Pique Newsmagazine 2744

OCTOBER 29, 2020 ISSUE 27.44

WWW.PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM

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THE END TIMES

! w e o M e s p yp y l ca c a Apo

a f s ’ e u q i P f o A selection

14

GOING GREEN?

The Green Party is

eyeing a historic win in the Sea to Sky

29

s e m i t y r a c s r o f s e i r o t s y vourite sc ar

GETTING EQUIPPED

Desire to get

outside could cause equipment shortages

46

FREAKY FILMS

Pemberton Secondary

School’s drama class makes spooky movies

holiday and I “It’s my favourite my goriest life plan to be living for the day!”

- Rob Palm

“The Whistler spirit! People

re!” ame he h s o N !

“Candy n Spink - Kately

nity t commu e h t s ories bring d mem n o f “How it y n a pley’s ve so m n in Ta w er! I ha o d g tin when or trea er Julia t h of trick g u a d ith our up.”

Farm w rowing g s a w she ir ongmu - Ray L

- Dave Brown

Pemberton. It is so much fun to get out with the kids and see all the costumes, decorations and the

ogeth-

really go all out for Halloween”

“I love Halloween in The Glen in

sense of community” - Danielle Menzel

“The exc

itement th at my da for Hallo ughter ha ween…ou s r home h had Hallo a s a lr e a dy ween dec orations u p fo r last coup the le of wee ks!

- Maria K oenig

n”

le in the G g in t a e r tr y “Trick o n Audle - Sharo

“It used to be the amazing parties, but now it’s dressing up with my little guy and running around Tapley’s Farm seeing the awesome and scary decorations the neighbourhood puts togehter!”

- Victoria Cole

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

40

46

32 Scary stories for scary times A selection of Pique’s favourite spooky stories. - By Braden Dupuis, Brandon Barrett, Cathryn Atkinson and Katherine Fawcett

14

GOING GREEN?

The BC NDP are headed for a

26

GRANT MONEY

Village of Pemberton, Tourism

majority government following the Oct. 24 election, while (pending mail-in

Pemberton eye Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program

votes) the Green Party is eyeing a historic win in the Sea to Sky.

funds for local initiatives.

15

40

WHISTLER WELL-BEING

The Whistler

BACK TO SCHOOL

Local mountain bikers

Blackcomb Foundation releases the results of a survey that sheds light on

describe the experience of taking part in the Pinkbike Academy reality

Whistler’s mental and emotional well-being through the pandemic.

competition web series.

20

46

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

A Vancouver

FREAKY FILMS

This year, Pemberton Secondary

woman shares her frustration after being mistakenly forwarded the

School’s drama class is ditching its haunted maze for a more COVID-19-

Whistler RCMP’s non-emergency calls this summer.

friendly production. Their series of short films is set to stream on Oct. 31.

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS We are still awaiting the final results for the provincial election in our

#103 -1390 ALPHA LAKE RD., FUNCTION JUNCTION, WHISTLER, B.C. V8E 0H9.

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riding, but one thing is clear: the community expects action.

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter writers this week support mask-wearing in all indoor

Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com Editor CLARE OGILVIE - edit@piquenewsmagazine.com Assistant Editor ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com Sales Manager SUSAN HUTCHINSON - shutchinson@wplpmedia.com Production Manager KARL PARTINGTON - kpartington@wplpmedia.com Art Director JON PARRIS - jparris@wplpmedia.com Advertising Representatives AMY ALLEN - aallen@wplpmedia.com TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com Digital/Sales Coordinator AMELA DIZDARIC - traffic@wplpmedia.com Production production@piquenewsmagazine.com LOU O’BRIEN - lstevens@wplpmedia.com

venues and we get some thoughts on the U.S. election.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Writer Dan Falloon discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted two occasions so important to humans—births and deaths.

62 MAXED OUT Max comments on the outcome of the provincial election, which appears to have given the NDP a full majority. He ponders, ‘Is this the devil we know?’

Environment & Adventure

Arts & Entertainment Editor ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

29 THE OUTSIDER Summer saw a rush of people buying gear to explore the outdoors with. Writer

Sports Editor DAN FALLOON - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com

Vince Shuley believes the same thing is happening now with winter gear, leading to potential shortages.

Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com Reporters BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@piquenewsmagazine.com BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com MEGAN LALONDE - mlalonde@wplpmedia.com Classifieds and Reception mail@piquenewsmagazine.com Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com I.T. and Webmaster KARL PARTINGTON Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, MICHAEL ALLEN, FEET BANKS, LESLIE ANTHONY, ALLEN BEST, ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY, LISA RICHARDSON President, Whistler Publishing LP SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com

Lifestyle & Arts

42 VELOCITY PROJECT Writer Lisa Richardson ponders philosophical lessons we can take to heart about re-birth, cycles of life and even death if we take the time to slow down.

44 EPICURIOUS In an already-crowded B.C. market, a lot more goes into naming a beer than you might think.

48 MUSEUM MUSINGS This week, the column offers some tips for archiving your personal photos and memories, and reminds people that the museum is always looking for material for its collections.

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OPENING REMARKS

Interesting times WELL, THAT WAS BOTH a remarkable election while also being unsurprising.

To be honest, in some strange way, I feel Dr. Bonnie Henry won it.

For months, her quiet, compassionate plan to live with the pandemic has been steering the path of British Columbia

BY CLARE OGILVIE edit@piquenewsmagazine.com

under an NDP minority government—with re-elected NDP health minister Adrian Dix standing right alongside her.

That was quite the one-two punch for voters.

surprise, but gaining (potentially) 12 Liberal seats was.

(Disclaimer: My colleagues at Business in Vancouver tell us that only 66.6 per cent of the votes were counted on election night and there are more than half a million mailin-ballots still to be counted. More than 28 per cent of the votes were mailed in and an additional 4.6 per cent were absentee votes.

Elections BC will have the number of mailin votes by riding later this week. There are currently 17 ridings with a vote differential of less than 1,000 votes: The Liberals lead in eight ridings, the NDP is ahead in seven ridings and the Greens are winning in one riding, here in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.) Some perspective is needed: In losing and then resigning, Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson is the only leader of a B.C. pro-

Clearly, this is a time for the Liberal Party to re-examine who voters are in this day and age.

And some credit must go the BC Green Party and the BC Liberals for working with the NDP for the many months we have been under the veil of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This has been a time when it has actually felt like politicians were working for us— well, OK, maybe that statement needs to be taken with a grain of salt (I still reel when I think of the bottom-line cost of all of this).

With the polls predicting an NDP win for much of the campaign, the party’s success in taking up to 55 seats wasn’t a complete

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business party since the Second World War to never become premier.

In our riding, Jeremy Valeriote of the BC Green Party looks to be our new MLA, but with 7,704 mail-in ballots out there and a vote difference of 604 (7,019 for Greens to 6,415 for incumbent Liberal Jordan Sturdy), it’s best not to assume anything—though most pundits are calling it a win for the Greens.

This is somewhat remarkable, if it comes to pass, with the riding being a Liberal stronghold for many years—and it

marks the first time Greens have won a seat outside of southern Vancouver Island.

Clearly, this is a time for the Liberal Party to re-examine who voters are in this day and age. We are people struggling for affordable housing, worried about a horrendous opioid crisis, mental health and inclusivity. We are concerned about employment that pays enough to live on, about healthcare and especially about the environment and climate change. We are concerned about government debt levels and boondoggle spending, and the education our children are getting at every level.

Obviously there is more, much more, that we worry about, and a party long associated with big business and social conservatism needs to recognize changing demographics and be responsive.

Here, we have been fortunate to have a seasoned MLA firmly focused on what was important to probably the most diverse population in any riding in B.C., from affluent West Vancouver to the tourist mecca of Whistler to farming and rural communities as we head north.

If the Greens’ Valeriote claims the riding, there is much work to do, not least of which is making sure Whistler is front and centre as the province heads into what could be a long economically challenging winter.

And accomplishing this with a party that holds only three seats will take grit.

Our passion for our natural environment and the understanding that without it we are nothing is fundamental to life here in the corridor—and this is a reality from schoolaged kids to those who are retired here. Now it has been reflected in an election.

We need the BC Green Party to take our voice and make it heard. n

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Go the extra mile I was a bit disappointed reading the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) many, many caveats for where masks are not required in public facilities (Pique, Oct. 22, “Masks to be made mandatory in all RMOW facilities”.

I was encouraged as the policy does set out attainable, practical, “doable” guidelines for staff and the public using RMOW buildings.

True leadership.

Unfortunately, I was confused with the exemption to mask-wearing during exercise activities at the Meadow Park [Sports Centre] gym (and other areas?)

“Yes,” I’d rather not wear a mask and “yes,” it is challenging during aerobic exercise, but it is already being done by a percentage of patrons at Meadow Park.

As the cases of COVID-19 alarmingly rise in B.C. and across the country, I don’t understand why the RMOW created this workaround? Gyms, indoor-riding centres and fitness studios have seen outbreaks with extensive spread and the closing of facilities. Let’s not be one of those.

Staff at Meadow Park is doing a tremendous job of keeping gym users educated and safe.

Still, distancing is less than perfect, cleaning equipment is less than perfect, air handling is less than perfect. For months now, medical experts have consistently and forcefully driven home the life-saving properties of wearing masks—why not here?

Whistler,” Pique, Oct. 22).

Waiting until ski season to face another lockdown because we had again misjudged the impact of this COVID-19 thing seems to be a pretty easy thing to want to avoid!

I have masks in my car and all my coat pockets and backpacks and I am happy to note that many Whistler stores have free ones out front right beside the hand sanitizer just in case you forget!

I haven’t checked with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) or Mayor Jack [Crompton] to see if, as a Freeman of the RMOW, I am allowed to issue edicts, but if I am, here is my first one: “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez, mask up and pray for snow so we can start what stopped so abruptly last March 16, and get this season kicked off on the right foot!”

Jim Moodie // Whistler

Time for mask-wearing to be the norm when shopping inside Elsewhere, RMOW staff has been encouraged to wear masks (even outdoors) in public for safety and appearances purposes.

Why then, in a fixed, enclosed area such as the gym would the RMOW allow this unnecessary exception for the gym?

Follow the science.

Get out front.

Show leadership.

Accept that you will get pushback.

It was good to hear that the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) decided, with some exceptions, to make masks mandatory in municipal buildings. I have been disappointed with lack of pandemic protocols in some Whistler shops and stores.

My shopping experiences are somewhat limited to a few places. My local bike shop, Coastal Culture, has a good setup: masks required, disposable masks and hand sanitizer available at the front door, and limited customer numbers.

Keep keeping people safe.

Brian Buchholz // Whistler

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye…

Since you invited letters on mandatory masks, probably expecting some/many to say, “no way, buddy!” I thought I would start your collection of letters with one that says “right on!” (“Masks should be mandatory throughout

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A village ski shop, where I did some Turkey Sale shopping, was equally as good. But other Whistler stores, including a grocery store, are not so good, with no policy requiring masks and no hand sanitizer at the front door.

Surprisingly, the pharmacy where we went for our flu shots had no policy requiring the wearing of masks. There were several customers wandering around without masks, crossing our paths, while we were waiting for the injection. And why do the provincial government liquor stores have no policy requiring customers to wear masks?

While almost all of the employees at these stores wear masks, at least half their customers do not. Employers need to require that shoppers wear masks to protect their staff. They are in a small, indoor space for hours at a time.

Almost all medical scientists, epidemiologists, and national medical authorities now say, because there is a growing body of scientific evidence, that masks will help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Dr. Robert R. Redfield, Director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States said: “We are not defenceless against COVID-19. Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus—particularly when used universally within a community setting.”

Unfortunately, it seems that most Americans are not following his advice. Our provincial government has had a muddled mask policy, “Wear masks when it is appropriate,” but that has changed. [B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer] Dr. Bonnie Henry recently stated, “It is now the expectation that people will wear a non-medical mask in public spaces.”

As B.C. cases surge, it’s time to make masks mandatory in all indoor settings (unless you are home) with some exceptions for eating, drinking, and exercising. In the meantime, let’s lead the way in Whistler, wear masks to protect each other, shop where the stores have good pandemic protocols.

Hopefully, we’ll avoid having to close down the resort and town once again, but much more importantly, we can save lives.

John Konig // Whistler

American election 2020 We are approaching the 11th hour and 59th minute leading up to the U.S. election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

In spite of [recently] setting an all-time, 24-hour new COVID-19 infections record, with more than 85,000 new cases reported nationally in the U.S., and with the coast-tocoast raging coronavirus pandemic setting new daily records in a large number of states, the Trumpet [U.S. President Donald Trump] has recently repeatedly stated at mass rallies— attended by unmasked hordes who are not practising social distancing—that “we are rounding the corner.”

These rallies are what Dr. [Anthony] Fauci, America’s top infectious disease expert, has termed “super-spreader events.” Fauci has served under five presidents, [is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases], and his approval rating in recent polls is more than twice that of the truthchallenged Trumpet.

America has obviously rounded several corners and has returned 360 degrees to the starting point, with a second lap commencing with the onset of colder weather and a new COVID-19 wave in prospect—starting from a record-high level.

With more than 225,000 American deaths so far, recent projections estimate that by the end of February 2021, more than 400,000 Americans may have died from the coronavirus.

[It] is reported in The New York Times that several additional top officials in the White House, including the closest advisers to Vice President [Mike] Pence, have tested positive.

Stay tuned for new records!

With a new “wave” commencing after turning the latest corner and arriving back at the starting gates, this may mean that technically The Washington Post may not have to add the Trumpet’s latest “misspeak” to the tens of thousands of documented lies that he has told the American people with a straight face over the last four years.

One definition of insanity is that, like smashing your head against a wall, you continue to repeat the same dysfunctional behaviour.

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Engel & Völkers Whistler

OCTOBER 29, 2020

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR One could successfully argue that repeatedly stating the denial of reality is an obviously symptom of insanity. The Constitution-writing American Founding Fathers in the late 1700s seem not to have anticipated what to do if the President of the United States is actually insane.

I hope that the smoke is clearing from California, although it seems that the Trumpet is not aware that almost 50 per cent of California’s forests are on federal land, and perhaps he should stop ranting that the Governor of California has caused this year’s terrible wildfires by not having managed the state’s forests properly. This is such an insult to California’s 40 million residents!

No wonder that the Trumpet’s recent quick fundraising visit to California cost almost as much as the funds contributed by this futile trip! President Grump faces personal guarantees of US$421 million over the next three years, excluding a potential payment of US$72 million likely due to a previous federal income tax filing, currently under court review, while his campaign has cancelled tens of millions of dollars of TV commercials in the critical last few days prior to Nov. 3. The Trumpet’s coffers are almost bare, while Joe Biden’s has more than US$170 million in funds planned for this final TV blitz.

So far, the Trumpet has given a total of $0 towards has re-election campaign, he has paid no income taxes for 10 of the last 15 years, according to The New York Times, while paying $750 in federal income taxes on each of the

last two years. Many may recall the discredited late Leona Helmsley’s infamous comments a few years ago in New York that “only the poor people pay taxes.”

The Trumpet. A billionaire? What’s that smell?

No wonder he seems to be preparing to challenge the results of the election.

While a sitting U.S. president cannot be indicted for crimes, when he is unseated, he faces the fact that his long-term personal lawyer and “fixer” is in jail and the Trumpet is, at this point an [alleged] unindicted co-conspirator with Michael Cohen for fraud, perjury, and the payment of “hush money” to the [porn actress] Stormy Daniels with whom he had an affair.

There are numerous other delayed actions by the Attorney General of the Southern District of New York (Manhattan). Clearly, a desperate Trumpet is a threat to democracy, America, and the world.

With his disastrous non-management of the coronavirus pandemic, and with polls of women voters giving Joe Biden a 23 per cent (and counting) lead, how is it possible that the Trumpet might spend another ruinous four years in the White House?

With more than 54 million Americans having voted already in early polls, it appears that our American cousins may have awakened en masse and have smelled the coffee.

A landslide on Nov. 3?

Democratic Presidency, House of Representative, and Senate?

Doug Garnett // Whistler n

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PIQUE’N YER INTEREST

Birth and death during a pandemic SHORTLY AFTER my now-wife and I started dating, she had a dream (nightmare?) that I wrote a regular column called “In Case You Missed It” in which I would run down in great detail my own life’s minutiae with zero care taken to making it relevant or interesting to readers in any way.

BY DAN FALLOON sports@piquenewsmagazine.com

At the risk of confirming the prophecy, here are some dispatches from the pandemic as it drags on into an eighth month and towards winter.

In March, when the situation became more serious in Canada—in Whistler and Squamish and beyond—and has continued to maintain that grip, everyone had a different situation and reaction to what was happening.

Of course, there was a common sense of fear and confusion, but there was also a general confidence that it was a challenge that could be contained if we shut down for a spell. But not everyone could completely shut down, understandably in the case of essential services, and, less acceptably, not everyone would.

As much as life halted, in other ways, it also went on. Nearly every activity

was tightly controlled, with even major milestones such as weddings being postponed or, as we saw in our own office with assistant editor and arts editor Alyssa Noel’s, live-streamed. But there are the big ones that couldn’t be stopped: birth and death.

My first taste was one I could see coming, at least: my sister announced last Christmas that she and her husband were expecting their first child, due in August.

At the time, my wife and I immediately started kicking around dates we might be able to go meet our new niece or nephew back home in Winnipeg, reasoning that one of the long weekends, maybe Labour Day or Thanksgiving, would be best. We’d make travel arrangements closer to.

Ella came into the world on Aug. 3, and while we’ve had several Skype sessions and bore gifts in the form of parcels, we haven’t yet made the journey to the prairies to hold her. Our initial concern was flying in and potentially bringing the virus to a place— and potentially to friends and family—that hadn’t seen much in terms of a first wave, but now with COVID-19 rates spiralling out of control there in the heartland, we’re just as much avoiding the chance we might make things worse out here.

The other shoe dropped more recently after my grandmother was admitted to a Winnipeg hospital after suffering a fall at

home. She was stable, sharp, in good spirits and even approaching 91, with some elbow grease, there were hopes that she would be able to recover and maintain a good quality of life. Things took a turn when she fell a second time in the hospital, this time with more severe consequences.

Hearing it second-hand, the healthcare experience during the pandemic seemed like a surreal process all around. When the EMTs met my grandmother at her condo, she found it difficult to understand their questions or instructions through their layers of personal protective equipment.

For two weeks, my mother was the only person allowed to visit, though, in a silver lining, this period had elapsed before my grandmother’s condition worsened and her bubble of visitors was allowed to expand safely and slightly.

We had video chats with her in the hospital, and ultimately had to say goodbye this way, though we were grateful for the opportunity to do even that.

With no real chance of regaining a reasonable quality of life, and with her pain managed, it was with some relief that she passed peacefully on Oct. 17.

In retrospect, the timing of her passing was fortuitous in another sense in that the hospital is now the site of a serious COVID outbreak just a floor up, so it’s a relief knowing that she’s no longer at risk

of potentially experiencing a far worse death and that my family members have removed the risk of wandering in the belly of that beast.

Thankfully, we are holding off on having a service until it’s safe to travel and to gather, but even that can be a point of contention.

Unlike B.C., Manitoba is implementing tightly targeted restrictions in affected areas. In an instance I recently heard about, a family couldn’t welcome more than 10 people to a funeral service within Winnipeg, so they instead opted to host it 30 minutes outside city limits where it was possible to hold a much larger gathering.

You don’t want to blame people for their decision-making when they’re in the throes of grief, so that’s why it’s even more important that government steps up to protect them from themselves, especially at times when one funeral could kick off a series in quick succession.

There are all sacrifices we need to make during a pandemic. It’s not easy. There are going to be lasting effects, and we’re all going to have FOMO experiences that are more than just not taking part in a sweet pow day or awesome club night. Let’s do our part to stem the virus’ spread, and make sure we keep as many family members and friends around to collectively work through these challenges in the years to come. n

OCTOBER 29, 2020

13

NEWS WHISTLER

Will the Sea to Sky go Green?

SNAP ELECTION RETURNS NDP MAJORITY, AND A TIGHT RACE LOCALLY

BY BRADEN DUPUIS B.C.’S SNAP pandemic election has come and gone, with an NDP majority government in the cards—but voters in the Sea to Sky will have to wait a little longer to find out who will represent them in Victoria.

