were the 5,500 miles built during the Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644. One secret to their success was sticky rice, an essential ingredient in the mortar. The resulting structures have been remarkably water resistant. They hold their shape well, resist weed growth, and get stronger as time passes. I hope you will find metaphorical equivalents to sticky rice as you work on your foundations in the coming months, Aries. Proceed as if you are constructing basic supports that will last you for years.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The world’s most expensive spice is saffron. To gather one gram of it, workers must harvest 150 flowers by hand. Doesn’t that process resemble what you have been doing? I am awed by the stamina and delicacy you have been summoning to generate your small but potent treasure. What you’re producing may not be loud and showy, but its value will be concentrated and robust. Trust that those who appreciate quality will recognize the painstaking effort behind your creation. Like saffron’s distinctive essence that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones, your patient dedication is creating what can’t be rushed or replicated.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author Jean-Paul Sartre was offered the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964. But he rejected it. Why? He said that if he accepted it, he would be turned into an institution and authority figure, which would hinder his ability to critique politics and society. He was deeply committed to the belief that a writer has an obligation to be independent and accountable only to their conscience and audience, not to external accolades or validations. I think you are in a Sartre-like phase right now, dear Gemini. You have a sacred duty to be faithful to your highest calling, your deepest values, and your authentic identity. Every other consideration should be secondary.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): You are now highly attuned to subtle energies, subliminal signals, and hidden agendas.
WEEK OF MAY 30 BY ROB
No one in your sphere is even half as sensitive as you are to the intriguing mysteries that are unfolding beneath the visible surface. This may be a bit unsettling, but it’s a key asset. Your ability to sense what others are missing gives you a unique advantage. So trust your intuitive navigation system, Cancerian, even if the way forward isn’t obvious. Your ability to sense underlying currents will enable you to avoid obstacles and discern opportunities that even your allies might overlook.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Underground fungal networks are essential for the health of ecosystems. They connect plant roots and facilitate transfers of nutrients, water, and communication signals between various species. They enhance the fertility of the soil, helping plants thrive. In accordance with astrological indicators, I invite you to celebrate your equivalent of the underground fungal network. What is the web of relationships that enables you to thrive? Not just the obvious bonds, but the subtle ones, too: the barista who has memorized your order, the neighbor who waters your plants when you’re away, the online ally who responds to your posts. Now is an excellent time to map and nurture these vital interconnections.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warns about “the danger of a single story.” She tells us that authentic identity requires us to reject oversimplified narratives. As a Nigerian woman living in the US, she found that both Western and African audiences sought to reduce her to convenient categories. She has not only resisted that pressure, but also outwitted and outflanked it. Her diversity is intriguing. She mixes an appreciation for pop culture with serious cultural criticism. She addresses both academic and mainstream audiences. I offer her up as your role model, Virgo. In the coming weeks, may she inspire you to energetically express all your uncategorizable selves.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Where have you not yet
and the Red Chair and was usually done her shift by about 2 p.m., when it was time for windsurfing on Alta Lake. During the day, she and a small team would do jobs such as painting lifts or removing rocks from runs.
Just before Cherie returned from Ontario in the summer of 1979 following her recuperation, her father gave her money to buy a car as he didn’t want her riding her bike on the highway anymore. She bought a Honda Civic in Vancouver and, after thinking about what she wanted to do upon returning to Whistler, decided that she would start a courier service and Whistler Courier Service was born.
According to Cherie, as the Whistler Village was developed her jobs became more professional and she had more work delivering documents such as plans and drawings between Whistler and Vancouver. By spring of 1981, she was operating two runs five days a week and even hired another driver, Brian McPherson, and moved from her own landline into an office.
Cherie continued to run Whistler Courier until she was approached by Jeff Wuolle, the owner of Twin Peaks property management company, who offered to buy part of her company in exchange for part of his. After that, Cherie was no longer involved in the operations of the courier service as she began to learn more about property management and later moved away from Whistler.