The Green Party’s Jeremy Valeriote, a Whistler resident, is projected to take the riding, with 7,019 votes (or 39.56 per cent) to incumbent Liberal Jordan Sturdy’s 6,415 (36.16 per cent)—but with 7,704 requested mail-in ballots yet to be counted, the results are far from final.

Three days after the vote, and with a couple of good nights’ sleep under his belt, Valeriote said he was feeling great about the campaign.

“I just feel like I left it all on the field, and I’m happy with the result so far, and ready to spend a bit of time with family while we wait for the rest of the ballots to be counted,” he said.

As for if his election night victory will hold, “there’s no way of knowing,” he added.

“So I’ll just wait until all the ballots are counted and we’ll go from there.”

Reached by phone on Tuesday, Sturdy said he was “certainly not ready to concede quite yet,” noting the large number of mail-in ballots requested, though he added there’s no way to tell how many were

HISTORIC SHIFT The Green Party’s Jeremy

Valeriote is projected to win the Sea to Sky riding (pending mail-in votes).

PHOTO SUBMITTED

14 OCTOBER 29, 2020

actually returned.

“If it’s 1,000 or 2,000, then it’s unlikely we’ll see any kind of movement,” he said.

“I think generally speaking it’s unlikely that there’s going to be a change, but we might as well count all the votes.”

The Green turnout—the party’s best in the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding, long considered a BC Liberal stronghold— is a result of changing demographics and electoral boundaries, Sturdy said.

“If you are anti-resource development, if you’re anti-logging, or you’re anti-forestry, anti-mining, anti-energy, then you really did only have one choice … I understand and respect the fact that the demographic here has changed significantly, but I’m not going to go running chasing that. That’s not what I believe,” he said.

“I believe in sustainable resource development. I believe that Canada should be part of the provision of energy globally, because I think that we are an ethical producer, and I think that we should participate, and that we almost have an obligation to.

“There’s lots of people who completely disagree with that, and I respect that.”

Should Valeriote come away with the victory, he said his key priorities will include climate action, affordable housing, regional transit and economic recovery for small businesses.

On the climate front, he’ll take up the task of advocating for an end to oil and gas subsidies, and oppose the long-gestating Woodfibre LNG plant (which received a five-year extension to its environmental assessment certificate on Oct. 25).

“I heard very clearly that Woodfibre LNG doesn’t represent the predominant

values of the people who live here, whether it’s on emissions as it relates to the climate crisis, [or] whether it’s on government taxpayer subsidies that could be used on other things like education and health,” Valeriote said, adding that people have been fighting the project for a long time.

“The reason why they need a five-year extension is because they haven’t been able to make it happen in the last five years,” he said. “So it’s an ongoing discussion, and it’s not a done deal.”

On the topic of regional transit, which stalled out after the government rejected a funding plan from corridor stakeholders last year, Valeriote said he would wait for the final election results before getting into specific strategies for getting it done.

“We can’t delay any longer. It needs to happen now,” he said. “So [it’s] just figuring out what tools we have, and what allies we need to engage, and what evidence we can bring to the table that will convince the government that this is the right thing to do.”

Asked about economic recovery for Whistler businesses, Valeriote pointed to the commercial rent subsidy and other ideas in the Green Party platform.

“I do believe that the Whistler and area small business tourism didn’t get the attention it should have with the previous government,” he said.

And while the province does have an Economic Recovery Task Force, “I think that action needs to be taken sooner,” Valeriote said.

“The tourism industry and local entrepreneurs and local small businesses are a key part of this new economy, and they need to be supported now.”

The NDP are projected to take 55 of B.C.’s 87 ridings, compared to 29 for the Liberals and three for the Green Party.

The NDP’s Keith Murdoch finished third in the riding, with 4,309 votes (24.29 per cent) after election night.

While it’s not the result he was hoping for, Murdoch said he was excited to see the NDP earn its first B.C. majority since 1996.

“This is my first time running in provincial politics, and it was really interesting,” Murdoch said, though he added he wished he could have done more face-to-face campaigning.

“I wish I could have engaged with people directly more, but the feedback I did get from the people I spoke to was all positive.

“There’s a lot of real challenges that folks are feeling … the NDP, in my view, is the only political party who will actually make life better for folks.”

Despite the personal election results, Murdoch, who has been leading a charge to unionize Whistler workers in recent years, isn’t about to give up his advocacy efforts.

“I’m not shying away from it,” he said.

“My advocacy work will continue to happen in Whistler, across the corridor, and across B.C., and I’m excited to continue to support workers.”

Elections BC estimates at least 52.4 per cent of registered voters cast a ballot in the 2020 election—down from 61.18 per cent in 2017.

Though the final ballot count normally starts 13 days after election day and lasts for three days, Elections BC expects that timeline to be extended this year due to the large number of mail-in ballots.

Find more info at elections.bc.ca. n

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BY BRANDON BARRETT THE WHISTLER Blackcomb Foundation (WBF) has released the results of its recent mental-health survey, showing how Whistlerites are coping through the pandemic and offering valuable insights to service providers looking to knock down existing barriers to support.

Funded by the Katz Amsterdam Foundation, the survey was spearheaded by the WBF in consultation with a task force of mental-health professionals, social-service organizations and the local school district.

Aimed at identifying gaps surrounding mental health and substance use, the results will be used “to create environments that are supportive of mental health and foster a participant-centred approach,” wrote WBF executive director Mei Madden in an email.

Conducted in August, the survey is based on responses from 314 Whistler residents aged 19 and up, and paints a picture of the community’s resilience through trying times.

In all, 77 per cent of respondents felt like they have community connections or services they can turn to in a time of need, while 83 per cent reported feeling confident or somewhat confident in their ability to manage stress and work.

Forty-one per cent of those polled suggested their emotional or mental health was “not good” for one to five days over the prior months, with a fifth of respondents noting they missed between six to 10 days of activities due to poor mental health.

Another 40 per cent said they experienced a lack of companionship or felt isolated from others “some of the time,” while 19 per cent chose “often.”

Tellingly, respondents’ reported wellbeing was often influenced by age and socioeconomic status, with those surveyed more likely, for instance, to feel isolated “often” below the age of 50 and with an annual household income below $60,000.

More than half of respondents who did seek help for their emotional or mentalhealth needs reported experiencing barriers to accessing support, with the top two barriers listed as cost (45 per cent), and not knowing where to go to find resources (35 per cent).

“I think that’s an important thing for all of us to take away,” Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) executive director Jackie Dickinson said. “It asks questions of us at WCSS and we’re having conversations [around] the financial criteria we have for people to access our [subsidized counselling] service. We’re considering looking at that financial criteria and reviewing it to see who

is missing or needs support that doesn’t meet that financial criteria.”

Resort employers should also take note of the concerns around the cost of accessing support, urged Dickinson.

“From an employer’s standpoint, these results are really important to gather because, if cost is a barrier and you’re an employer that doesn’t have an [employee assistance program] with counselling attached, it is something to consider,” she said.

Whistler’s social-service provider is exploring new ways to reach the community’s younger demographic in an effort to boost awareness of the services available locally, particularly for the seasonal workforce.

“There is a constant flux and turnover in our community, so we have to remember that some people are only with us for a short period of time, and so what are we going to do to reach those people quickly and effectively, and how is that information going to get to them in a prevention-based way rather than a reactive way?” wondered Dickinson.

The results also shed light on alcohol and substance use in the community: a combined 42 per cent of respondents listed alcohol (29 per cent) and drugs (13 per cent) as part of their maintenance toolkit. Again, the results were largely dependent on age, with 35- to 49-year-olds most likely to rely on alcohol (39 per cent), followed by 50to 64-year-olds (31 per cent). The younger demographics were more likely to resort to drugs, with 22 per cent of 19- to 24-year-olds listing them as a maintenance tool (versus 18 per cent who listed alcohol), followed by 25- to 34-year-olds (20 per cent versus 27 per cent who listed alcohol). A combined 20 per cent of those polled 35 and over listed drugs as a coping mechanism.

The WBF is now using the survey results to form a community hub that will integrate relevant information from a number of sources.

“It will essentially be a ‘one-stop shop’ for accessing mental-health resources and we hope by doing this, our community will be able to know where to turn in their time of need,” said Madden, adding that the hub is expected to be up and running in the new year.

The non-profit is also exploring the creation of a “community collaborative” support model, with input from local service providers, that is aimed at streamlining the counselling intake and referral process so that it is “participant-centred and supports a warm handoff for those in need of a referral,” Madden explained.

For the full survey results, visit tinyurl. com/WBFmentalhealth. n

NICK SWINBURNE

Phone: +1 (604) 932-8899 Email: nick.swinburne@evrealestate.com

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NEWS WHISTLER

RMOW to sign agreement with Alpine Paving MOTION, PASSED EARLIER THIS MONTH, AIMS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF CHEAKAMUS CROSSING RESIDENTS

BY ALYSSA NOEL THE RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) passed a motion earlier this month to sign a partnering agreement with Alpine Paving.

Under the agreement, Alpine Paving has committed to making safety improvements, including reducing noise and airborne particulate matter along the access road to the gravel quarry, in order to address concerns from residents in the nearby Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood. Some of that work already took place throughout the summer, council learned during an Oct. 6 staff presentation. Earlier this year a pedestrian crossing was added at the trailhead for the popular Train Wreck hike as well.

“We’re stuck with this situation for a while, until the licensing agreement comes up for renewal,” Councillor Cathy Jewett said during the meeting. “I think that this is a really great way to work with the provider and also address the concerns of the residents.”

During the presentation, Tammy Shore, capital projects manager with the RMOW, outlined discussions she had with

the vendor and some of the work they undertook this summer.

Part of that was the construction of a screening berm at the back of the Cloudburst Drive apartment building. “The intention of that berm is to create a screening mechanism, which will be planted with hydroseeding, but to work on screening for dust and noise and visuals from the Cheakamus Crossing area,” she said.

Earlier in the season, Alpine Paving also paved the entrance to its quarry with the aim of reducing dust and noise in that area, “which is quite busy with many vendors going in and out of that tenure,” Shore added.

The budget consideration for the work would be $45,000 included in the 2020 and 2021 road reconstruction work, with Alpine Paving paving the entrance to the quarry “at no profit to themselves,” Shore said. “So the cost was reduced by about 15 per cent.

As I understand, the market value of the asphalt would be closer to $50,000 and the total cost of that 150-metre-long stretch is about $34,000, and then the berm itself is around $4,000.”

Council originally directed staff to explore the partnering agreement with Alpine Paving at its July 21 meeting, when it also authorized a contract with the company for the Whistler Road and

Trail Reconstruction Project to the tune of $508,495. The formal agreement is necessary to allow the RMOW to work on any safety upgrades, otherwise it could be seen as assisting a business.

Dating back to 2011, council has directed staff to restrict sourcing asphalt from facilities that are located within three kilometres of Whistler neighbourhoods. That meant

“We’re stuck with this situation...”

- CATHY JEWETT

Alpine Paving has had to source its asphalt for municipal work from its Squamish plant rather than the one in Cheakamus.

That has generated 270 tonnes of CO2, adding up to between two and five per cent of the municipality’s corporate emissions (equal to the annual output of about 55 passenger vehicles).

Noise, dust, traffic and other issues from the plant have been a persistent problem for years, according to Cheakamus residents.

Under the new partnering agreement, the project team will complete an assessment on where the current air quality

monitoring station is located—and decide if it should be relocated or a new station should be installed, after residents have contended that its current site doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the dust particulates in the air.

Resident Denis Ebacher said while most of the changes are merely Band-Aid solutions, he is hopeful the partnership could result in future improvements— namely moving the quarry.

“Hopefully the goal is to enter a great relationship where they can negotiate properly and have it move somewhere or find a way to help [the company] because there is a cost to this,” he said. “Right now, it’s Band-Aids and showing they’re trying to do something. We’re still dusty, people that live at the buildings at the bottom [of the neighbourhood], they can’t open their windows; there’s dust in five minutes. It’s just brutal.”

During the meeting, Coun. Duane Jackson thanked staff for addressing some of these issues through the summer.

“Thanks to staff for engaging pretty immediately and maintaining a positive working relationship through the summer and carrying on the monitoring so that we can hopefully see some improvements in the neighbourhood,” he said. n

OCTOBER 29, 2020

17

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler Public Library reopens to limited in-person browsing this week BROWSING AND HOLDS PICK-UP WILL BE LIMITED TO 30-MINUTE WINDOWS, STARTING OCT. 29

BY BRANDON BARRETT THE WHISTLER Public Library (WPL) will allow patrons back through its doors this week for the first time since the pandemic began.

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 29, library users will be permitted to browse for materials or pick up holds in-person for up to 30 minutes, with staff on-hand to assist and a greeter at the entrance to help maintain occupancy limits.

COVID protocols will be in place, including a mandatory mask policy (masks will be available onsite), and no seating available in communal areas to mitigate possible transmission.

“We are super excited,” said library director Elizabeth Tracy. “Obviously this is core to what we do. We are here to serve the community, and while it has felt good from a distance to put materials in people’s hands …

I think it’s also going to feel good for people to come in the building and choose their own materials, even if it’s for a short visit.”

At the start of the pandemic, several

18 OCTOBER 29, 2020

library staff were redeployed to other municipal facilities, such as the food bank, before being brought back on as the library ramped up its virtual programming and Library to Go services, which allowed patrons to reserve and pick up materials at pre-set times from the building’s lobby.

“Staff are used to connecting with people who are in pretty vulnerable situations in the community, but they’re also used to dispensing information, so it was the perfect complement to what they normally do,” Tracy said of the redeployment.

The increase in online programming also came with something of a silver lining, Tracy said.

“Doing the Zoom or Facebook Live approach has really opened up a portal to create opportunities for people who may not have been able to attend in the past,” she noted, adding that, depending on how the pandemic plays out, WPL staff will consider the possibility of resuming in-person programming “as we get towards the summer and the weather warms.”

Even pre-COVID, the library was seeing steady increases in demand for its electronic resources, with 21 per cent more

EXPRESS BROWSING Library patrons will be permitted to browse for materials or pick up holds in person for up to 30 minutes, beginning Oct. 29.

PHOTO BY REACTIVE DESIGN

uses in 2019 than the year prior.

“As virtue of that, we increased the amount of funding out of the materials budget that we were putting towards the e-resources,” Tracy relayed. “Of course,

that was very pivotal during this time and continues to be. What we’ve learned from adapting early and creating that virtual branch that sustained us from March until the end of May is that it is something that is going to continue to stick with us.”

According to the WPL’s 2019 annual report, which was presented to mayor and council last month, in-person visits rose 15 per cent that year, from 195,304 in 2018, to 229,884. Program attendance, meanwhile, increased by nine per cent, from 17,414 to 19,402, as did total expenditures, jumping 17 per cent in 2019, from $1,342,609 to $1,581,414.

Looking at the impacts to this year’s budget, Tracy said the library, which receives the lion’s share of its funding from the municipal and provincial governments, would “align with the rest of the municipality in terms of any hits to revenue or any belt-tightening we need to do to be good citizens in the community.”

The library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from noon until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For a full list of library services and health protocols, visit whistlerlibrary.ca. n

P: Justa Jeskova

NEWS WHISTLER

For two days, all of the Whistler RCMP’s nonemergency calls were forwarded to East Van woman PHONE LINE MIX-UP ‘VERY UNIQUE AND UNUSUAL SITUATION,’ SAYS DETACHMENT HEAD

BY BRANDON BARRETT IT’S THE MORNING of July 16 when Angie Jacques gets a phone call. The call display reads Whistler RCMP. An East Vancouver retiree, she wonders why police two-and-a-half hours away would be trying to reach her.

The caller reads a phone number aloud, asking if it’s hers. It is. At first, Jacques thinks it might be one of those phone scams where the fraudster poses as police in an effort to extract sensitive personal information.

“Even though it was my number, I didn’t really know if he was actually RCMP, so I said, ‘I’m not going to tell you that’ and hung up.”

Soon after, she gets another call, this time from someone trying to reach the detachment. Then another. And another.

Something is amiss, she realizes.

“I just started having people calling me and telling me they wanted to speak to the RCMP. I couldn’t figure it out and thought maybe my phone number had been put

on some kind of website or something,” Jacques recalled. “So when people were phoning me, I was saying to them, ‘Where did you get my number?’ It was by 2 in the afternoon that I had figured out … it was the Whistler-Pemberton RCMP.” Jacques’ next logical step, of course, was to contact the RCMP, so she looks up the number for the Whistler detachment and gives it a ring. She is surprised to hear an automated message asking for a pin to access her voicemails.

She had called herself.

With no way of reaching the Whistler detachment, Jacques decides to call the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) for advice.

“The VPD here said, ‘There’s no criminal activity,’” said Jacques. Frustrated, she turns her phone off for the night.

Then, the following morning, Jacques gets another phone call, this time from a man who had an appointment at the Whistler detachment, only to find it locked.

She explained the situation, that she wasn’t the RCMP, and in a stroke of luck, someone from the detachment comes out at that moment to open the doors.

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Finally with someone on the line who could help, Jacques explains the problem.

She is told to call Telus “or you’re going to get a lot more of these calls.”

Over a nearly two-day span, Jacques will receive upwards of 15 calls.

“I thought, ‘Doesn’t anybody care?’ I could be getting confidential information from people. I could be doing anything

pretending I was the police,” she said, noting that she ended up filing a complaint with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission.

“What frustrated me was they totally weren’t taking anything I said seriously.”

Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes with the Whistler RCMP confirmed the telephone company had mistakenly forwarded the detachment’s after-hours line to Jacques’ phone number, a “very unique and unusual situation, which, to our knowledge, has never happened before,” he noted.

Hayes also iterated that the detachment employee Jacques had spoken with was not an RCMP member, but a civilian. He thanked Jacques for raising the issue “in a timely manner,” and apologized for the inconvenience.

Ultimately, Jacques said she simply wanted to be heard, and she was thankful to get a call from Hayes apologizing personally for the mix-up.

“I’m sure they get their fair share of crazy calls, but even if someone is crazy, it doesn’t mean they don’t have something going on that police do need to listen to,” she added. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler Hardware celebrates 40 years SMALL BUSINESS WEEK RECOGNIZES B.C.’S ENTREPRENEURS

BY BRADEN DUPUIS WHEN WHISTLER Hardware first opened its doors in the heart of Whistler Village in October 1980, it did so in the middle of what was essentially a construction site.

“Which is probably the best start any hardware store could ever get,” said owner Shane Holland.

Four decades later, the shop—one of the longest-standing in the village—is still going strong, and marked Small Business Week in B.C. with a 40th anniversary celebration on Oct. 24 and 25.

“I think the secret of Whistler Hardware’s success is that we sell things that people need every day,” Holland said.

“We’re not targeting seasonality, we’re not targeting sports … what I like to say is, if you need it, we’ve got it.”

In a time of unprecedented challenges for entrepreneurs, that flexibility has meant Whistler Hardware is still seeing “fairly robust” sales, Holland said—even if what

people are buying is different.

“For example, this summer we sold more fishing gear, more camping gear, more inflatable products than ever before, things that people wanted to do for outdoor activities,” he said.

With B.C. celebrating Small Business Week from Oct. 18 to 24, Holland said the best way to support entrepreneurs is to consider your purchasing decisions.

“Think about if you can buy it from a small business rather than a big box or online, because small business will go the extra mile to satisfy you or make sure you’re happy with your purchase,” he said.

“I’d just encourage everyone to get out and support your small business. If you haven’t been in them for awhile, find out what they do have, and the services they can provide.”

Holland and his family—wife Dayna, son Toby and daughter Midori—bought Whistler Hardware from original owners Jack and Hilda Davey and their son Ken in 2017.

Coming from a corporate background, Holland said he was looking to make a

GOING STRONG Whistler Hardware owner Shane Holland marked the store’s 40th anniversary with a community celebration on Oct. 24 and 25.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

change at the time.

“I wanted a business that really had heart, and to me the hardware store was really part of the heart of the village, and it provided so many services,” he said.

“I wanted something that was unique, and really something that we could carry on the tradition of. The previous owners were proud to be there for 37 years, and I was ready to take it on and say we can do the same thing,

and extend the life of this business.”

Whistler Hardware continues to be a family affair, as the entire family helps out at the store, Holland added, and he hopes to keep it in the family when he retires.

The store’s 40th anniversary celebration included prize draws, donuts and birthday discounts, with 10 per cent of gross sales being donated to the Whistler Community Services Society. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

The bear facts: Black bears and fall traditions BE WARY OF CONVINCING BEAR COSTUMES THIS HALLOWEEN!

BY LUCI CADMAN ONE THING WE CAN be certain of this Halloween in Whistler, and around B.C., is that young humans won’t be the only ones roaming our neighbourhoods in search of spooky snacks and beautifully carved pumpkins.

Black bears are curious, and juveniles are especially interested in the sights and smells around them. Deep in the wilderness, this curiosity serves them well as they explore new food sources. Close to humans, however, curiosity can be deadly for the bears. Be sure not to invite a bear to your door by displaying yummy food outside. Keep your pumpkins and treats inside your home.

OTHER REASONS WHY BLACK BEARS ARE IN OUR COMMUNITIES This may be new information for you—bears seek safety in areas occupied by humans.

As bear-behaviour expert Ellie Lamb says, “It’s the vulnerable population of black bears that live around our communities.

This population includes mothers, cubs and adolescents. They are here because they

24 OCTOBER 29, 2020

trust us to keep them safe from the larger, more dominant bears.”

Young bears are curious, goofy, inexperienced and full of energy. And much like young humans, they are particularly partial to sweet treats.

Another reason why we see bears is that they often have no choice but to travel through our neighbourhoods in search of natural foods. Don’t summon them to stay! We have a year-round responsibility to secure or remove food sources around our homes. Failure to do so often results in bears needlessly being killed, and it can fuel bear activity over the winter.

garbage and organics secure is changing the natural behaviour of bears. Some male bears will not den when they are provided with nourishment over the winter. This is one of the reasons why bears are killed during the winter when, in theory, they should be dormant.

“This population includes mothers, cubs and adolescents.”

- ELLIE LAMB

BLACK BEARS AND WINTER Because few natural foods are available in winter, bears conserve energy and enter a state of dormancy. Bears remain inside their dens without the need to drink, eat, or go to the bathroom for as long as six months.

Vulnerable bears may den mere metres from trails in an effort to remain safe. Females often choose to live on the periphery of urban environments—they can be especially timid. While a mother black bear may choose to defend her cubs, her instinct is to retreat rather than confront.

Feeding birds and failing to keep

OF BIRDS AND BEARS Bird seed and suet are strong bear attractants.

Black bears evolved in forested areas and are agile climbers. Even the biggest black bear can scale a fence with impressive agility.

These dexterous animals have a long reach— it is practically impossible to hang a feeder where a black bear cannot access it.

Their keen sense of smell can even source strewn nuts and seeds. Bears are not nocturnal—bringing feeders inside at night

is not the solution. Instead, place a small amount of seed on a plate when you are home to enjoy the birds and bring leftovers inside.

TIME TO LET THE BEARS SLEEP Encourage bears to den by not leaving food outside. If they visit your property, leave your phone alone (don’t worry about getting photos!) and move them on. From a safe place (deck or open window), use a loud, firm tone and tell the bear to, “Go away!”

Clap your hands or trigger your car alarm. Be persistent and make them feel unwelcome.

Bears are vital members of our wider community. We can safely coexist if we make the effort to set boundaries and learn more about their behaviour.

Luci Cadman is certified in bear safety and awareness, and is a certified bearviewing guide with the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia.

She has been the education coordinator for the North Shore Black Bear Society for five years. While bears remain Luci’s first love, she expanded the Society’s educational outreach in 2018 to include coyotes, bobcats and cougars. n

NEWS WHISTLER

Alpine Café looking to increase space COUNCIL BRIEFS: WSL BUILD GETS PERMIT; OCP AMENDMENT AUTHORIZED

BY BRADEN DUPUIS A REZONING BYLAW that will allow the popular Alpine Café in Alpine Meadows to increase its restaurant space was given first two readings at the Oct. 20 Whistler council meeting.

The proposed amendment will alter the site’s density requirements to increase space for the restaurant/café while reducing space for convenience retail.

The amendment will require 25 square metres of gross floor area be kept for retail to ensure residents of Alpine Meadows don’t have to travel outside their neighbourhood for essentials.

“The existing building on the site was originally built in 1986, and contained retail use on the main floor and a twobedroom suite on the second floor,” said planner Clancy Sloan in a presentation to council, adding that the site (located at 8104 McKeevers Place) was renovated in 2002 to add the café and market.

Council was supportive of the bylaw, with Councillor John Grills noting the proponents have been thinking about making changes for a long time.

“After the large supermarket went in at Rainbow that had to have a dramatic impact on the sales out of the convenience store,” Grills said.

“So I think this is a great business change for them to allow more space for their food and beverage and condense the retail down.”

A public hearing will follow.

WSL HOUSING PROJECT GETS DEVELOPMENT PERMIT Council also issued a development permit for a Whistler Sport Legacies (WSL) housing project on Cloudburst Drive in Cheakamus on Oct. 20.

The project at 1315 Cloudburst proposes a multi-family residential building with 58 units (22 studio, 30 two-bedroom and six two-bedroom accessible).

“Each unit has in-unit storage space, as well as a balcony or terrace, and the building has one elevator along with internal communal spaces and common laundry on each floor,” said planner Tracy Napier in a presentation to council, adding that the building’s underground parkade would have 63 spaces (in addition to five surface stalls), secure bike storage and a solid waste and recycling area.

The development also proposes outdoor lawn and open space with a climbing wall, outside terraces, trails, a rain garden and a “naturalized forested knoll,” Napier said.

The project is aiming for Step 4 of the

BC Energy Step Code, and will be connected to the District Energy System, she added.

As per housing agreement bylaws passed in January this year, 1,400 square metres of the new building’s gross floor area (about 20 units) will be below market, price-restricted employee housing, while 2,500 square metres will be available for either employee housing or athlete and coach accommodation.

Existing WSL athlete accommodation—20 townhomes at 1345 Cloudburst—will also be shifted to employee housing, with a preference for essential service workers (defined as medical workers, police, firefighters, maintenance workers for roads and utilities, teachers and daycare workers).

WSL will work with the Whistler Housing Authority to fill the employee units.

OCP MAPPING AMENDMENT INTRODUCED FOR NORDIC HOUSING PROJECT A controversial housing project in Nordic was back on the Whistler council agenda on Oct. 20, as council authorized staff to prepare an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment bylaw for the site at 2077 Garibaldi Way. The amendment will change the land-use designation on the site from “residential— very low (detached)” to “residential—low to medium (detached/multiple).”

When Whistler’s long-awaited OCP was adopted in June, it inadvertently designated the site as “very low,” explained senior planner Roman Licko in a presentation to council.

“There wasn’t an intention to change the OCP designation on this property … This was an error, more an oversight,” he said.

“Within the new OCP, adjacent properties are designated ‘residential—low to medium,’ which is what we’re recommending we do with this parcel.”

As per a Framework Agreement between the parties, the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations will be consulted on the OCP amendment.

The rezoning bylaw for the project itself—which in its latest iteration proposes 20 units in four buildings (two seven-plexes and two triplexes)—has yet to come to council for first readings.

A public hearing would also be part of the process.

As a longtime resident of Nordic, Coun.

Arthur De Jong recused himself from the discussion.

Read more about the project in Pique, May 8: “Whistler council endorses reimagined housing projects,” piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler-news/ whistler-council-endorses-reimaginedhousing-projects-2510538. . n

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NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Village, Tourism Pemberton seeking grants TOURISM ORGANIZATION SEEKING MONEY FOR OUTHOUSES AND PIT TOILETS

BY DAN FALLOON PEMBERTON AND the surrounding area will have a multi-pronged approach when it comes to asking for provincial infrastructure funding.

At the Village of Pemberton’s (VOP) most recent council meeting, the discussion about Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) grants took a little longer than expected after a lastminute addition to the agenda.

Council voted to put forth two VOP projects—the Pemberton Off-Road Cycling Association bike skills park and the Pemberton Farm Road East Multi-Use Path— for the program, which provides 100-per-cent funding to successful applicants.

Meanwhile, Tourism Pemberton submitted a letter dated Oct. 16 seeking VOP support for outhouses and pit toilets at various sites in and around Pemberton.

The proposed locations in the letter were: Mackenzie Basin mountain biking trails; Semaphore Lake trails; Duffey Lake parking and the Wendy Thompson Hut near the salt shed; Sea to Sky Trail; Keyhole Hot Springs parking; Meager Creek; One Mile Lake dog beach; and the Pemberton and District Recreation Site.

In presenting the letter, chief administrative officer Nikki Gilmore was supportive of the proposed projects that fall outside the VOP boundaries, but expressed concern over those within Village limits.

“It doesn’t meet the intention of the One Mile Lake Master Plan,” she said of the dog beach proposal. “As far as the new soccer fields, we’re going to be building the amenity building next year, so I think if these funds could go to other locations where they need those amenities, that would be our preference.”

The letter includes a plan for Tourism Pemberton to maintain the sites, but that

KEY LOCATION Keyhole Hot Springs is one site at which Tourism Pemberton hopes to install an outhouse and pit toilet using Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program funds.

FILE PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE was a non-starter for Gilmore for the two projects within the Village.

“When dealing specifically with Village infrastructure, I think it should be the Village’s responsibility as opposed to a volunteer organization,” she said. “I don’t think we would encourage permanent outhouses being placed in the Village. I think we could accommodate those connecting to our own infrastructure.”

Gilmore also noted there are existing facilities at One Mile Lake located between 400 and 650 metres from the proposed site.

With the grant covering all infrastructure costs, but not elements such as maintenance, Councillor Ted Craddock expressed concern over future funding.

“I don’t want to put the Village in a situation in one or two years from now that PVUS [Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services Committee] or the regional

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district and the town combined are faced with picking up the budget for these once they’ve been in place,” he said. “Once you have something, you hate to lose it.

“I’m still supportive of it. I’m just concerned about ongoing costs.”

Council ultimately voted to write a letter of support contingent on receiving support from other jurisdictions, on black water being processed at provincially monitored facilities, and confirmation of ongoing maintenance costs. Council passed a second resolution to request that two from within the boundaries are removed.

Tourism Pemberton president Mark Mendonca said the organization is looking to make the most of an opportunity benefitting Pemberton and beyond.

“We hope to raise our profile as a good community steward by providing washroom facilities at key locations over

the next few years,” he said. “A funding opportunity has now presented itself and if we’re successful, it will allow us to make a significant contribution.”

Speaking on Oct. 27, Mendonca said that the organization planned to submit an application, with the One Mile Lake and recreation site projects removed, before the Oct. 29 deadline. He said while several municipalities, ministries and organizations had promised letters of support, he had only one in hand.

“It’s unfortunate that the grant was positioned with so little time to react and us getting all our ducks in a row,” he said.

“We feel like we’ve done a good job. We’re feeling motivated.”

He said the list of proposed sites was originally around 14, but with some being nixed by others, including the two by the VOP, he anticipates making a request for eight.

Considering that they are currently closed, the Keyhole and Meager Creek hot springs requests, Mendonca said, might appear odd to some, but with ongoing discussion between the provincial government, Lil’wat Nation and other local stakeholders to officially restore access in some capacity, he feels it’s reasonable to be prepared.

“If the powers that be go ahead with the reopening, it would be nice to have some of these in place and, frankly, people are going there anyways,” he said. “How do you maintain it? How do you stop people from going up there, is the problem. It’s probably best to have some sort of facility in place.”

As for maintenance, Mendonca said Tourism Pemberton is prepared to provide at least five years of upkeep, with a two-year commitment for volunteer work already in place and plans coming together to raise the estimated $15,000 annual cost.

“We’re confident that that will work well. It’s our goal now to raise some funding to continue that,” he said.

For more from VOP council, head to piquenewsmagazine.com. n

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NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Store apologizes, pulls costume depicting Indigenous girl THINK TWICE ABOUT THE IMPACT YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME COULD HAVE: N’QUATQUA NATION MEMBER

BY ALYSSA NOEL

604.894.6135

The Village of Pemberton is seeking volunteers for the Board of Variance.

Board of Variance: Three (3) Year Term – 2021/2022/2023 Three (3) seat vacancies. The Board of Variance is an Th independent body that considers variances to Village of Pemberton Zoning Bylaw 832, 2018. The Board has the authority to grant variances in situa�ons where compliance with the Zoning Bylaw would cause undue hardship.

For applica�on forms and details, please visit www.pemberton.ca or contact Village of Pemberton Development Services by email at lpedrini@pemberton.ca.

Applica�ons must be received by 4 PM on Friday, November 6th. Selec�ons will be made at a future Council mee�ng in www.pemberton.ca 2020.

COSTUME PULLED A costume that was recently removed from the shelves at Small Potatoes Bazaar.

VillageOfPemberton

www.pemberton.ca

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Before the post, Cooper said she wanted to see the costume removed—and for everyone to think a little more deeply about what kind of costumes they choose.

“I would like … for more people to be open-minded and more educated on being more respectful to others,” she said.

“I think most of the time we tend not to think about our actions too much. When it comes to race and culture, [I’d like people] to be more aware, more educated, to acknowledge your mistake, accept it, and learn from it and apologize.”

While many people brush off ethnic

“It makes me angry because I myself just don’t dress up as someone else’s culture just for fun because I know that’s disrespectful.”

- HALLIE COOPER

“Small Potatoes Bazaar would like to thank those who shared their concerns,” she said in an email and also on the store’s Facebook page. “Their voice has been heard and we recognize this costume is offensive. We formally apologize to all local Indigenous people. We have removed all ethnic costumes and will not be carrying such costumes going forward. We value the local Indigenous communities and look forward to continuing to connect in meaningful ways.”

Ques�ons?

We’re Listening.

admin@ pemberton.ca

WHEN HALLIE COOPER’S friend snapped a photo of a “Native Girl” costume at a Pemberton store recently and sent it to her friend text group, Cooper was upset.

“I don’t necessarily speak up on things like this,” she said. “I’m not quick to jump on anything, but I was just like, enough of this. I see it online all the time. I see other people fighting for the same rights. I knew on Facebook I’d have a lot of friends and family who would feel the same way, but I didn’t know it was going to get more attention.”

Cooper, who is from the N’Quatqua Nation, shared a simple post to her personal Facebook page on Wednesday, Oct. 21 expressing her disappointment in the store, Small Potatoes Bazaar.

“This is cultural appropriation,” she wrote. “Culture appropriation means unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the practices, customs, or aesthetics of one social or ethnic group by members of another (typically dominant) community or society.”

By Friday, the post had garnered 124 shares.

“It makes me angry because I myself just don’t dress up as someone else’s culture just for fun because I know that’s disrespectful,” Cooper said. “It makes me so angry to see that this is still an issue.”

On Friday, after hearing from community members, Sweda Franken, owner of the store, said they had removed all ethnic costumes from their shelves.

Public No�ce Call for Board of Variance Members

or cultural costumes as “no big deal” or “just for fun,” in the case of Indigenous costumes, it can downplay historical events like residential schools, which attempted to quash that culture, Cooper said.

“When people say, ‘It’s not a big deal,’ speaking towards Native and Indigenous residential schools, we’re being pushed under the rug again, being forgotten about— our culture is being forgotten about,” she said. “People saying, ‘It’s not a big deal’ is making it OK when it’s not.” n

Public No�ce Call for ALUC & ADRC Commission Members Ques�ons?

We’re Listening.

604.894.6135

The Village of Pemberton is seeking volunteers for the following planning commissions: ADVISORY LAND USE PLANNING COMMISSION: Two (2) Year Term – 2021/2022 Four (4) seat vacancies. The main func�on of the ALUC is to provide Council and Village staff with advice and recommenda�ons on ma�ers regarding land use, community planning, major policy issues, and proposed land use bylaws, permits and other regula�ons affec�ng the development of the community.

Professional experience in land use planning or community development would be an asset.

admin@ pemberton.ca

ADVISORY DESIGN REVIEW PLANNING COMMISSION: Two (2) Year Term – 2021/2022 Two (2) seat vacancies. The main func�on of the ADRC is to provide Council and Village staff with advice on commercial and mul�-family residen�al development proposals. The Commission strives to promote high-quality development that complements the character of the Village through a�en�on to design elements www.pemberton.ca including exterior design, landscape treatment, ligh�ng, signage and overall site planning. Professional experience in site planning, development, architecture, landscape architecture or construc�on de would be an asset.

For applica�on forms and details, please visit www.pemberton.ca or contact Village of Pemberton Development Services by email at lpedrini@pemberton.ca. Applica�ons must be received by 4 PM on Friday, November 6th. Selec�ons will be made at a future Council mee�ng in 2020.

VillageOfPemberton

www.pemberton.ca OCTOBER 29, 2020

27

Avis de séance d’information publique Le jeudi 12 novembre 2020 à 18 h DEMANDE DE MODIFICATION DU PLAN D’AMÉNAGEMENT OFFICIEL DU VILLAGE DE PEMBERTON (OCP) ET DU RÈGLEMENT DE ZONAGE LOT 2, DL 203, LLD, PLAN 1287 (PAS D’ADRESSE CIVIQUE).

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Le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) – Conseil scolaire N° 93 a fait une demande de modification du Plan d’aménagement officiel (OCP) et du Règlement de zonage du Village de Pemberton afin de permettre la construction d’une école publique/ centre communautaire francophone.

Dans le cadre du processus de modification du Plan d’aménagement officiel et du Règlement de zonage, le Village de Pemberton exige que le CSF tienne une séance d’information publique pour recueillir les commentaires des résidents vivant à proximité et pour évaluer l’appui de la communauté à cette modification.

Désignation actuelle (OCP) : Résidentielle Désignation proposée (OCP) : Institutionnelle et publique Zonage actuel : Aménagement intégré 5 (CD-5) – Tiyata à Pemberton Zonage proposé : CD – 5 Pour en savoir plus sur ce projet, nous vous invitons à participer à la séance d’information publique qui aura lieu en ligne le jeudi 12 novembre 2020 à 18 h. Veuillez svp vous inscrire à l’avance à l’aide du lien suivant: https://us02web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/5916037336880/ WN_rBPBziytRgOBlYC5DytBhQ

Tel: 604-907-8222 | Alltimemoving.ca

Notice of Public Information Session Thursday, November 12, 2020, 6 pm APPLICATION TO AMEND THE VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN (OCP) AND ZONING BYLAW LOT 3, DL 203, LLD, PLAN 1287 (NO CIVIC ADDRESS).

The Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) – School District No. 93 has made an application to amend the Village Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw to facilitate the construction of a Francophone public school/community hub.

As part of the OCP and Zoning Amendment process, the CSF is required by the Village of Pemberton to hold a Public Information Session to gather nearby residents’ comments and gauge general community support for this amendment.

Current OCP Designation: Residential Proposed OCP Designation: Institutional and Civic Current Zoning: Comprehensive Development 5 (CD-5) — Tiyata at Pemberton Proposed Zoning: CD – 5 We invite you to learn more about this project on Thursday, November 12th, 2020 at 6pm by joining the online Public Information Session. Please register in advance using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/5916037336880/ WN_rBPBziytRgOBlYC5DytBhQ

28 OCTOBER 29, 2020

OUTSIDER

Bracing for the Great Gear Famine of Winter 20-21 ONE OF THE MAJOR talking points in the outdoor community this year was an impending gear shortage. Travel plans were scrapped, the open air of the

BY VINCE SHULEY outdoors beckoned and CERB payments were deployed on equipment and apparel.

Paddleboards, tents, and dehydrated meals flew off the shelves as everyone made their best attempts at salvaging summer.

The tallest of these sale spikes was bicycles. Many mountain bikers in B.C. trying to source a medium- or large-framed bike on the secondhand market were met with ludicrous asking prices as sellers spied an unquenchable demand. Shiny new rides at bike shops in turn sold out as buyers realized it was a choice between paying RRP or being SOL for the season.

As the world grappled with lockdowns and looked for ways to exercise and recreate with an acceptable level of physical distance, it was bicycles that offered the most resilient solution. The CBC reported in August that bikes below the $1,000 price point were by far the best selling (as confined families looked for inclusive

ARE YOU PREPARED? With ski resorts needing to

make major adjustments in order to limit the risk of COVID-19, many skiers and snowboarders will turn to the backcountry.

PHOTO BY VINCE SHULEY

outdoor activities), but not even big box stores could keep up with the demand due to COVID-19 supply chain disruptions and trade disputes between the United States and China. Market-research company The NPD Group reported that bike sales in the U.S. were the strongest ever in the spring 2020 months and were not showing any signs of slowing down.