You can learn more about the Great Snow Earth Water Race, which Cherie took part in, at our temporary exhibit now on display at the Whistler Museum through June 19. n
On Friday, Aug. 10, Cherie began offering delivery and pickup services in Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler three days a week. She charged customers $15 for a delivery to Vancouver (with an additional $2 for each additional stop) and $7 to Squamish (extra stops were only $1). According to her advertisement in The Whistler Question, there was “No job too big or small” and she offered to drop off bank deposits, mail, tools to be repaired, groceries and more. She even took dogs to the vet in Squamish and remembered all of the dogs being very well behaved in the car.
BREZSNY
traveled but would like to? What frontiers would your imagination love for you to visit, but you have refrained? Now is the time to consider dropping inhibitions, outmoded habits, and irrelevant rules that have prevented you from wandering farther and wider. You have full permission from life, karma, and your future self to take smart risks that will lead you out of your comfort zone. What exotic sanctuary do you wish you had the courage to explore? What adventurous pilgrimage might activate aspects of your potential that are still half-dormant?
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Astrologers say that Scorpio is ruled by three creatures that correspond to three ascending levels of spiritual maturity. The regular Scorpio person is ruled by the scorpion. Scorpios who are well underway with their spiritual work are ruled by the eagle. The Scorpio who has consistently succeeded at the hard and rewarding work of metaphorical death and resurrection is ruled by the phoenix—the mythical bird that is reborn from the ashes of its own immolation. With this as our context, I am letting you know that no matter how evolved you are, the coming weeks will bring you rich opportunities to come more into your own as a brilliant phoenix.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Seas off the coast of Singapore are heavily polluted. Some of the coral reefs there are showing resilience, though. They have developed symbiotic relationships with certain algae and bacteria that were formerly hostile. Their robustness lies in their adaptability and their power to forge unlikely alliances. That’s a good teaching for you right now. The strength you need isn’t about maintaining fixed positions or rigid boundaries, but about being flexible. So I hope you will be alert and ready to connect with unfamiliar resources and unexpected help. A willingness to adjust and compromise will be a superpower.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sometimes, disruptions are helpful prods that nudge us to pay closer attention.
An apparent malfunction might be trying to tell us some truth that our existing frameworks can’t accommodate. I suspect this phenomenon might be occurring in your world. An area of your life that seems to be misfiring may in fact be highlighting a blind spot in your comprehension. Rather than fretting and purging the glitches, I will ask you to first consider what helpful information is being exposed. Suspend your judgment long enough to learn from apparent errors.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): This isn’t the first time I’ve said that your ideas are ahead of their time. Now I’m telling you again, and adding that your intuitions, feelings, and approaches are ahead of their time, too. As usual, your precociousness carries both potential benefits and problems. If people are flexible and smart enough to be open to your innovations, you will be rewarded. If others are rigid and oblivious, you may have to struggle to get the right things done. Here’s my advice: Focus on the joy of carrying out your innovations rather than getting caught up in fighting resistance.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Sunlight can’t penetrate deeper than 3,280 feet into the ocean’s depths. Even at 650 feet down, a murky twilight zone prevails. But nearly 75 percent of deep-sea creatures can create their own light, thanks to a biochemical phenomenon called bioluminescence. Jellyfish, starfish, and crustaceans are a few animals that glow. I propose we make them your symbols of power in the coming weeks, Pisces. I hope they incite you to be your own source of illumination as you summon all the resilience you need. If shadowy challenges arise, resolve to emit your steady brilliance. Inspire yourself and others with your subtle yet potent clarity.
Homework: What do you understand well and should share with others who would benefit from it? Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com
WHIS BIZ WIZ A cyclist races along the highway while traffic follows behind.
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The boring way to save your money
I’LL NEVER FORGET the first time I began taking my finances seriously. I was in a meeting with a financial services adviser at my local bank, requesting an increase to my personal credit limit. I needed (read: wanted) to buy some new camera equipment, and my current credit card didn’t have the capacity. I was still in my 20s, working seasonal jobs as a ski instructor and summer ATV guide, and had aspirations of becoming a professional
BY VINCE SHULEY
photojournalist. The only assets I owned were a beater of an SUV, a couple of bikes, a few pairs of skis and soon, a shiny new camera.