“The unprecedented growth in March was hard to beat; however, April sales not only accelerated, but for the first time recorded $1 billion for a single month,” wrote Dirk Sorenson, NPD Executive Director and Industry Analyst, in June. “To put this into even more impressive context,

to properly serve those that purchased bikes from them directly.

While we can celebrate this as a watershed moment in the cycling industry and getting millions more people pedalling on two wheels (let’s hope the bike trend sticks), with winter looming, all eyes are on snowsports equipment sales and in particular, backcountry gear.

None of us are sure as to how the upcoming winter will roll out with powder punters needing to reserve their days on the resort. It could be the 2010 Olympics all over again (one of the golden seasons for shredding, when you were more likely to run into stoked RCMP officers on skis than come across a crowded

“The unprecedented growth in March was hard to beat; however, April sales not only accelerated, but for the first time recorded $1 billion for a single month.”

- DIRK SORENSON

April cycling sales are typically between $550 and $575 million, making this a truly unique and standout moment.”

One of the best parts of this sales surge was the number of bikes getting resurrected from storage purgatory.

Some Vancouver bike stores were so overwhelmed this summer with requests for services and tuneups that it created wait times of up to six weeks and prompted stores to have to turn away new customers

lift line) or it could be more crowded than ever with an understaffed mountain, limited terrain and no singles line. I’m optimistic that it’s going to be manageable skiing Whistler Blackcomb, but I’ll have my backcountry gear loaded and ready.

Backcountry equipment sales were already experiencing rapid growth in the years prior to the pandemic. The industry wasn’t caught with its pants downs as much as the cycling industry, but those factory

closures in the spring will catch up with consumers this winter. If you’re shopping for size-sensitive equipment like ski touring boots, buy them now. If you just have to have a certain ski or binding to exude your own skiing radness, buy those now. If you’re not bothered with ski touring and prefer to Nordic ski or snowshoe, it’s probably worth buying those now, too.

It’s not just the pandemic that’s screwing with the gear supply chain, either.

Earlier this month, Europe’s biggest ski manufacturing facility burned down in Mukachevo, Ukraine. The factory produced 130 models of downhill skis and 180 models of cross-country skis mainly for the Fischer brand, but also other recognizable brands such as Rossignol and Scott. None of those brands have revealed how much stock was actually lost, but you can bet your Epic Pass that this will have a knock-on effect to shortages with other brands.

The biggest concern here isn’t that people won’t be able to buy backcountry gear they want, it’s that the education won’t be able to catch up with the surge in backcountry travel. Avalanche Skills Training (AST) courses are already filling up, so don’t wait until we have a twometre base before booking your spot.

With snowmobiling and backcountry skiing quickly picking up steam, it’s going to be a busy year for search and rescue organizations. More on that another time.

Vince Shuley is making do with last year’s gear. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider, email vince.shuley@gmail. com or Instagram @whis_vince. ■

OCTOBER 29, 2020

29

FEATURE KIDS ACTIVITIES

Ghouls

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

There are 7 differences between these two illustrations. Can you spot all 7?

Night In Here are some fun Halloween activities for kids to help them have a spooktacular evening!

THESE ACTIVITY PAGES HAVE BEEN GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY THE BUSINESSES LISTED BELOW.

CONNECT THE DOTS to draw a spooky bat!

A blast from the past by Isobel Maclaurin, when things were simpler and cheaper

50 yrs ago

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN SKI CLUB Newsletter

December, 1970 WINE-and-CHEESE PARTY on Saturday, December 19th, from 5-7 p.m.

Place: Sheila and Bob Orr's, Alta Vista (see map below) Cost: $1.50 per person Everyone welcome, so come and bring your friends! … After a delightful party, we headed home, and found that the kids were not in their beds...slowly ever so slowly, a daughter said…“Mom, it’s only 8 o’clock”

NANCY GREENE SKI LEAGUE Coach Joe Batho will meet all those registered for the training programme on Sunday, December 20th, at 10 a.m. in the Ski Patrol cabin at the foot of the mountain. Be sure to be there!

This programme is intended as a serious introduction to racing, and to make it completely successful Joe must have the assistance of parents particularly on race days. We intend to set up a schedule of volunteer helpers, and will expect the co-operation of those whose children are part of the programme. With your help we can have the best teams of young skiers in Canada.

MEMBERSHIP Membership fees for 1970-71 are now due, and should be sent to the Treasurer: Mr. S. M. Toy, #925 – 925 West Georgia Street, Vancouver 1

Family membership $15.00 ??2 adults + kids Senior couple $10.00 Senior single $ 7.00 Junior single $ 2.00 (under 17) Racing programme $90.00 Nancy Greene programme $15.00 ? (under 14 on Aug. 1, 1970) Skiing on the mountain has been excellent, and there has been plenty of new snow in the last few days. Come to the party on the 19th; join the Club and really become part of the Whistler scene!

I thought you might enjoy this Isobel

30 OCTOBER 29, 2020

From all of us at Nesters to all the little Ghouls and Goblins out there have fun this Halloween but have fun responsibly Check out the Tour De Pumpkin a collection of carved pumpkins designed by local Whistler artists on Oct 30th 6-8 pm at Florence Petersen Park Be safe

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

FAMILY FUN AT HOME!

If you want to celebrate with you r kids from the comfort of your own home, he re are a few activities the whole family will en joy.

PLAY BOARD GAMES There’s no better time to play games like The Werewolves of Millers Hollow, Cauldron Quest and Ghost Blitz than on Halloween. You can also play monster-themed charades or Pictionary.

SING KARAOKE Choose a selection of songs that suit the occasion and belt out the lyrics on your own or as a group. Your playlist can include Monster (Lady Gaga), Zombie (The Cranberries) and Ghostbusters (Ray Parker Jr.).

ORGANIZE A PHOTO SHOOT Make a creepy backdrop and show off your costumes in a makeshift photobooth. Alternatively, you can host a fashion show in your living room.

CREEPY CRAFT PROJECT TOILET ROLL MONSTERS Make ghosts, vampires and othe r Halloween monsters out of emp ty toilet paper rolls. Use the tubes as torsos for your spooky creatures, then create horns, wings, fangs and othe r eerie features with markers, pain t, construction paper, pipe cleaners and other odds and ends you have arou nd the house.

To make a mummy, for example, wrap the roll in strips of gauze or pape r towel.

Or, to bring your very own Frankens tein to life, use green paint and black felt for the hair.

All three of these crafts can be mad e with objects found around your hom e and adapted to your children’s ages and abilities. Use the crafts you make to help decorate your home, design a haun ted house or put on a spooky puppet show.

JOIN US FOR A

MAKE A HOME MOVIE Recreate scenes from classic Halloween movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus or write your own script. Make sure everyone has the chance to play a fun role.

SPOOKY MAZE

rs Can you help all of these Halloween characte e? reach the pumpkins in the middle of the maz

• 1 0A M STA R T • KID S MEET A T GET TH E GOOD S A D UL TS MEET A T 1 22 WEST TO GET YOUR CL UES

Ta g @ get _ t he_ go o ds _ whis t l er a nd @ 1 22wes t whis t l er o n Ins ta gra m with a pho to o f y o ur prize to be entered to win a n EXTR A B ONUS P R IZ E!

OCTOBER 29, 2020

31

FEATURE STORY

Scary stories for scary times

A selection of Pique’s favourite spooky stories to help get you through the rest of 2020

I

n a year when some of our worst existential fears moved from the realm of imagination to reality, horror as a genre can feel trivial, pointless even. But there is a long history of social upheaval sparking distinct trends in horror.

In the ‘50s, cinema screens were awash with films about genetically mutated monsters invading our cities, a reflection of Cold War-era paranoia of the so-called Red Scare.

By the late ‘60s, America’s Civil Rights movement and rising anti-Vietnam sentiment found expression in George Romero’s landmark zombie flick, Night of the Living Dead, which has since spawned a flurry of imitators.

Jordan Peele’s 2017 Oscar-nominated film, Get Out, took Romero’s racial commentary a step further, brilliantly subverting that old white saviour trope to expose the hubris and complacency of the liberal, white family at the heart of this disturbing story.

With COVID-19 stoking anxieties around isolation and the devastating impacts of a global virus, cultural experts predict a new wave of oncoming contagion films and literature.

“Because that plays into the fear of science turning against us and making us something bad,” Kinitra Brooks, literary studies professor at Michigan State University, recently told Time Magazine. “Zombie horror fits in with contagion because there’s this idea that you’ll become one of a horde of zombies. You’ll lose the essence of who you are and then you’ll infect others.”

So, while we await the next great batch of contagion stories, Pique has decided to reprint some of our favourite Halloween stories from over the years. Part of that is due to budget constraints COVID has placed on our freelance budget (support local journalism!), but in all honesty, we just don’t have the heart quite yet to delve into our deepest fears while they seem to be playing out at an alarming rate in the real world.

Thanks goes to the writers who graciously gave us permission to republish these spooky tales, and to all the scribes who have contributed to Pique’s Halloween feature over the years.

Here’s wishing you and yours a safe and physically distanced Halloween. In spite of our worst fears, it’s bound to get better from here.

-Brandon Barrett

32 OCTOBER 29, 2020

Haunted housing

crisis

By Braden Dupuis

FEATURE STORY

“Oi!”

Trenton’s piercing shout echoed into the small, overcrowded room, rousing four bodies from various states of unconsciousness.

“You boys ready to party or what?”

Noah rolled over on his top bunk, squinting first at his alarm clock—3 a.m. on a Tuesday. Beautiful—and then into Trenton’s bloodshot eyes.

“You know some of us have to work in the morning, right?” he sputtered.

Trenton was unfazed—he cursed in that charming way of his and laughed, taking a fat swallow from his ever-present mickey of Fireball.

“You don’t wanna make me drink with the flies, do you?”

Even completely sober, Noah felt sick. He had been living in Whistler for four years before he was evicted two months back. The owner of his long-time rental suite decided to rent the house on Airbnb, and that was it—Noah and four others were on the street.

Four years of working hard, contributing to the community, and now he might be forced to leave due to an embarrassingly tight housing market.

But in a stroke of luck—if you could even call it that—Noah eventually landed one half of a bunk bed in a room shared by five dudes.

All it cost him was $700 a month, his dignity, privacy and sanity.

His four previous roommates weren’t so lucky, leaving town one by one until Noah was the only one left.

“Can’t you take a night off?” Noah asked Trenton, already fearing the answer that awaited him.

“I would if your mom wasn’t such a piece of piss!” Trenton replied, before clumsily scaling the bunk bed to engage Noah directly.

“Every night,” Noah thought to himself, as the two wrestled stupidly on the top bunk.

The commotion was cut off by a sound from the closet.

Not terribly loud, but enough to make all five roommates pause—almost like a heavy sigh piercing the air of a deep winter’s night.

“What in the bloody hell was that?” Noah asked, pushing Trenton to the floor with a thud.

“Too easy,” Trenton answered, before ambling to his feet and stumbling to the closet doors to wrest them open.

But inside there was nothing—just some yet-to-be-recycled empties and a lonely calendar pinned to the wall.

“See?” Trenton laughed. “What are you pussies so afraid of?”

Noah could only close his eyes, wondering what he’d done to deserve all of this.

Haunting comfortably Alexander looked at the calendar and gave a heavy sigh.

Halloween was fast approaching—a time of year he used to cherish.

But this year was different. He just couldn’t get up for it.

He looked around his tiny closet in despair. “Is this all I’m worth?” he asked himself, listening to the drunken louts arguing on the other side of his door.

It had been five decades since Alexander died. An ill-fated run on a makeshift Saskatchewan ski hill ended his earthly life (a fact he took much ribbing for from the “true” Whistler locals), and some decades later, he made the move out west.

Lots of good places to haunt back then, he recalled—room enough for ghosts of all translucent forms: families, singles, hell, even the transients were haunting comfortably back then.

But something changed. The market got tight. People got greedy. Nobody wanted to commit to a long-term ghost anymore. It just didn’t make sense.

The arrival of Scarebnb didn’t help. A good haunting was now just a few clicks away, and much more economical than having a traditional, live-in ghost.

Why buy the dead cow when you get its silky ghost milk for free?

Everyone was feeling the pinch: Bloody William and Ol’ Naked Frank were currently haunting someone’s truck; Headless Bob was terrorizing the local hostel.

Last Alexander had heard, Morbid Mandy was building a squat outside of municipal boundaries so she could haunt in peace.

Alexander was depressed. Deep in his hollow heart he knew he should be haunting the little shits outside his closet—flickering the lights, making the walls bleed, giving them inexplicable diarrhea—but he just couldn’t find the energy these days.

He wanted to haunt a nice family with a dog, or maybe a cozy, affordable one-bedroom suite with a nice young couple.

But those days were gone.

Alexander knew (from conversations overheard through his ghostly privileges) that the still-alive owner of his current home would be cashing out in a matter of days, taking advantage of the red-hot real estate market and, in turn, putting an entire house full of tenants out on the street.

Alex looked at the calendar again, noting the dwindling boxes leading up to Halloween.

For the first time in his ghostly life, Alexander would not have a home to haunt on the most sacred of ghostly days.

Homeless and haunted Alexander had been haunting Whistler homes for more than 20 years.

His was the typical Whistler ghost story—come for a season, stay for several lifetimes.

But now, for the first time in two decades, Alexander was forced to consider leaving Whistler altogether—maybe head to the Interior, where he’d heard good things about haunting availability.

“But do I really want to haunt Fernie?” Alexander asked himself. “Who is there to scare in Nelson?”

Alexander was officially a homeless ghost.

No streetlights to light the way, the neighbourhood streets were dark as ever.

But the darkness was most notable for all the empty homes, Alexander realized.

“How many homeless ghosts could haunt that mansion?” He thought to himself as he floated by a particularly extravagant home. He pictured Headless Bob rising slowly out of the mist of the in-ground pool, head tucked neatly under his arm, and laughed to himself at the imagined screams of pampered weekend warriors.

He pictured Bloody William doing his knife-tossing routine, which always gave the effect that the knives were floating rather than being juggled, and Ol’ Naked Frank doing his trademark helicopter from hell.

He smiled sadly to himself.

“It’s all gone now,” he thought. “It’s over. The Christians have won.”

The housing talk had dominated discussion on Ghostbook for weeks. Every ghost and their dead dog was looking for a place to haunt to no avail.

It made Alexander sick to his transparent stomach, or at least it would have, if he still kept and maintained human organs.

The Council of Whistler Ghosts promised action; said they had it all under control.

“Housing ghosts is a key priority,” they promised. “Haunting is a deceased human’s right.”

Alexander wanted to believe them, to trust that the problem would be fixed before it was too late.

The council promised solutions within a few months, but fat lot of ghostly good that did Alexander. By the time the council studied the problem, made its recommendations and eventually solved the damn thing, Alexander’s ghost bones would be frozen stiff and he’d be buried under 15 feet of snow.

Well, not really. Ghosts can’t freeze, or be buried. But you get the point.

All at once, Alexander decided he had had enough.

After two decades investing his hate and fear into Whistler, after thousands of nights spent scaring the living shit out of the people who needed it the most, he would walk away.

“If this town doesn’t want me, then to heaven with it,” he spat.

“Let them sort out their own method of soiling everyone’s pants.”

And with that, he was gone — just another used-up Whistler ghost, off to haunt another town.

This story was originally published in Pique’s 2016 Halloween issue. Braden Dupuis is Pique’s senior reporter. He and his ghosts have been happily housed in Whistler since 2014.

OCTOBER 29, 2020

33

FEATURE STORY

The

Gift

By Brandon Barrett

Pierre wasn’t expecting any visitors that night.

Opening hours had come and gone, and the last tour group of excitable schoolchildren had left before lunchtime.

But Pierre’s Victorian-era home—which, it should be said, has doubled as The Museum of Supernatural Beings and Mythical Creatures since his father died a few years back—was no stranger to the odd late-night wanderer. It was a place best enjoyed after dusk, to say the least, and it tended to attract a certain kind of patron that preferred the cloak of dark.

But tonight’s visitor was different.

There was no knock on the door to announce his arrival. Pierre couldn’t even recall hearing the gentle plodding of footsteps that usually accompanied the mailman or Chinese delivery guy on their walk up the stone steps leading to his front door.

The man, quite simply, was just there, as if he had manifested out of thin air. Or, perhaps, Pierre thought, he had always been there, burrowed in the deep recesses of his psyche, lurking in the corner of one eye until deciding it was time to be acknowledged.

Pierre shook off this paranoid thought as a consequence of reading a few too many Stephen King novels under flashlight as a sulky teen.

“I’m sorry, sir, but we’re closed for the evening,” Pierre said, surprised that his words had only managed to rise barely above a whisper.

“I’m aware of your operating hours,” the man said, not looking at Pierre directly, instead peering over the vast collection of macabre artifacts and dustspeckled leather books that cluttered the gallery.

“Is...is there something I can help you with?” Pierre asked nervously, noticing

the rectangular protuberance from under the man’s fraying pea coat for the first time.

“I have something for you,” the man said, slowly turning to meet Pierre’s gaze, his ashen eyes bracketed by deep bags.

Pierre flinched ever so slightly as the man reached into his coat, producing a small oil painting. He recognized the portrait’s subject instantly: The Vampire Butcher of Bowman, a vicious serial killer who had terrorized the town decades before but today was forgotten by most of the locals, save for a few historians and true-crime junkies. When he was spoken about, it was always in hushed tones, behind closed doors, as if just uttering the murderer’s name would conjure his return.

Pierre stared down at the painting, unsure of what he was supposed to make of it. The technique was remarkable, that much was for sure. The composition was precise, every brush stroke exactly where it was supposed to be. The deft play between light and dark reminded him of the chiaroscuros of the Dutch masters.

But there was no signature to be found on the canvas, so Pierre asked the stranger if he had painted it himself.

“You don’t know who I am, do you?” the man asked, without a trace of emotion in his voice.

“Well, you see,” Pierre backpedalled, “there are a lot of talented artists in this town, and I’m afraid my line of work doesn’t afford me the time to learn all of their names.”

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34 OCTOBER 29, 2020

FEATURE STORY

The man turned away from the curator and began to thumb through an early edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula that Pierre was convinced he had locked under a glass case that was now laid open wide.

“Let me ask you this,” the man started, “would you consider the vampire’s bite an act of violence?”

Pierre had spoken on this very subject countless times before. Despite his museum housing relics associated with a wide range of mythical beasts— werewolves, elves, dragons and the like—it was the vampire that had always fascinated him the most.

“Vampires aren’t scary, people are,” he liked to say to packed lecture halls and coffee shops.

Pierre took his job as one of the country’s pre-eminent vampire folklorists seriously—especially in recent years, when money-grubbing Hollywood producers and pale-skinned teenage heartthrobs had diluted the creature’s image for profit.

“The bite is not a hurtful act,” Pierre explained, almost absent-mindedly, as he continued to stare, transfixed, at the hypnotic painting.

“A vampire will kill at will if it so chooses. But the bite is more discriminate.

It’s an invitation, the chance to join the most exclusive of tribes, to turn outsider into insider. At its core, it’s an act of love. A gift.”

Pierre glanced up from the canvas, awaiting a nod of approval that would never come. He was alone once more, at least in the physical sense. His surprise guest was gone, departing as swiftly and mysteriously as he had arrived, although a distinct feeling of unease lingered over Pierre.

Who was that?

He tried not to think too much about the odd encounter as he went to bed, but strange and violent dreams racked his sleep. He awoke in the morning, feeling worn and ragged, knocking back a few espressos before making the short walk to the library.

Pierre was on a mission. He knew exactly what he was looking for, an old encyclopedia that religiously documented the most brutal and heinous crimes of the early 20th century.

Pierre rushed to a musty room in the back of the building that housed a small but not insignificant selection of rare and antique books. He purposefully scanned the shelves lined with desiccated tomes until he found what he was after: A Compendium of Horrors: True Tales of Terrible Crimes.

Hurriedly flipping through the book, Pierre stopped on a yellowing, dogeared page.

“Gustav ‘Gus’ Gremner (30 October 1890 – 14 September 1938) was an Austrian-born serial killer, known as “The Vampire Butcher of Bowman,” who committed ritualistic acts of murder, mutilation and disembowelment on a minimum of 24 young men and women between 1908 and 1937.

Gremner became known as The Vampire Butcher of Bowman due to the extensive mutilation and dismemberment he inflicted upon his victims’ bodies, and because of

his preferred murder method of biting and tearing into his victims’ throats.

Described by the judge in his trial as ‘a truly despicable being’ and ‘an affront to humanity,’ Gremner was found guilty of 20 of the 24 murders for which he was tried, and sentenced to death by hanging in May 1938. He was subsequently executed in September 1938.

Moments before his execution, Gremner was asked for any final words. He looked down at the crowd of bloodthirsty onlookers who had gathered below, his vacant eyes suddenly ignited with righteous indignation, and bellowed out only four short words: ‘Death is a gift.’”

Pierre gasped audibly as the book fell from his hands and crashed violently onto the floor, a plume of dust enveloping the room. The same overwhelming sense of dread that had gripped him the night prior had suddenly returned, except more intensely than before. He looked out the window to discover the sun had already set. It felt like he had been reading for mere minutes, but Pierre must have been so wrapped up he had completely lost track of time.

He sprinted out of the empty library and spilled onto the street, an undeniable anxiety rising within him. Every lamppost, every house, every person he passed along the way looked identical to the one before it, an endless treadmill of déjà vu.

Pierre worried he might never find his way home, but as soon as the thought struck, he noticed the dim lights of his living room.

Had he left those on? Pierre wondered, palms sweaty, temples booming.

Out of breath, his damp shirt clinging to his back, he approached the house tentatively, fearing what was inside. Pierre stopped for a split second at the door, wondering if he should knock, overtaken by a strange sense that the house he had grown up in was no longer his.

The heavy, oak door creaked open before he had the chance to knock.

“I hope you don’t mind I let myself in,” the man must have said, although Pierre was certain he never saw his lips move.

Crookedly hanging on the wall was a new painting, this one much less polished than the first.

The brush stokes were messy, muddled, visceral. The work of a soul unhinged. Vivid reds and stark blues were slashed on the canvas, the oil still dripping and drying in place.

Pierre stood, mouth agape, in the kind of frozen paralysis one can only experience in moments of pure terror. The painting depicted a man with his throat ripped out, his entrails splayed on the floor.

He recognized the portrait’s subject instantly.

“I have something for you,” the man said, a knowing grin spread across his face.

This story was originally published in Pique’s 2015 Halloween issue and was inspired by a visit to the Museum of Vampires and Legendary Creatures in Paris, France. Along with being a staff writer and features editor for Pique, Brandon Barrett is a playwright, performer and theatre producer.

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35

FEATURE STORY

RIP

By Cathryn Atkinson

“Rest in Peace.”

Each time Celeste drove the highway, she would come to the bend in the road that compelled her to lift her feet off the floor of the car and say those words.

It had become a ritual. If her foot stayed on the gas pedal or brake for safety’s sake, it would feel as though it was burning up.

Like the highway, the long scorch pattern also curved, but looked more like the visual interpretation of a rising scream. The pockmarked concrete remained the same 22 months after the accident and fire that killed her Simon. He was driving his ancient Audi northbound to Celeste’s place when he texted to say he had something important to tell her that was better shared in person than over the phone.

A simple 30-minute drive through the wilderness, from town to town.

The shape and spread of the scorching told the story of a rainy night, high speed, a slide into oblivion, and an inferno that closed lanes in both directions for seven hours. No one else was involved. A slow ambulance was needed, not a helicopter.

And for two years, Celeste passed this grim reminder twice a day as she travelled to and from work, dreaming each night of the mystery of Simon’s unsaid words. The dreams always began with a kind of hopeful joy, veering into an unfulfilled longing, crashing into the sickening permanent estrangement that only death can bring.

In them, Celeste stood on the threshold of a field. Across from her at some distance was a man. His face and body were turned away. Simon? Not Simon?

Yes, Simon. She knew his walk. Beyond him, parked and waiting, was the Audi.

She would always call out, “Don’t get into the car!” But Simon always would.

He would drive off with a screech, and she would know what was next. Her nightmares never showed her the fire, and yet they were without mercy.

Each time she awoke sweating and sobbing. She felt as though she had been burned through by a force she could never remember, by words she said but he didn’t. A feeling of pure failure.

In life, the relationship had already become toxic. There was a girlfriend, Lynne. Simon said it was over. It was ending soon. He was confused. It was over.

He accused Celeste of acting and thinking in ways she hadn’t—pure projection.

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36 OCTOBER 29, 2020

She was knocked off balance and was going to end the drama. She was already pulling away from him, convinced he was in turns a manipulative, flakey, dishonest, predatory, indecisive asshole. The main thing was asshole. The jury was not out on that anymore.

Then she agreed to the last meeting.

The next time she was in his presence was at the funeral home. Practically collapsing, Lynne was led out before she could speak to anyone there and thank them for coming, or not. A crumpled wreck.

Celeste had no any indication of how much Lynne knew. What was real, what wasn’t. Their eyes never met. Somehow Lynne’s missing rage made the sorrow worse to bear. Celeste couldn’t tell what the truth had been. She would never know and she couldn’t stand it.

After that the dreams began. Celeste went into counselling; she took on all the trappings of mindfulness and self-care. She’d run for an hour when it felt relentless.

Nothing helped until she decided there was a ghost, and that he needed to be sent on, to whatever was next, with compassion. So Celeste started saying, “Rest in Peace” to Simon every time she drove over the crash site. She, a nonbeliever, even prayed for him. She had no faith in closure. Instead, she told Simon what she thought—from the rage to the love.

It wasn’t formal. There were no churches or Ouija boards guiding her. But whether from pure intuition or purer adrenaline, the dream didn’t shift.

***

The signs went up before the roadwork started. And after the signs went up, the cones went out. Correct and safety-conscious.

The highway was to be fixed after two winters of potholes, and this included the accident site. The unknowing trucks, the ones that scraped and prepared the highway, the one that laid out the asphalt and sealed it to the substrate, and the final one that rolled it flat—they were all ready to dig out the section. They’d remove and replace the scorch marks forever.

When she saw the construction prep, Celeste pulled over in a panic. She told the foreman she wasn’t ready for the marks to disappear. He told her to piss off.

FEATURE STORY

She attacked him and the police were called. She fled into the forest before they got there. When the search-and-rescue team found her, she was pretty far gone, but lucid enough to check herself into a facility.

***

After much pleading, Celeste made an agreement with her psychologist—he would tell her about the highway project’s progress on a daily basis and then help her work through her feelings. They agreed confrontation was the best cure, the only way out was through. After a week, he finally told her the scorch marks had been covered and she needed sedation.

But the nightmares ended. No more Simon on a field out of reach. No more waking up to the feeling that his bones and skin had crackled to bits in an inferno. No disembodied voices. No tears pooling in her ears. He was resting in peace.

Eventually, Celeste was free again and work took her back. On the first day, she got into the car and made the journey, noting the bend in the road and seeing nothing more. No need to say “Rest in Peace.” Celeste reacted like any other driver, meeting the curve with a slight turn of the steering wheel.

Everyone at work greeted her like a long-lost friend.

She got through the day—a barrage of computer work that required no visible reaction. It was the same for everyone there. Two colleagues in the lunchroom remarked on how unremarkable she seemed. They’d been hoping for some action, something to share in the pub. Celeste worked late and it was dark when she pulled into the Chevron before exiting to the highway.

It was a quiet, off-season Monday. There was no traffic. The dark trip home, with the black tarmac passing under the car, was an eternal night.

Celeste pulled onto the shoulder just after the bend and put on the flashers.

The LED lights blinked like a question. She had to walk back to the spot; this was difficult because the gas can was full and heavy.

Celeste carefully poured gas across the road. She knew she couldn’t repeat the pattern but believed it wouldn’t matter. She knew Simon wouldn’t mind and would come back to her in her dreams all the same. Anything was better than nothing.

She craved seeking the unknowable voice because of the hope it gave her, even with his back to her across a field. It suggested there were options and a direction for her love to go up that dark road, reaching its destination and maybe never crashing. She wanted to be able to tell him to not get in the Audi every single night.

The match hit the road and the flames jumped up. The oily asphalt met the gasoline. Celeste was thrilled until she realized that the marks would not be dark enough, the fire was not intense enough. The asphalt was too fresh and would swallow the blackness in its own. All was truly lost.

“Peace in rest,” Celeste said, and poured more gas on the fire, laughing as the flames reached for the sky and then for her.

A version of this story appeared in Pique’s 2018 Halloween issue. Pique’s former arts editor, Cathryn Atkinson gave up the glamour of journalism to take on the glamour of screenwriting. She spends a lot of time in front of computers.

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37

FEATURE STORY

The

Maternal Instinct of

Witches

By Katherine Fawcett

Witches these days have large chunks of free time.

That’s because they don’t have regular jobs and they don’t have any interest in physical fitness or tidiness. They don’t have hobbies, they don’t watch television, and they don’t enjoy music. And due to changing market conditions and consumer habits, services for incantations, spell-casting and fright-night appearances are rarely called upon any more.

Yes, witches cook, but they never clean up after themselves. They just use the same dirty pots for the next day’s meal. There’s no garbage or compost to worry about either. If the scraps, peels, rotten ends, bones and other sharp bits aren’t needed, they are given to the cat, whose name is usually Thunder.

Poisonous parts are put in jars for safekeeping.

Now and then, a witch becomes bored with this leisurely lifestyle. Staring out the window at the neighbours’ comings and goings, reading spell books and cracking one’s knuckles gets a little stale after a while.

One way for a witch to solve this problem is to have a child.

Everyone knows that having a child can be very, very good for getting a lady out of a rut; for breaking up the routine when life begins to feel same-old, same-old.

Besides, having a child is no big deal for a witch.

When she is ready, she simply wraps a piece of thin white satin around the base of one of her skin tags. (Oh, there are plenty of dangling little beauty-warts to choose from—for example: over her eyebrow, between her breasts, in the armpit area.) She pulls the ribbon tight, ties a double fisherman’s loop, pours herself a glass of vinegar, known among witches to prevent morning sickness, and waits.

Within a few hours, the skin tag, at first the size of an engorged tick, begins to swell and pulsate. Pulsate and swell. Soon it grows to the size of a peanut. Two tiny dots become visible near the top. These must be the eyes! And behind them, under skin like wet rice paper, a wee oyster of a brain! Little flippers appear— the hands and feet. And if you look closely at this growing lump, you may see what looks like a small black fist in the middle of the body, squeezing and pumping like it’s preparing to punch someone. That’s the baby witch’s heart!

The pregnant witch lies on her bed for the whole next day as her skin tag grows and morphs and grows some more. It is still attached to her body, but is now kicking and twisting and jerking around. Whoa there, cowgirl, says the witch. This one’s gonna be a handful!

Tradition dictates the blessed witch wait until midnight—the “bewitching hour”—to give birth. When both hands on her old grandmother clock point straight up, she gives the ends of the white satin ribbon a sharp tug, and with a hiss, a pop, and a crunch, severs the connection between herself and her parasitic offspring. The process is actually quite neat and tidy. After releasing about a quarter of a cup of minty afterbirth, the hole where the skin tag used to be closes up like a sphincter. And the white ribbon that initiated the pregnancy holds the child’s hair up in a cute top knot.

The baby witch grows quickly, and makes a lot of noise. Of course, the mother witch does not feed it, because she is teaching it to be self-sufficient right off the bat.

38 OCTOBER 29, 2020

Unlike other children, babies of witches are born with mouths full of teeth as sharp as foxes, pubic hair in all the normal places, the ability to speak three or four languages, and the urge to flee.

But the best part of motherhood is watching the young witch try to find its way out of the home. Ha! cackles the witch. Good luck, lassie! For there is no door in the house and the only windows are shuttered with panes of shatterproof glass. Everyone knows witches fly up their own chimneys if they ever have to leave the house. But the child doesn’t know that...yet.

The mother witch laughs and laughs as the child crawls, and scratches, then climbs, jumps and even tries to fly to escape. She looks like a hen in an elevator! thinks the mother witch.

The more desperate the child witch is to get out, the more hilarious it is to watch. This doesn’t mean the witch doesn’t love her child. Quite the opposite!

Love in witches equals novelty plus narcissism, and a frantic child who has the same nose as you offers both in spades.

However, in every life there are difficult decisions to be made. If the child witch doesn’t figure out how to escape soon, the mother witch will know it is weak and feeble-minded and she will roast the little thing in her oven and feed it to the cat, who is now sharpening its claws in mouth-watering anticipation.

Oh, don’t judge! A mother bird will shove her baby out of a high, high nest and watch as the terrified creature flails and spins and tries to figure out how to outsmart gravity before thunking onto the ground and smashing its itty birdie bones into smithereens. It’s called parenting.

If the child witch does figure out how to escape, and zips into the fireplace and up the chimney flue, the mother witch will go back to cracking her knuckles, spying on her neighbours, and reading spell books. That was fun, she’ll say, then pour herself another glass of vinegar, also known to prevent postpartum depression and empty-nest syndrome.

Deep down she’ll be of two minds. Partly, she’ll be relieved to have her own life back, along with all that free time. Partly, she’ll miss the noise.

And as the child flies out the chimney, over the rooftops and into night, she’ll be so happy to be free that she’ll yank the white ribbon out of her hair and throw it gleefully into the air. It will crackle and flash in the sky. People below will stop what they are doing and look up at the lightning bolt. Only a few will be aware that this is a signal that a child witch has escaped. Most people will chalk it up to a freak storm on an otherwise lovely day.

A few moments later, the ear-splitting growl of a witch’s cat will send shivers up and down the people’s spines. It seems Thunder sharpened her claws for nothing.

This story was originally published in Pique’s 2017 Halloween issue and appears with the author’s permission. Katherine Fawcett is a Squamish-based author of four books.

Her latest, The Swan Suit (Douglas & McIntyre, March 2020), is a collection of adult short stories that examine transition, betrayal, truth and sacrifice through a feminist fairy tale lens. Fawcett is also a musician; she teaches at the Whistler Waldorf School and the Squamish Waldorf School. ■

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Results will be published in our December 31st issue. Deadline for submissions is 11:59pm on Sunday, November 8th, 2020. Only online submissions will be accepted. No photocopies, faxes or mailed entries.

Only one entry per email address will be used. Please note we track user registration from individual IP addresses. We reserve the right to eliminate contest entrants if fraud is suspected. Pique makes every effort to create a concise list of Whistler businesses in the multiple choice drop downs. If you are a business owner in Whistler we encourage you to check the details and email us with corrections and omission suggestions. Email traffic@wplpmedia.com.

OCTOBER 29, 2020

39

SPORTS THE SCORE

Whistlerites take part in Pinkbike Academy NEW EPISODES OF REALITY SHOW RELEASED WEEKLY ON YOUTUBE

BY DAN FALLOON SEVERAL LOCALLY CONNECTED mountain bikers are part of the new Pinkbike Academy reality competition web series.

Whistler residents Julia Long and Misa Pacakova are two of 10 athletes who vied for $25,000 and a one-year contract with Orbea Bikes during the show, filmed over two weeks at Big White earlier this summer. Episode 3 drops on Oct. 29, with the remaining seven instalments coming every Thursday thereafter.

Long said as a privately funded enduro athlete, she was looking for that financial boost.

“Winning $25,000 would help a lot. I’d have the opportunity to race internationally and obviously, having a bike deal helps a lot,” she said. “That was the main motivation, and it was also being part of a super cool, once-in-a-lifetime experience as well.”

Squamish’s Angie McKirdy, who works as an X-ray technician at the Whistler Health Care Centre, joined up because it was a chance to boost her career.

“It was a really good opportunity for me to showcase my skills and who I am,” she said. “It was a really unique opportunity most of all.”

THINK PINK Pinkbike Academy contestants prepare for a challenge in Episode 1.

YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT

40 OCTOBER 29, 2020

Pacakova, a ski patroller originally from the Czech Republic, acknowledged that she thought it was more of a competition, but made some peace after learning about the reality elements.

“I was nervous, but I was already in it,” she said. “I was just excited to be part of it.”

In addition to McKirdy, two other Squamish residents rounded out the women’s field in Jo Peters and Nicole Kennedy, with the latter being the first casualty after struggling in the first two challenges.

McKirdy lost out on the first bikebuilding challenge but redeemed herself in the next one—a race—where she came down as the fastest woman.

Going in, she sought to perfect her riding as much as possible and, to this point, it’s paid off.

“I was just trying to ride my bike as much as I could given the pandemic restrictions and go into it with an open mind,” she said. “[I had to] try to get comfortable in front of the camera. That was a big thing for me to overcome. I’d never had much experience in front of the camera.”

Through two episodes, anyway, the atmosphere has been mostly cooperative and friendly, with the tension primarily coming from the challenges as opposed to interpersonal conflicts.

“For the most part, I think, mountain bikers are all pretty accepting and have a good attitude,” McKirdy said. “That’s consistent with all the contestants that were in the show. I’d love to be able to go on a

ride with anybody that was in the show.”

Long, meanwhile, said the atmosphere was fairly laid back away from the bike park.

“Mountain bikers … maybe aren’t as dramatic as some people in those reality TV shows,” she said. “Everyone got along really well. Even in the off-time, we were playing cards every single night, sometimes having dinners together.”

Having so many familiar faces from the Sea to Sky helped, according to Pacakova.

“I was nervous until that point, but then it was, ‘I’m just going to ride bikes with girls I know,’” she said.

Both Pacakova and Long feel the show will help them as they progress in their careers, as they’ve added hundreds of Instagram followers since the show started airing.

“It definitely helps with becoming a rider and being present in the mountain bike industry,” Long said. “A lot of things nowadays are based on media posts.

“Being out there all over the internet helps a bit, depending on how they portray me.”

The contestants have had some mixed emotions as the first two episodes have come out, recognizing that it’s difficult to square one’s image of oneself with how one is presented from the selections made from thousands of hours of footage. McKirdy, in particular, took flak for a confessional comment that she felt Kennedy should have lost the first challenge rather than herself.

“I made the mistake of reading the [YouTube] comment section for the first

episode. It definitely affected my opinion of the show and my overall mood,” she said.

“It turned out a little bit sad for the next couple of days and then I cut myself off from reading the comment section.

“I know who I am and my community knows who I am … They’re talking about a character that’s in my image, not who I am.”

Local rider Christina Chappetta, already a presenter with Pinkbike, served as head judge for the series and is eager for a second season, as plans are already underway.

“It was kind of funny at first because obviously, I would have loved this opportunity to be a contestant, but I do have a really great job,” she said. “It’s a pretty surreal thing helping someone else have the opportunity of a lifetime.”

With her challenging position, Chappetta said it was difficult serving as a judge for people she knew, but she strived to remain impartial.

“I purposely did not look at who the contestants were. I kind of had an idea before I went there, but I wanted it to be a surprise,” she said. “It made it a little bit tricky on Day 1 just to make it clear, ‘I’m here as a judge. Nobody gets special privileges just because we’re friends and we’ve raced together for a couple of years.’”

The show initially accepted applications from all over the world, but had to scale down to Canadian-based riders once COVID-19 hit. Still, in addition to Pacakova, the show welcomed two Americans, a Kiwi, and a Russian. n

SPORTS THE SCORE

Whistler Nordics AGM Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 7 PM – 8:30 PM Where: Your House via Zoom

Join us via Zoom for our Annual General Meeting.

Come hear what we’ve been working on and our future plans.

All attendees will have a chance to win 1 of 3 Large Creekbread Pizza Gift Certificates.

All Board of Director positions are up for re-election and are voluntary.

If you are interested in joining the Board please email the Administrator in advance and attend the meeting to nominate yourself.

Email admin@whistlernordics.com to register ahead of time and get your Zoom Meeting link.

We'd love to see your face!

SKATING STAR Whistler Skating Club’s Ethan Adanac during his gold-medal performance at Winterskate in Langley in February.

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Whistler skater earns honour

ETHAN ADANAC OF the Whistler Skating Club has a toolbox of physical skills to excel while on the ice, but it was his ear, in part, that helped him score a significant honour.

Adanac learned earlier this month that he received the BC Coast Region’s Scott Roberts Memorial Trophy, receiving the recognition as the artistic winner at the Star 3 level at a virtual ceremony on Oct. 20.

“It took a day and a half for me to realize and have it sink in,” he said.

The recognition during the BC Coast Region’s annual general meeting came and went fairly quickly, but Adanac was also honoured by the club at the practice before the ceremony as his teammates lit sparklers outside of the Meadow Park Sports Centre.

Adanac received the award for his goldmedal performance at the Winterskate competition in Langley back in February, specifically for elements such as his interpretation of the music, choreography, and performance.