“Have you put any thought into planning for your financial future?” asked the adviser, trying to not sound like a parent. “Are you saving any money for your retirement?”
The notion of squirrelling money away at this point in my life was completely foreign. Whistler was about living the dream lifestyle in the moment, not working for some far-off retirement date when my knees would be too sore to ski anymore. I confessed to the adviser that no, I hadn’t thought about my financial security—future or otherwise.
Over the next hour I received some education about how making small but steady investments over the next 40 years would yield
a considerable amount of growth as market values increased over time. There are ups and downs, of course. A chart of publicly traded markets over the last century will show the recessions in the ’30s, ’80s and the other big one in 2008. But if you’re patient and stay the course over multiple decades, you eventually get a payoff on your hard-earned investment.
Starting a long-term savings plan is a bit like the first few years of paying off a mortgage. You don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere, and the numbers on paper don’t seem particularly exciting. But that’s the point. You can enter the market with your hard-earned money with a moderate to small amount of risk, then check in on it maybe once a year. Steady, mostly safe and mostly boring.
professional guidance on how to best manage your own money. What I will outline are a couple of things I learned from a stint of working in the finance industry that changed my outlook on personal wealth.
Let’s start with the big one—active investment. According to Investopedia, “Active money management aims to beat the stock market’s average returns and take full advantage of short-term price fluctuations.”
This is the r/wallstreetbets (the famous Reddit group behind the GameStop short squeeze) kind of investing that requires a deeper analysis, a degree of expertise and hopefully, a bit of experience to help navigate the unknown. Active investment is a risky place, and too many people believe themselves
The notion of squirrelling money away at this point in my life was completely foreign. Whistler was about living the dream lifestyle in the moment, not working for some far-off retirement date…
If you start to move your money into more exciting investments, the risk ratchets up exponentially. This is where professional day traders, non-professional retail investors and crypto bros seek their fortunes. And—perhaps unsurprisingly—there are many folks doing just that in the Sea to Sky as they attempt to subsidize their mountain lifestyles.
I’ll note that I’m not here to tell anyone what to do with their money or how much risk to take when investing it. That’s a personal choice, and everyone has a different risk tolerance. I’m also not qualified to be giving financial advice, so make sure to seek out
to have insight on the stocks they bought through a retail investor app like Robinhood (or the Canadian alternatives like Qtrade, Wealthsimple Trade and Questrade). The problem is, any information readily available to the public is already baked into the stock price—a theory known as the efficient-market hypothesis. Without getting too deep into the weeds, modern communication speeds in global markets mean that, for example, if you read an article about a particular stock at 8 a.m. and try to buy stocks by 8:05 a.m., you’ve already missed the market gain. If you’re privy to information before it has been made
public and make the buy, you’re committing the crime of insider trading. Some disagree with the efficient-market hypothesis and point to the well-timed investments by luminaries like Warren Buffett as proof. But Warren Buffett is a lot smarter than the bros in your group chat.
The other is around diversification. Owning eight different stocks in your retail investment app is not having a diversified portfolio. There are many different ways to diversify your investments that your financial adviser can point you to, but I’ve found that an index fund (a collection of a few dozen stocks in certain industries) is the best balance of moderate risk and moderate reward in the market.
These methods of growing your money are boring, I know. But if you want to gamble, play online poker with your pocket money or put money on sporting matches. Don’t bet you or your family’s financial future on a stock market play.
I heard a horror story recently that reinforced my desire to keep my finances boring. A friend of a friend had made a series of massive cryptocurrency gains, doubling his money several times with welltimed buys and sells. But after clicking on a link in some cryptocurrency group chat, he was hit with a two-factor authentication scam. The hackers gained remote access to his desktop computer, where his crypto wallet was wide open. Leaving his desk for less than an hour, hackers drained all of his cryptocurrency—about half a million USD. I can’t imagine that kind of loss, but it comes with the territory of making your finances a source of daily excitement.
Best to keep the adrenaline for the mountain sports.
Vince Shuley is a patient and boring investor. n
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