As part of his routine, Adanac used an instrumental combination of “Ophelia” by The Lumineers and “Wake Me Up” by Avicii, with the former being his own suggestion.

“At first, when everyone heard that music, they just stopped,” Adanac recalled, noting he’s continuing to use the same music as he advances to Star 4 this year.

Adanac expressed gratitude to his coaches for helping him to reach the heights he has.

Club head coach Dianne Diamond praised Adanac’s winning routine, feeling that it was a worthy champion.

“It’s how he can fit his steps with the musicality of the solo, his interpretation of the music,” she said. “He really works so hard to really perform to his music. He spends a lot of hours practising his routine and making it really accurate to the music.”

Diamond said that it’s important for the

and andpains? pains?

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ETHAN ADANAC CLAIMS SCOTT ROBERTS MEMORIAL TROPHY

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Our RMTs Looking Looking for forare one oneback place place Looking for one place Looking for forone one place place and working to get to toLooking ease ease those those aches aches to ease those aches to toand ease ease those those aches aches you ‘back in action’ and pains? pains? and pains?

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athletes to jive with the music in their routine, not only for the practical fact that they’ll be listening to it ad nauseam during the season, www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com but also because it brings out a better showing. www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com 604 962 0555 “If your heart speaks to the music, you 604 604962 962 0555 0555 604 604 962 9620555 0555 can really perform to the music,” she said.

“It’s really important to make sure that your skater has a connection to the music.”

Diamond added that the award is a significant feather in the club’s cap.

“It increases our profile,” she said.

“It increases how people look at us in the skating world throughout the province.

They’re acknowledging that we have a skater who, choreographically, has outstanding performance and solo.

“It’s a kudos for our club and to our coaches.”

- DIANNE DIAMOND

“That’s a real accomplishment. It’s a kudos for our club and to our coaches.”

Looking ahead to the 2020-21 campaign, Diamond said competitions are cancelled up until December, and there’s uncertainty about what comes after. The Whistler Skating Club, she said, is interested in hosting an interclub competition at some point during the season, though it would need sign-off from sport and government stakeholders to proceed.

Overall, though, Diamond said the focus is on small goals for skaters to work toward in place of competitions.

“I’m trying to create as many goals as possible to keep them motivated,” she said.

“This group of kids is so motivated that you don’t have to light the fire. The fire’s lit all the time.”

Head to the online version of this story at piquenewsmagazine.com to see Adanac’s winning routine. n

Whistler Magazine is in the works for this winter’s 40th anniversary edition.

With alternate distribution regionally to Vancouver, on more stands in the Sea to Sky and still in some Whistler hotel rooms with our new 'safe' poly bag option.

Plus our new digital spotlight where every advertiser will have a profile page.

We have so many awesome stories and photos ready for this winter’s new normal! We will include some F.A.Q. elements like maps and ‘Covid Things to Do’.

Please reach out soon as our booking deadline is October 30th Catherine at cpower@whistlermagazine.com or 604-932-1672

Thanks & Stay Well!

OCTOBER 29, 2020

41

VELOCITY PROJECT

Garlic planting as prayer THE FALL GARLIC -planting mission has always been accompanied by a prayer, of sorts. An atheistic kind, largely faithless: “OK then, do your thing.” I’d brush my hands clean of the moist, black soil and feel again the improbability of all this growing business—stick clove in soil, anticipate its budding five or six months from now?

Really? How the hell does this even work?

BY LISA RICHARDSON The little nubs of green shooting up through the mulch in the spring always caught me by surprise. It worked! It actually worked! There must be some trick to this Life business. I want to believe! But everyone knows that magic is just a sleight of hand, all illusion.

This year was different. I don’t think I can attribute it to experience, to 10 consecutive successful garlic harvests. The difference is that this year, there’s a new word in my vocabulary: The Underworld. A timeless concept, as old as humanity itself, the Underworld represents the kingdom of the dead, the place where our lives end, but also a place we might intentionally mythically descend to, to undertake a heroic journey, a deeper exploration, a confrontation of the limits and possibilities of being human, a kind of existential initiation.

It’s a word that kept coming up for me this year (is that thanks to you, Siri?

CYCLE OF LIFE Writer Lisa Richardson wanders the garden as she considers the cycle of growth and renewal and how the philosophy fits with our pandemic times.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

42 OCTOBER 29, 2020

Big Data?), as I encountered writers like Sandy Ibrahim, Amanda Yates Garcia and Martin Shaw, who try to parse meaning from news headlines, whose idea of bigger picture involves mythology and ancestors and cosmic time.

What I gleaned from those thinkers is that we could possibly think of this pandemic time, this “Lockdown Lite” experience, as an opportunity to be initiated. An invitation to take things seriously. To go deep. To be confronted. To stop running around like the White Rabbit—“I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date!”—and turn bravely and acknowledge Death. (“Oh, hi. It’s you.

Are we scheduled to get together yet? I was hoping for sometime circa 2075?”)

It’s an invitation to shed some stuff— some of the ego’s favourite props, and to emerge out the other side a little wiser, a little more concentrated ... rather than just annoyed and anxious to reclaim my old life, exactly as was. Seems worth pondering, at the very least—that maybe COVID-19 might offer some insight to help us navigate the bigger climate emergency looming stage left. Maybe this moment could be seized as a threshold into a different way of being, instead of just an interruption to our regular programming.

In attempting to resource myself for this bigger quest, I have been best served by insights and practices from some wonderful local meditation and wisdom teachers. (Obviously, these days, geography is no limitation, but it astounds me that this talent is literally right here. Check out Susan Reifer’s ongoing free meditation series with the Whistler Public Library.

Natalie Rousseau’s online offering in attuning to the deep wisdom of the seasons, The Witches Year, starts Oct. 31.)

An invitation I heard from both of them was to allow myself to feel supported— to literally sit and close my eyes and feel

my bones pressing down upon the ground and the floor meeting me, all the bits of my house holding things up and the Earth beneath that, everything rising up to meet the parts of me that settled down.

I might have felt alone in my spinning mind, but when I was invited to pay attention, I became aware that I was being met. I was being supported. In palpable, tangible ways—hello, floorboards; hello, supportive ground under my feet; hello, friends dropping off a care package of chocolate at the end of my driveway or delivering a loaner juicer for my apple juicing experiment.

And in less tangible ones. As I first lamented all the things and people I was missing, the falling away of all the things that used to prop my ego up, the shock of lost momentum, the loss of all that had suddenly been cancelled, I would walk outside and sense the trees creating a kind of open-air church around me, all steadfast and able to contain the leakages of my emotions. And when I got curious about the idea that my great-grandmothers probably lived through pandemics, and wars and famines and way-gnarly things, and did a little ancestry research, I arrived at this powerful sense that I am now the garden, I am now the physical matter in which my ancestors have the opportunity to flourish. I am the place of bloom. I am the landscape of life and vitality, and they are all informing that, nourishing that, infusing that with richness, with the compost of their own lives. They’re cheering me on, from within my very own cells.

So, mid-October, when I found a brief window through which I could race out to the garden, clear a few beds, and insert cloves, I was in a different frame of mind—one in which, instead of working in a hopeful-but-not-really-convinced state

of reclaiming life, growth, gardening and garlic independence, I became reclaimed. I was reclaimed by my ancestors, by the soil, by the life force, by the trees around me.

I tucked each clove into the soil knowing, without doubt, that those little cloves were not being cast out into an uncertain future, but that they were being offered back to Life, returned to soil that I tend with care, that I nourish with compost. It is not me, casting long-shot hopes into the emptiness.

It is me settling down and receiving an immense amount of support that rises up to meet me, from every imaginable direction.

Invisible, sure. But, even though I don’t see it, I sense it. I sense it now.

This year, I have come to believe in the Intelligence of All Things, an intelligence that is encoded in all of us, a deep Knowing of what to do. As I finished reading Callanish Hospice Society founder Janie Brown’s book Radical Acts of Love, I learned that this deep Knowing can even help us face our deaths, that the body knows how to navigate that threshold, too.

I tucked the garlic in for their winter sleep, their journey to the Underworld, beneath a blanket of maple leaves that I had scraped up from around the yard, and as I brushed the soil off my hands, I whispered my little prayer. Only, this year, it wasn’t: “Well, I hope you know what to do now.”

It was more of a wordless hum of thanks.

Thank you, thank you, sleep well, see you on the other side. For, come spring, they will rise again, and it won’t be a surprise.

Because this is what Life does. It returns. It sprouts forth, it blossoms, it revels, it fruits, it pares away, it dies, it is absorbed, and it returns. And into this cycle, we belong.

The Velocity Project: how to slow the f--k down and still achieve optimum productivity and life happiness. ■

MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE SWIM • SKATE • SWEAT • SQUASH

OPEN DAILY: 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Entry by reservation only; book early to avoid disappointment.

Book your timeslot up to 72 hours in advance for each separate activity online – whistler.ca/mpsc or by phone – 604-935-PLAY (7529)

Masks must be worn

GROUP FITNESS SCHEDULE OCTOBER 29 OCTOBER 30 OCTOBER 31 NOVEMBER 1 NOVEMBER 2 NOVEMBER 3 NOVEMBER 4 THURSDAY

I Sweat It

FRIDAY

I Low

SATURDAY

I Body

Out – Louise 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Impact: Endurance – Beth 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Pump Boot Camp – Jess 7:45-8:45 a.m.

I Low Impact: Strength & Stretch - Louise 9-10 a.m.

I Sweat Effect – Beth 9-10 a.m.

I Aqua Fit Shallow – Marie-Anne 10-11 a.m.

R Gentle Fit for Seniors – Diana (Online Only) 1-2 p.m.

SUNDAY

F Sunday

Fun Day – STEP! $5 - Liz 8:30-9:30 a.m.

F Dryland Training Garret 6:45-7:45 p.m.

I Low Impact: Endurance – Andy 7:45-8:45a.m.

I Low Impact: Strength & Stretch – Jess 9:15-10:15 a.m.

R Gentle Fit for Seniors – Marie-Anne (Online Only) 9-10 a.m.

I Low Impact I High Impact Strength & Class – Andy Stretch – Beth 9:15-10:15 a.m.

9:15-10:15 a.m.

I Zumba – Susie 10:45-11:45 a.m.

I Mountain Ready Fitness – Steve 9:15-10:15 a.m.

I Aqua Fit Deep – MarieAnne 10-11 a.m.

R Gentle Fit for Seniors – Diana (Online Only) 11-12 p.m.

F Spin Courtney 5:15-6:15 p.m.

I Zumba – Carmen 12-1 p.m.

F Spin Courtney 5:15-6:15 p.m.

I Zumba Carmen I 6:45-7:45 p.m.

I Mountain Ready Fitness – Steve 5:15-6:15 p.m.

I Zumba – Rachel 6:45-7:45 p.m.

F Dryland Training Garret 6:45-7:45 p.m.

R Yoga Class Pass Slow Flow (Online Only) 7:30-8:30 p.m.

R REGISTERED FITNESS Registered fitness classes have a separate fee and a defined start and end date. Pre-registration is required for the entire set of classes.

I Body Pump Boot Camp – Jess 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Effect – Beth 7:45-8:45 a.m.

F FLEXIBLE REGISTRATION Flex-reg’ classes have a separate fee and allow you to register for classes on the days that fit your schedule.

R Grrrl’s Boot Camp – Jess 4-4:45 p.m.

TUESDAY

Endurance – Steve 7:45-8:45 a.m.

I Covid Yoga – Laura 10:30-11:30 a.m.

I Zumba – Susie 12-1 p.m.

MONDAY

I Low Impact I Sweat

PUBLIC SKATE SCHEDULE OCTOBER 29 OCTOBER 30 OCTOBER 31 NOVEMBER 1 NOVEMBER 2 NOVEMBER 3 NOVEMBER 4 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY (HALLOWEEN)

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

12:15-1:15 p.m.

12:15-1:15 p.m.

12:15-1:15 p.m.

12:15-1:15 p.m.

12:15-1:15 p.m.

12:15-1:15 p.m.

12:15-1:15 p.m.

1:45-2:45 p.m.

1:45-2:45 p.m.

1:45-2:45 p.m.

1:45-2:45 p.m.

1:45-2:45 p.m.

1:45-2:45 p.m.

1:45-2:45 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

POOL SCHEDULE

Lap swim and family swim times available daily by reservation only at whistler.ca/swim.

whistler.ca/recreation | whistler.ca/notices | 604-935-7529 @RMWhistler |

@rmwhistler |

Exceptions include: Children under two years of age; persons with medical conditions or who cannot remove a mask without assistance; staff behind a physical barrier, persons actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity. For more information and a full list of exceptions visit whistler.ca/masks

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/COVID19

R Yoga Class Pass, Mind Body Stretch – Heather (Online Only) 7:30-8:30 p.m.

I INCLUDED FITNESS These classes are included with your price of admission for no extra charge.

See exact schedule of classes at the sports centre or online at: whistler.ca/recreation

R Yoga Class Pass Stretch & Restore – Rya (Online Only) 7:30-8:30 p.m.

in all municipal facilities

@rmowhistler

Halloween Spooky Skate Saturday, October 31 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Dress in Costume Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.

Come dressed for your session.

Limited storage options are available for personal belongings. whistler.ca/skate

EPICURIOUS

What’s in a name? For B.C. craft brewers, quite a bit IN A CROWDED MARKET, BREWERIES REGULARLY FACE TRADEMARK CHALLENGES OVER NAMING RIGHTS

BY BRANDON BARRETT YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED Coast Mountain Brewing’s signature Daydreamer IPA has a new name and look these days.

The microbrewery decided to change the name of its much-loved beer to the winking “Hope You’re Happy IPA” after an Okanagan winery with a similarly named product raised the issue.

It was just the latest example in a long line of them of B.C. brewers having to contend with potential trademark challenges in a sector that counts close to 200 craft breweries province-wide.

It’s not even the first time Coast Mountain’s co-owner Kevin Winter—who, in a nod to how sensitive the issue can be, declined to comment for this article—had to fret over a possible legal challenge.

In the lead-up to its 2016 opening, Coast Mountain—then going by the name Sea to Sky Brewery—was slapped with a ceaseand-desist from multinational giant Molson Coors, which had just acquired the trademark for “Sea to Sky.” Rather than fight the world’s third-largest brewer and its army of lawyers in a protracted legal battle, Winter decided to go back to the drawing board.

It’s an issue that’s more common than most people might think, said beer brand consultant (and former Pique writer) Stephen Smysniuk.

“It happens all the time,” he said. “At the end of the day, there are a bunch of people who aren’t that imaginative dealing with a finite number of words in the English language. There’s a lot of creative bleed.

You’re all drawing from the same pool and the same ideas so much, along with the constant release of products and new breweries coming out, that you just kind of run out of ideas.”

And while the larger brewers, already wary of a craft beer sector that has consistently eaten into their market share, tend to be more protective of their intellectual property, there are plenty of examples of B.C.’s smaller beer-makers

NAME GAME In an already-crowded market, Squamish’s Backcountry Brewing takes a somewhat different approach to naming its beers, relying on irreverent pop-culture references—and as few puns as possible.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BACKCOUNTRY BREWING

taking each other to task as well.

In 2013, Vancouver restaurateur Mark Brand was planning to open his new Sunshine Coast brewery under the name Beachcomber Brewery, and sent a letter to Vancouver Island Brewery, who had been selling a beer called Beachcomber Summer Ale, requesting they change it.

Although the island brewery didn’t have a trademark on the name, they had earned enough goodwill that Brand dropped the issue, eventually renaming to Persephone Brewing Company.

In 2015, Three Rangers Brewing changed the name of its pale ale, Mile 49, after Vancouver’s Parallel 49 sent them a cease-and-desist order. Owner Michael Lewis considered fighting it, as Mile 49 is a geographical marker near the brewery’s homebase of Valemount, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the legal fees, going

with DeRailed Pale Ale instead.

Last year, Penticton’s Hatchery Brewing—co-founded by Liam Peyton, a name that should be familiar to local beer lovers as one of the creators of the Whistler Village Beer Festival—was forced to change its name to Slackwater Brewing after a dispute from an unspecified party.

Then there’s the infamous battle between Phillips Brewing and Red Truck, which, in 2007, took Phillips to court arguing the name of its Blue Truck Ale was too similar to theirs. Red Truck won, forcing Philips to change the name to Blue Buck, which, in an ironic twist of fate, preceded Philips’ ascension to becoming one of the province’s largest craft brewers.

(Funnily enough, Phillips found themselves back in court in 2012 when Labatt, with its signature Blue lager, unsuccessfully challenged Phillips’ Blue Buck trademark.)

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Oftentimes, without the resources or inclination to go to court, B.C.’s craft brewers will work out their naming issues behind closed doors—like when Winter politely asked Squamish’s Backcountry Brewing to drop the name of one of its limited-run beers, Juice Box Hero, in favour of Coast Mountain’s Juice Box Sour Wit. They agreed.

“He called us up and we said, ‘OK, no problem, we won’t use it again,’ because he had it for his permanent beer,” recalled Backcountry co-founder Ben Reeder.

“That’s a story of how it should go.”

In an industry awash with generic geographical beer names, Backcountry Brewing has taken somewhat of a different approach to stand out from the crowd.

Relying solely on pop culture references, the Backcountry crew has a couple other strict naming conventions. First, no puns.

(OK, some puns.) Second, the names can’t have anything to do with what’s in the can.

“Basically every beer name has been taken, so we went on a different tangent by taking names from pop culture. We weren’t the first to do that but we recognized it would be a cool thing and help us relate to our audience,” said Reeder, highlighting an upcoming sour wit that is being canned next month and was inspired by Monty Python: Strange Women Laying in Ponds, Distributing Swords is No Basis for A System of Government.

“We can guarantee no one is going to have that name,” Reeder said with a laugh.

In an already-saturated market, Smysniuk believes it’s essential that craft brewers think a little further outside the box to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

“If you’re drawing from that same pool and you’re just looking at what’s around you, what’s in the industry and those common beer terms, you’re going to come across the same words and ideas,” he said.

“If you’re dipping into other places—pop culture, music—and you’re stretching yourself a little bit and taking yourself to the spirit of what your brand is that’s beyond just beer, I think you can mine some pretty good ideas.” n

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ARTS SCENE

PSS drama class set to scare on the small screen FRIGHT NIGHT WILL FEATURE SHORT SKITS RECORDED AND STREAMED ONLINE OCT. 31

BY ALYSSA NOEL PEMBERTON SECONDARY School’s (PSS) drama class has a Halloween tradition.

Every year around Oct. 31, they set up a maze in the drama room with actors performing horror scenes throughout.

Only, in the middle of a pandemic it didn’t seem wise to have dozens of students cycle through the space.

So, drama teacher Renata Zablotney put pen to paper and came up with a Plan B. “We decided to shift our acting from acting on stage to acting on film,” she says.

“What we’ve done is I’ve written a series of short horror skits—a horror anthology— with one of them being famous, I didn’t write it; The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe. There are seven other pieces that are just fun, horror-based pieces.”

Dubbed Fright Night, the series will be posted online on Oct. 31 and available for ticketholders to view for just under a week.

The experience was completely different from the usual theatre productions, Zablotney says.

“The process is very different, but the

SPOOKY SKITS Pemberton Secondary School’s drama class is releasing a Halloween film on Oct. 31.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

46 OCTOBER 29, 2020

funny thing is before doing live theatre, I had experience in film and working in the film industry,” she says. “It was interesting talking to my students about [that] experience. I also teach media studies, so I teach students about camera work and editing and really capturing that look in film. So it’s really exciting to me to bring that to the forefront to see

“Film, in my opinion, seems more relaxed because you can do multiple takes. There’s still a deadline, but film has more of a perfectionist aspect to it and theatre is more free-flowing. If you make a mistake on stage, you have to use it and improvise.”

He also learned that while live theatre is all about projection, film is more about nuanced acting.

“Film, in my opinion, seems more relaxed because you can do multiple takes. There’s still a deadline, but film has more of a perfectionist aspect to it and theatre is more free-flowing. If you make a mistake on stage, you have to use it and improvise.”

- RAFE MURPHY

that expertise behind all of that. That was really exciting.”

Grade 12 student Rafe Murphy, who performs in The Tell-Tale Heart and “a psychological horror” called People, said acting for film and live theatre have been completely different experiences. (He starred as one of the Willy Wonkas in last year’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.)

“They’ve very different,” he says.

“In film, you don’t have to [project],” Murphy adds. “You’ve just got to play with body levels, voice levels, all that type of stuff because you can.”

While more productions this school year could be recorded or livestreamed, this will be the one-and-only true film project Zablotney says. (Plans are underway for a huge play in the New Year to celebrate their 20th production.)

“I was going to make sure that … if we started a project, it could come to full fruition,” she says. “There’s nothing worse than starting a project and realizing we couldn’t do it later. What we need to make sure is happening is whatever we’re choosing to do, we’re going to see it through to the very end. That was the goal.”

But there are also a few unexpected perks of releasing a film online. For one, friends and family from around the world can tune in.

“My family has been hugely supportive of me and my theatre projects,” Zablotney says. “A lot of them have driven from the Okanagan to see the live performances, but a lot of them now get to watch it from Europe. So I have people buying tickets from the U.K. and parts of Europe.”

For his part, Murphy likes the idea of having the film as a sort of time capsule to capture one aspect of this tumultuous time.

“People [in the future] will realize that throughout everything—including arts and production arts—things changed and we had to get around that,” he says. “This is the best way we’re getting around that.

I love theatre and enjoy being in the program, so it’s nice to continue doing it in a safe way.”

Tickets for Fright Night are available now for $10 at eventbrite.ca by searching PSS Fright Night. One ticket will allow you to stream the films on Saturday, Oct. 31 and for five days after. n

ARTS SCENE

WHAT’S NEW

BACK IN THE DAY Arts Whistler’s Hear & Now Festival has taken place in the village in previous years. This year, like many other festivals, it’s moving online.

PHOTO BY SCOTT BRAMMER

Hear & Now launches weekly online episodes ARTS NEWS: PUMPKINS COMPETE FOR TOP PRIZE AT TOUR DE PUMPKINS EVENT; SEA TO SKY SHORTS SHOWCASE PARTICIPANTS REVEALED

BY ALYSSA NOEL ARTS WHISTLER is set to kick off an extra-long online edition of its Hear & Now music festival.

Starting on Thursday, Oct. 29, with The Combat Dolphins, new sessions with local bands and performers will be released on Facebook and YouTube (almost) every Thursday at 7 p.m. through to March 4.

In total, 17 artists will be featured performing their original songs, as well as talking about their group, the music, and the inspiration behind it all.

“Hosted by some familiar faces from Whistler’s music scene, check-out our lineup and make sure you don’t miss out on your favourites!” the website says.

Local performers for the remainder of the year include: Little Biggs Band, Northern Ignition, Bob and Charlie, Brother Twang, Marble Canyon, Poor Dirty Sylvia, and Stephen Vogler & Some Assembly Required.

Hear & Now first started in 2016 to highlight local musical talent in the fall when events in Whistler tend to slow down. Artists played outdoors around the village over one September weekend.

To see the full 2020 lineup and find out more visit artswhistler.com/hearandnow.

CHECK OUT THOSE PUMPKINS Halloween parties might be off the table this year, but one way to get in the spirit of spooky season is to check out the new Tour De Pumpkins event, taking pace on Oct. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Florence Petersen Park.

If you just want to take in the carvedup gourds, you can bring your bubble (maximum six people) with masks to the park for a self-guided tour. Or if you’d rather part take in the artistry, carve your pumpkin in time for Oct. 30 then bring it

to the park for a 6:15 p.m. check in—just remember to also bring it home at 8 p.m. to show off the next day.

If you’re a business that wants to partake, email Arts Whistler ahead of time at cmatthews@artswhistler.com then get set to carve as many pumpkins as you’d like. The only difference is you can deliver them to the Maury Young Arts Centre on Oct. 29 between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Otherwise, bring them to the park on Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.

There will be prizes—with the winner chosen by a jury—announced at 7:30 p.m.

(And, hey, keep those designs family friendly.)

But there’s more! Pumpkins will be available for free on a first-come, firstserved basis for both businesses and community members. (Thanks to Nesters!)

For more information, or to RSVP, head to artswhistler.com/event/tour-de-pumpkins.

AUDAIN EXTENDED: PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS Book Your Bubble into a private, safe and exclusive guided tour on Saturdays and Sundays, outside of public opening hours. Join the Museum’s knowledgeable Docents for an intimate look at the latest changes to the Permanent Collection of BC art from a unique, curatorial perspective.

Visit audainartmuseum.com/extended to book

SEA TO SKY SHORTS SHOWCASE PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED The Whistler Film Festival has announced the 14 filmmakers selected to compete in the first Sea to Sky Shorts Showcase.

The local filmmakers—living anywhere from Horseshoe Bay to Birken and D’arcy— will have 20 days to shoot, edit, and submit their short film, shot in the Sea to Sky corridor.

They will premiere during the Whistler Film Festival in December where the winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize. The top three teams will also win other prizes.

Finalists include: Steve Andrews, Whistler; Roshan Beaven, Whistler; Alex Bielawski, Whistler; Janalee Budge, Whistler; Braden Dean of Vantage Media, Squamish; Anna Dziczkaniece and Helen Burt of Lot 17 Productions, Whistler; Wesley Finck, Mount Currie; Paul Haysom, Squamish; Kyle James, Whistler; Amanda Palmer, Squamish; Hugh Saint-Jacques, Whistler; Oscar Tweet and Kyle Killeen, Whistler; and Talia Wittenberg, Whistler. n

NOW OPEN THURSDAY TO SUNDAY 11AM – 6PM audainartmuseum.com/visit Bill Reid, Killer Whale, 1984, bronze, Audain Art Museum Collection. Gift of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa. Courtesy of the Bill Reid Estate, photos by Darby Magill.

OCTOBER 29, 2020

47

MUSEUM MUSINGS

SELF STORAGE Old photos and files may be spread across any number of storage devices.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Archiving your life in a digital world

BY ALYSSA BRUIJNS

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48 OCTOBER 29, 2020

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WHERE AND HOW do you store your personal files and photos? It’s easy to forget that before the days of cellphone cameras and social media, time and effort was put into printing photographs, labelling them, and putting them into albums.

When I was training to become an archivist, I began to realize that my own photos were scattered across Facebook, my phone, and my laptop, and that if I ever wanted to look back on those memories to share with family or donate them to the archives, it would be one great, big mess.

Personal archiving is the organization and safe preservation of material that relates to the life, memories, and experiences of a person. Modern personal archiving is often concerned with digital preservation, especially bringing together content from social media and digital devices to ensure the long-term preservation of the memories we store digitally.

It’s hard to know exactly what is going to be of personal or historical importance in the future, and hard to know how to choose what to keep and how to organize it so that we can access it later. For instance, after actress Vivien Leigh’s death in 1967, her laundry receipts ended up providing insight into how mid-20th-century haute couture was preserved and presented in public. Yet, it’s unlikely that Vivien kept these laundry receipts knowing they would provide historical value later.

While we can’t always know what will be important to keep, we can do our best to keep our core memories and evidence of our impact on the community alive by keeping our media and documents organized, in a safe place. Based on the U.S. Library of Congress’s advice for personal archiving, I’ve provided some steps here

that can guide you in preserving you and your family’s digital files: • Locate your files. Are they on your phone?

On your Google Drive? On your computer? On a memory card or USB? On Facebook? Decide on one place to compile them.

• Choose which files are most important to you and the historical record. Historical value can often be found in items that document activities, people, places, and events. Delete duplicates and keep the highest quality versions.

• Organize your files chronologically, by subject, or both. Develop a hierarchical structure of folders for storing the files, and name your files and folders consistently.

Include dates in file and folder names wherever possible.

• Preserve your organized files by making copies and storing them in different physical locations (i.e. keep one set of files on your computer, one on an external hard drive, or one on a cloud file-sharing drive, etc.).

If many of your files or photos are not yet in the digital world, consider scanning them. If you are planning to donate your files to the Whistler Museum & Archives, we are happy to scan any physical photographs you may have and send you copies.

Recently, we have noticed our archival collection is severely lacking in donations from the past 25 years; we believe this may be due to the shift to digital creation with the onset of new technologies. We would be ecstatic if this column could prompt our community to begin donating old cell phone videos and photos (even if their digital quality is that of a potato nowadays!), or even old Word documents of newsletters from local organizations. The early days of the internet sparked massive changes in how we create, share, and preserve our stories—this time of change merits preservation. If you’re able to help us fill the 1995-2020 gap in our collection, please email archives@whistlermuseum.org. n

PARTIAL RECALL

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SCREAM SCENE As Halloween approaches, Laughing Crow Organics’ haunted sunflower maze is filled with terrors and ready to give you a scare. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 2 MASK UP Pemberton’s Mountain Movement 2020-21 Dance Team spreads the love while showing off their masks. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 3 SKIRT STYLE Whistler Secondary School students came to class dressed in skirts, regardless of their gender, on Oct. 22, in protest of the hyper-sexualization of girls and toxic masculinity. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 4 BREW CREWS The Deep Cove Tap Takeover at the Longhorn is one of many Whistler Craft Beer Month events going on until Oct. 31. PHOTO BY ABBY COOPER. 5 VILLAGE VIEWS The autumn colours in Whistler

Village were at their best, prior to this weekend’s early-season snowfall. PHOTO BY MONICA SUAREZ.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! Send your recent snaps to arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

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49

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF OCTOBER 29TH BY ROB BREZSNY

Hey, Mr. Invincible!

Wake up.

Drivers can’t see you.

Make yourself visible while walking along the road at night.

You’re 10 times more likely to be hit by a vehicle once the sun goes down. Bring a flashlight or torch. Wear light-coloured clothing. Use a reflector and always walk facing traffic.

whistler.ca/walksafe

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Reed Galen is an American political consultant who has worked long and hard for conservative causes. But in next week’s election, he opposes conservative Donald Trump, whom he regards as an authoritarian tyrant. He writes, “Democracy is on the ballot. It’s a binary choice between good/bad, honorable/ dishonorable, healthy/sick, forward/backward. There has been nothing like this in our lifetimes.” If you’ve read my words for a while, you know I’m a connoisseur of ambiguity and uncertainty. I try to see all sides of every story. But now I’m departing from my tradition: I agree with Galen’s assessment. The American electorate really does face a binary choice between good and bad. I also suspect, Aries, that you may be dealing with a binary choice in your personal life. Don’t underestimate how important it is that you side with the forces of good.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus politician Dan Coats has belonged to the conservative Republican Party all his adult life. He served in the U.S. Congress for 24 years, and later as President Donald Trump’s Director of National Intelligence. Since leaving that office, Coats has criticized his ex-boss. He has said, “Trump doesn’t know the difference between the truth and a lie.” In accordance with astrological omens, I urge you to be fiercely nonTrump-like in the coming weeks. It’s crucial to the welfare of you and yours that you tell the whole truth.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Many stories that were popular long ago are still studied today. One example is the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, originally told during the first century BC. Another is Homer’s epic tale the Odyssey, which harkens back to the sixth century BC. I have no problem with learning from old tales like these. It’s important to know how people of previous eras experienced life. But for you in the coming months, I think it will be crucial to find and tell new stories—tales that illuminate the unique circumstances that you are living through right now.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’m surprised when I hear that fans of Donald Trump enjoy my horoscopes.

My political views, which are deeply aligned with my spiritual philosophy, have always been very progressive.

And I’ve never hidden that fact. How can someone who appreciates my ideas also like Trump, a vile bully who has unleashed enormous cruelty and chaos? If you yourself are a Trump fan, I understand that after reading the preceding words, you may never read my words again.

But I need to follow my own astrological advice for us Cancerians, which is: Be bold and clear in expressing your devotion to the ideals you hold precious. For me, that means supporting Joe Biden, an imperfect candidate who will nevertheless be a far more compassionate and intelligent and fair-minded leader than Trump.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Dionysus was the ancient Greek god of drunkenness and ecstasy and madness.

His followers were inclined to immerse themselves in those states. Yet as historian Robert Parker points out, Dionysus himself “was seldom drunk, seldom mad.” His relationship with his consort Ariadne was “dignified and restrained,” and “smiling tranquility” was his common mood. I recommend that in the coming weeks you act more like Dionysus than his followers—no matter how unruly the world around you may become. The rest of us need you to be a bastion of calmness and strength.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo military expert Jim Mattis enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 19 years old. Forty-three years later, having been a Marine all his adult life and a general for six years, he retired. Later, he served under President Donald Trump as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. After leaving that position, Mattis testified that Trump was “dangerous” and “unfit,” adding that Trump “has no moral compass.” Be inspired by Mattis, Virgo. Do your part to resist the harmful and unethical actions of powerful people who affect you. Be extra strong and clear in standing up for integrity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Feeling too much is a hell of a lot better than feeling nothing,” declares Libran author Nora Roberts. I trust you will see the wisdom of that perspective in the coming weeks. On the downside, there might be some prickly, disorienting feelings arriving along with the rich flood of splendour. But I’m convinced that most of the surge will be interesting, invigorating, and restorative—although it may take a while for the full effects to ripen. And even the prickly, disorienting stuff may ultimately turn out to be unexpectedly nurturing for your soul.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio politician Joe Biden wasn’t my first choice for President of the United States. During the selection process, I championed his opponents Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. But now I support Biden wholeheartedly. He has several policies I don’t agree with, but on the other hand, I know it’s critical that we Americans ensure he replaces the appalling, corrupt, incompetent Trump. In the coming days, I advise you Scorpios to also consider the value of wise and pragmatic compromise in your own sphere.

Don’t allow a longing for impossible perfection to derail your commitment to doing what’s right.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The United States has suffered terribly from COVID-19. Of all the world’s countries, it has had more cases and more deaths. Why? One major reason is President Donald Trump. He has consistently downplayed the seriousness of the disease, has advocated many unscientific cures, and has been lax and erratic in supporting the therapeutic measures that virtually all epidemiological experts have recommended.

It’s no exaggeration to assert that Americans will reduce their coronavirus misery by electing Joe Biden as president. In this spirit, and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to meditate on how you could reduce any and all of your own personal suffering.

The time is right. Be ingenious! Be proactive!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “By my love and hope I beseech you,” pleaded philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. “Do not cast away the hero in your soul! Hold holy your highest hope!” That’s always good advice, but it’s extra crucial for you now. You will generate good fortune for yourself by being in close connection with the part of you that is bravest and wisest. The people whose lives you touch will have a special need for you to express the vitalizing power of intelligent hopefulness. More than maybe ever before, you will be inspired to cultivate your heroic qualities.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I’ve been writing my horoscope column for a long time, and it has evolved dramatically. One aspect that hasn’t changed is that every four years, I’ve endorsed a candidate for the president of my home country, the United States.

Another unchanging aspect is that I regularly reveal my progressive views about political matters. Some people who have only recently discovered my writing express dismay about this. “I don’t want politics with my horoscopes!” they complain. But the fact is, politics have permeated my horoscopes since the beginning. Now I urge you to do what I just did, Aquarius, but in your own sphere: If there are people who are not clear about who you really are, educate them.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “The worse the state of the world grows, the more intensely I try for inner perfection and power,” wrote Piscean author Anais Nin during the Second World War. “I fight for a small world of humanity and tenderness.” I encourage you to adopt that perspective for the rest of 2020. It’s an excellent time to respond boldly to the outer chaos by building up your inner beauty. I also suggest this addition to Nin’s formula: Call on your resourceful compassion to bolster the resilience of your closest allies.

Homework: To read more of my views on the US election, go here: bit.ly/voteforlifeandlove.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES

In-depth weekly forecasts designed to inspire and uplift you. To buy access, phone 1-888-499-4425. Once you’ve chosen the Block of Time you like, call 1-888-682-8777 to hear Rob’s forecasts. www.freewillastrology.com

50 OCTOBER 29, 2020

Resort Municipality Municipalityof of Whistler Whistler Whistler Village property propertyowners, owner, managers Whistler Village managers and merchants and merchants

The winter season is with us again and we would like to take this opportunity to As the winter seasonproperty is with us again, we’and d likemerchants to take this to of the remind all owners, managers in opportunity Whistler Village remind owners, propertythe managers and roofs, merchants thelandings importance of keeping importance of keeping walkways, stairsof and of stairs adjacent walkways, roofs,and stairs and landings adjacent their Itstores and properties free of to their stores properties free of ice andtosnow. is essential that customers ice and snow.

It is essential that feel customers andcomfortable guests visiting our Village feeltravel safe and guests visiting our Village safe and in being able to and comfortable in being able to travel freely about the area. freely about the area. walkways, roofs, You are required requiredto to clear snow and ice from walkways, roofs, stairs stairsand andlandings landings adjacent to adjacent to stores stores and andproperties propertiesby 10 a.m. daily.

RMOW Property Property Maintenance RMOW MaintenanceBylaw BylawNo. No.810 810 winter by: Get ready for winter by: 1. Stocking (not road salt) and shovels 1.

Stockingup upon onice-melting ice-meltingproducts products (not road salt) and shovels 2. Checking and ramps around your property Checkingthe theheat heattracing tracingononstairs stairs and ramps around your property Thanks in Thanks inadvance advancefor foryour yourcooperation. cooperation.

Download Bylaw at at www.whistler.ca/bylaw in the Downloadthe theProperty PropertyMaintenance Maintenance Bylaw www.whistler.ca/bylaw in the Frequently Requested Frequently RequestedBylaws Bylawssection. section.

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/bylaw

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Winter Parking Regulations Whistler’s Winter Parking Regulations are in effect Nov 1 to Mar 31

Neighbourhoods NO PARKING:

• On the EVEN side, Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm (excluding holidays) • On the ODD side (year round)

Whistler Village Day Lots NO PARKING 3am to 6am

Vehicles parked in contravention of posted parking regulations will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

SLEEPING or CAMPING in vehicles is not permitted year round (unless in designated campground)

1152 Mainland Street, Suite 430 Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6B 4X2

THE NEW CINEPLEX LOGO MASTERBRAND LOGO

The NEW CINEPLEX logo colour palette of deep rich blue is derived from the traditional CINEPLEX Odeon colours, evolved to a rich and elegant Midnight Blue.

The gold for the rings remains the same as the original CINEPLEX Entertainment logo.

In most instances the 4-colour version of the logo should be used on materials with a 4-colour background. Avoid using glows or keylines around the logo for contrast against backgrounds.

whistler.ca/winterparking

CORPORATE LOGO

CONSUMER LOGO & TAGLINE

The space between the baseline of the tagline and the top of the CINEPLEX wordmark squared should be the clearance around the logo in all marketing materials, where possible.

OCTOBER 29, 2020

51

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Long Term Rentals

Monthly rental accommodation that is available to local renters for a minimum of 12 months.

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Specializing in Real Estate Sales & Long-Term Rental Management Services Investors seeking to purchase a Rental Property & Owners seeking Long-Term Rental Management Services please phone 604-932-7849 or email info@whistlerproperty.com to discuss services & fees

LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENTS: Duane Kercher • 604-932-7849 duane@whistlerproperty.com Forrest Chittick • 604-902-7178 forrest@whistlerproperty.com

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52 OCTOBER 29, 2020

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PRE-LOVED RE-LOVED = COMMUNITY LOVE RE-USE-IT CENTRE Donations daily 10 am to 3 pm Accepting pre-loved clothing, gear and household items.

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SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Sunday Fun Day Workout STEP! with Liz 8:30-9:30 am ONLY $5 Dryland Training – Snow Fit with Garret Tues & Thur, 6:45-7:45 pm $13 per class Spin with Courtney Mon & Wed 5:15-6:15 pm $13 per class Awesome workshop coming up!

November 7 – Mobility for Performance Squat Rx 3:30-5 pm $20 for residents or $26 for non-residents $20 more to purchase Yoga Balls

www.whistler.ca/fitness 604-935-PLAY (7529)

SUSHI VILLAGE IS HIRING EXPERIENCED JAPANESE CHEFS IN WHISTLER

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES APPLY TODAY! Diamond Resorts Canada Ltd., Whistler, BC

Full Time Maintenance Technician Full Time Member Experience Associate Full & Part Time Housekeepers

Responsibilities: • • • • • • • • • •

Preparing Sushi and cooking other Japanese traditional food.

Plan menu and ensure food meets quality standards.

Estimate food requirements and estimate food and labour costs.

Instruct Kitchen Helpers and Cooks in preparation, cooking, and

presentation of food.

Supervise Cooks and Kitchen helpers.

Assist Head Chef with recruiting and hiring kitchen staff Inspecting ingredients for quality and freshness and supervising all food preparation.

Create new menus and specials.

Ensure excellent customer services at the Sushi bar.

Work as a team and ensure orders are completed in timely manner.

Eligible successful candidate may receive*:

Qualifications:

• Extensive benefits package which may include; ski pass or wellness allowance, disability coverage, travel insurance and extended health and dental.

• Travel Allowance and discounted employee rates at any Diamond Resort International resort.

• Full-time work year round and a FUN work environment.

• Completion of secondary school and minimum of 3 years of experience as a cook/chef

*eligibility and conditions based on DRCL policies and practices set out in general terms and conditions of employment.

Email your resume with the position you wish to apply for to: embarc_hr@diamondresorts.com

Full-time / All season / Permanent Language: English 40 hours per week $25 per hour Benefits: 4% vacation pay, BC medical coverage and extended health plan.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Address: 10, 11 – 4340 Sundial Crescent, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 Apply By Email At Info@Sushivillage.com

Career Opportunities at the District of Squamish IT Applications Specialist - Regular Full-Time

Part-time Brewery General Hand

Community

Executive Assistant/Legislative Assistant Casual/On-Call

NOTICES

Animal Control Assistant - Casual/On-Call

This is a hands-on position that performs various tasks in both Packaging Centre & Cellar, including operating equipment & cleaning work areas.

Duties:

GENERAL NOTICES Building Inspector - Casual/On-Call ROTARY CLUBS OF WHISTLER The Rotary Clubs of Whistler are now meeting virtually.

The Whistler Club Tuesdays at 3.

The Millennium Club Thursdays at 12:15.

Contact us at info@Whistler-rotary.org for log in info. All welcome.

Recreation Facility Attendant 1 - Casual/On-Call Recreation Facility Attendant 2 - Casual/On-Call Recreation Program Leader - Casual/On-Call Lifeguard 1 - Casual/On-Call Community Patrol Officer - Casual/On-Call Animal Control and Bylaw Officers - Casual/On-Call Janitor - Casual/On-Call To find out more, please visit: squamish.ca/careers

• Assist on the canning line • Prepare & clean packaging equipment • Tank cleaning • Wash & fill kegs • Maintain the overall cleanliness of the facility • Lift & move heavy objects (up to 60kgs) • Work in a fast-paced environment doing repetitive tasks

Experience requirements: Experience in a production/manufacturing environment an asset Able to handle exposure to loud noises & wet working conditions Must supply own steel-toed footwear & be 19yrs of age.

Wage: $15.75- $16.50/hr

Email resume to Jenniek@whistlerbeer.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS - 52 $76.70/YEAR

CANADA - REGULAR MAIL

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$136.60/YEAR

CANADA - COURIER

$605.80/YEAR USA - COURIER

PAY BY MASTERCARD, VISA OR AMEX. TEL. 604-938-0202 | FAX. 604-938-0201

OCTOBER 29, 2020

53

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NOTICES LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

Year: 1978 Make: TRAVEL AIR Model: STATUS

N’Quatqua Band 120 Casper Charlie Place, P.O. Box 88, D’Arcy, B.C. V0N 1L0 Phone (604) 452-3221 • Fax (604) 452-3295

Accountant REPORTS TO:

BAND ADMINISTRATOR SUMMARY OF WORK DESCRIPTION: The Accountant will work in conjunction with the Band Administrator and key Program Staff in maintaining the financial accounting and control system for all programs. He/she will ensure maintenance of all computerized ledgers, journals and produce financial reports. The Bookkeeper will supervise the finance staff and provide support.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Banking: - oversee monthly bank reconciliations.

Accounts Payable: - Reconcile accounts payable sub-ledger.

Accounts Receivable: - Preparation of invoices and statements as required.

- Maintenance of cash receipts journal.

- Preparation of aged accounts receivable listing.

4 1 5 2 7 3 2 the 9 Spa 7 1for you We are If you are looking for6 a new place to call 2 home: 9 • We manifest positive energy • We have a long term and loyal team 8 1 • We treat you fairly and look out for your wellness • You are listened to 8 •7 We give you proper breaks and time to set up between services • We offer extended medical benefits 6 staff housing 4 at affordable rates • We have potential • You can enjoy $5.00 cafeteria meals • You 1 have the opportunity3 to work for other Vida 5 locations in slow season We are here for you.

3 7 9 8 Vida Spa at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler 7 4 is currently 2 recruiting: 8 3 6 Registered Massage Therapist ( RMT) Esthetician • Spa attendant / cleaner

EASY

Financial Reporting: - Prepare monthly-computerized financial reports including budget information.

- Alert the Program Managers as to any significant variances in actual budget comparisons.

- Complete special reports for submission to the Managers and Chief and Council.

- Review reports for accuracy for outside agencies including Health Canada, Human Resources Development Canada and AANDC. - Work with Program Managers to ensure all program reports are submitted to funding sources in a timely manner.

# 45

To join our unique Vida family, email Bonnie@vidaspas.com Vida Spas - Vancouver & Whistler Live well. Live long. vidaspas.com Thank You for applying Only those considered will be contacted.

We offer competitive wages, a unique environment, seasonal bonuses, staff discounts and benefits.

Ask about accommodation.

Payroll: - Prepare quarterly report & payment for W.C.B. Other related duties: - Attend and participate in Council and community meetings upon request.

- Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have: - Training in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial planning combined with experience; - Proven experience in financial budget analysis, preparation of monthly/ annual financial reports, and accounting principles; - Experience in working in First Nations accounting or financial management environment.

- The incumbent must have a vehicle and hold valid B.C. driver’s license.

EASY

Please forward resume, cover letter to Jenn Levine, jennifer.levine@nquatqua.ca at N’Quatqua Band Office. Only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

We would like to have a minimum of 3 applicants prior to setting up interviews.

The closing date for this job posting will be August 20, 2020 at 4pm

Custodian

# 47

Visit our website to view current postings and to apply: www.whistlersportlegacies.com/careers

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities

# 45

• Council Coordinator • Recreation Programmer - Community Centre Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

54 OCTOBER 29, 2020

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Name of debtor: Andrew Nicholas Sutherland

5

Amount of Debt: $1025 for unpaid rent.

Time and Place of Sale: 10 am, Friday 13th November

8

8

Westland Insurance 1385 Birch St Pemberton BC

MEETING PLACE

8 6

7 2 7

3 7 6

Welcome Centre at Whistler Public Library - Information, support, community connections and ESL practice groups for newcomers and immigrants. Meet people, EASY make connections, volunteer, build your communication skills in English.

Multicultural Meet Up every Friday 9.3012pm.604-698-5960 info@welcomewhistler.com FB: WhistlerWelcomeCentre

1

VOLUNTEERS

Grow Sport with us at our 5 Come Whistler Olympic Legacy Venues 8 Whistler 3 Athletes’ Centre 2 6 (High-Performance7 Training 1 and Accommodation) 8 Positions for this venue are currently filled 4 Whistler Sliding 9 Centre 1 2 (Bobsleigh, Luge & Skeleton) 7 5 6 8 9 1 Track Worker Control and Timing Operator 8 3 2 5 Olympic Park 5 Whistler 1Snowshoeing 8 (Nordic Skiing, and Outdoor Activities) Guest Activity Rep 9 2Services Tech 8 4 Rental Nordic Sport Instructor Maintenance and Operations Worker 3

Budgeting: - Work with Program Managers of each Department to ensure annual budgets are prepared.

- Provide advice and assist the Program Managers in implementing/ monitoring of budgets throughout the year.

- Provide recommendations to the Program Managers and Chief and Council.

2

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Big Brothers, Big Sisters Sea to Sky Volunteer to Mentor- just 1hr/week - and make a difference in a child's life. Call 604-892-3125.

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9 3 6 2 7 2 1 EMPLOYMENT 8 7 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 5 8 4

Booth Attendant - Powder Mountain Snowmobile Club Looking for an individual to staff our booth this winter. Position to start early to mid-December for 2 days a week (Thurs andEASY Fri or Sat and Sun). Will continue until early to mid April. Both start and end dates are dependent on the snow. Work hours will be from 6:30 am to 1:30pm. As the days get longer, your hours will be extended to 2:30.

The wage for this position is $20 per hour, with an additional $1,000 retention bonus. A vehicle is a must to get to our booth (located 15 mins south of Whistler). If interested, send resume to: treasurer.pmsc@gmail.com h t t p s : / / p m s c-b c s f . s i l k s t a r t . c o m / cpages/home

# 47

1 5 4 8 2 6 3 7 9

***Local 8 3 7Automotive*** 4 5 9 2 6 1 Automotive 6 technician 2 9 3 7for1 year 4 5round 8 position in Whistler. 604-905-9109 4 6 3 9 1 5 steve@localautomotive.com 8 2 7

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Chief Building Official

H I G H M O U N TA I N BREWING CO. BREWHOUSE WHISTLER, BC

Be a part of our dynamic team at one of Whistler’s busiest spots!

At The High Mountain Brewing Company, Whistler Brewhouse, we take pride in our product and service - From the busy patio to the cozy two-sided fireplace, from our exceptional pizzas to our hand-crafted beer.

We are currently looking for

Sous Chef, Service Manager and Cooks We offer comprehensive benefits packages after a probationary period, as well as competitive wages.

Please come by with your resume or apply via email to mvedan@mjg.ca

4355 BLACKCOMB WAY

WHISTLER, BC, V0N 1B4

Why work at Whistler Waldorf?

- $23-30/hour (based on experience).

- Tuition remission for children & full benefits.

- Financial compensation towards your Waldorf Teacher Cert.

Currently looking for a: - Lead ECE Teacher - Kindergarten Assistant

THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

(Full Time, Permanent)

We are looking for an energetic, results-oriented individual with great customer service and interpersonal skills and a can-do attitude to join our busy oversee plan checking and building inspections. The operating environment of the Chief Building Official is split between the Regional District office and the field, where the Chief Building Official travels throughout the Electoral Areas of the Regional District, conducting field work which includes inspecting construction to ensure that design, material, workmanship and safety features meet or exceed standards and conform to accepted plan specifications established by the BC Building Code and SLRD bylaws and regulations.

The ideal candidate will be an upbeat team player with great attention to detail who possesses: • •

Certification from the Building Officials’ Association of BC – minimum Level 1.

Thorough knowledge of the methods, material, tools and equipment used in building construction, repair and alterations.

• Comprehensive understanding of the BC Building Code, which includes the ability to read and interpret building plans, recognize requirements and accept or reject plans as required.

• Knowledge of geotechnical matters as they relate to building safety.

• An understanding of the statutory duties of the Building Official pursuant to the Local Government Act. • Ability to deal diplomatically and communicate effectively with elected officials, staff and customers, using good oral and written communications skills.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact and diplomacy in the interpretation, application and enforcement of all regulations, acts, standards, codes and bylaws.

• Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for technical decisions.

• Graduation from a post-secondary institution with a diploma in Building Technology along with related field experience, or a building trades Journeyman with experience is preferred but not essential.

• Related experience in a local government setting is preferred.

For further information, please see the full job description at www.slrd.bc.ca/employment.

Compensation will be determined commensurate with knowledge, skills and ability, includes a comprehensive benefit package and Municipal Pension Plan and offers the ability to work a compressed work week (nine-day fortnight).

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume with a covering letter by email to: Nathalie Klein, Executive Assistant Squamish-Lillooet Regional District nklein@slrd.bc.ca Please reply by 5 PM on November 22, 2020.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

View whistlerwaldorf.com/employment Email principal@whistlerwaldorf.com

We've Got You Covered

Become part of a creative team and surround yourself with art Currently seeking permanent, full-time

Head Guard Competitive starting wage Medical benefits & staff discounts No experience necessary, all training provided To apply, please email your resume to bbeacom@audainartmuseum.com RAEF.ca

OCTOBER 29, 2020

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS Come Grow Sport with us at our Whistler Olympic Legacy Venues

NIGHT AUDIT FULL-TIME HOURS AVAILABLE

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Your next big adventure starts here.

Incentive Bonus and Ask about accommodation.

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We are seeking a flexible, hardworking and hard playing

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For seasonal full time roles Check our website for seasonal opportunities at our 3 venues Visit our website to view current postings and to apply:

Thank you for your interest.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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NOW HIRING AT OUR WHISTLER LOCATION

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To Apply: either submit an application online at Marriott.com/careers or send your resume to barbara.fraser@deltahotels.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Glacier Media Group is growing. Check our job board regularly for the latest openings:

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56 OCTOBER 29, 2020

DO YOU jobs@pembertonvalleylodge.com LIVE IN Competitive PEMBERTON? wages, THEN WHY health benefits, casual COMMUTE environment TO WHISTLER?

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

N’Quatqua Band 120 Casper Charlie Place, P.O. Box 88, D’Arcy, B.C. V0N 1L0 Phone (604) 452-3221 • Fax (604) 452-3295

JOB POSTING

We are currently interviewing for Red Seal Carpenters (or equivalent experience) Please submit resume to: info@evrfinehomes

Whistler’s Premier Estate Builder NOW HIRING:

NOW HIRING:

SNOWMOBILE GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR SNOWSHOE GUIDES We offer a fun, outdoor work environment with a great team of SHUTTLE like-minded individuals.

An always DRIVERS changing, always challenging work day with the opportunity to connect with people from GUEST EXPERIENCE REPS all over the world. Flexible schedules and amazing staff parties DOGSLED are definite perks of the job. GUIDE/MUSHER PERKS INCLUDE: FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE – FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS – We offer aEPIC fun, STAFF outdoor work environment with aFOR great team of PARTIES - FREE ACTIVITIES STAFF like-minded individuals. An always changing, always challenging work day with the opportunity to connect with Full job descriptions at: people from all over the world. Flexible schedules and amazing staff parties www.canadianwilderness.com/employment/ are definite perks of the job.

If you are interested in joining our team, PERKS INCLUDE: please submit your&resume to FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE – FRIENDS FAMILY DISCOUNTS – employment@canadian01.com EPIC STAFF PARTIES - FREE ACTIVITIES FOR STAFF

BAND ADMINISTRATOR The Band Administrator is responsible for the efficient and effective operations of the Band. The Band Administrator will work closely with

each of the Departments of the N’Quatqua Band and will serve as the Supervisor of the Department Managers. The Band Administrator will administer multiple programs and services, including financial assets of the band, property, natural resources and information and will manage in accordance with policies and priorities set out by Chief & Council. He/she will forecast program needs and plan for future program requirements. He/She will ensure effective financial management of programs and services, including accountability and will seek funding enhancements to improve service opportunities. The Band Administrator will keep abreast of new initiatives and will ensure programs are managed, delivered and evaluated in a coordinated and integrated approach on a fiscal basis and in a culturally appropriate and responsive manner. The Band Administrator will develop a detailed annual budget for Council approval, and will assist Department Heads in preparing annual departmental budgets. He/she will maintain sound working relationships with Staff, representatives of other departments, governments and outside agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Supervision/Performance Management: Provides a structured process for the supervision of Staff to ensure that required standards and program policy guidelines are met; Provides consultation on a day to day basis to the Department Managers, as appropriate, in the performance of their duties in relation to: a) Policy interpretation d) resource management practice b) Program eligibility e) workload management c) Case management practice f) conflict resolution Works closely with Chief & Council in policy updates and/or developments; Administration & Financial Management: Maintains information, records, monthly calendar, schedules; Ensures that files are secure; Consults with Chief and Council on a regular basis; Provides regular reports and ensures the financial systems of the programs are maintained and accountability is in place; Monitors revenues and expenditures of all departments and works closely with department heads and/or Finance Manager on budgets; Identifies new sources of revenue for programs and services and applies for additional funding; Identifies and informs Council about new economic opportunities and risk assessment; Meets deadlines; EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: - Degree in Business Management or combined post-secondary education and work experience; - Previous work experience in a First Nations Band Office; - 3 to 5 years working experience with a First Nation;; - Must have experience in planning, conducting and managing programs and projects in a First Nations setting.

- Must have knowledge of First Nations history, traditions, lifestyles, culture, including approaches to community development and programming; - Must have experience and good skills in proposal writing, strategies, policies, operational and financial planning; - Must have excellent communication skills; - Must have ability to prioritize goals and objectives within timeframes; - Must have a sound understanding of financial management and preparing detailed annual budgets with working experience; - Must have good understanding of outside government organizations and funders; - Must have experience in supervising Managers and Staff; - Must have experience in negotiations; - Must have strong leadership skills; OTHER: - Must pass a criminal records check; - Must be able maintain flexible hours.

- Must have transportation and a valid BC driver’s license.

- Must have ability to work as a team member.

- Must have excellent public relations, interpersonal and communication skills.

- Must be able to work independently and serve as a Team Leader.

Please forward resume, cover letter to Jenn Levine, jennifer.levine@nquatqua.ca at N’Quatqua Band Office. Only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. We would like to have a minimum of 3 applicants prior to setting up interviews.

The closing date for this job posting will be August 20, 2020 at 4pm

Full job descriptions at: www.canadianwilderness.com/employment/

If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume to employment@canadian01.com

PLAY HERE

» piquenewsmagazine.com/jobs OCTOBER 29, 2020

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

Now hiring for the following positions:

Here’s to the Journey

Here’s to the Journey

At Westin, we recruit the brightest, most energetic people in pursuit of developing an exciting and rewarding career. Marriott International has 30 renowned hotel brands in over 131 countries around the world, and we’re still Atgrowing.

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Join Our Team Employment Opportunity VOP-portuni�es!

Are you a natural? Become one of the Village of Pemberton’s most valuable natural resources – our people. If you are ready to join a small team to make a big difference, we are seeking to fill the following roles: Communi Communica�ons & Grants Coordinator – Permanent F/T Posi�on: Repor�ng to the Chief Administra�ve Officer, this posi�on is responsible for maintaining �mely and relevant public communica�ons regarding Village opera�ons and special projects as well as the research, prepara�on and coordina�on of grants. The Communica�ons & Grants Coordinator also provides administra�ve and crea�ve support to the CAO and other Village Departments.

Project & Research Coordinator – Permanent F/T Posi�on: Repor�ng to the Chief Administra�ve Officer, this posi�on supports the coordina�on and implementa�on of a variety of projects aligning with the Village’s Strategic Priori�es. The Project Coordinator will act as a liaison, facilitator and coordinator between the Village’s Regional and Provincial partners, community stakeholders, consultants and Village departments to ensure desired results.

Interested? Please submit your cover le�er and resume to recrui�ng@pemberton.ca by Friday, November 6th, 2020. For full job descrip�ons and to learn more about the Village, please visit www.pemberton.ca.

VillageOfPemberton 58 OCTOBER 29, 2020

www.pemberton.ca

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Discover new opportunities and embark on a career in Hospitality with Pan Pacific Whistler To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers.ppwhi@panpacific.com

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

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OCTOBER 29, 2020

59

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60 OCTOBER 29, 2020

PUZZLES ACROSS 1 5 10 16 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 36 38 39 40 42 43 45 48 49 51 52 56 58 60 62 63 65 67 68 69 70

Anthracite Lost color Flexible, like a gymnast Flyleaf Scoundrel Bakery enticement Form a thought Bede or Sandler In the company of Rock climber’s device Long bouts Type of roast Kind of paint Sky-colored Moppets Shoelace hole Distinctly Computer networks Traipse about Hear a case Players Switch positions More than bad Petite, plus That senora Starlet’s aspiration Great reptile Drive away Straw hat Cello’s kin Really enjoy Await action Opposite Superman’s Lane Glass square Author Umberto -Building block Clinched, as a deal

72 74 77 78 79 80 81 84 85 89 90 91 92 93 96 97 98 100 101 102 104 106 108 110 112 113 114 115 117 119 120 122 123 125 128 129 133 138 140

141 143 144 145 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156

Electric plug part More lofty Debt memo Driver’s pegs Courage King’s address Install royalty Tip the scales Golf hazard (2 wds.)

Snake eyes Small birds Celebration Bracket type Sunflower grower Milk purchase Mouth, to Pedro Chip-maker -- -Lay Ill temper Ache Natural wound covering Flowed out Essayist’s pen name Kimono wearer Wednesday’s god Playful swimmers Word on a battery “-- No Sunshine” 3D shape Gleeful cry Billboards Feel sorrow Emulate Jack Frost What willows do Royal symbol Badges and such Doctor’s manner Ripped apart Granola kin Mighty blow

Iron-rich meat Money, in slang Long river Legacy Things on a list Foretell -- -- for the money Glistens Open-air lobbies Sarcastic Historical periods Despot Eccentric Psychic

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 33 35 37

Uncouth Vitality Greek marketplace The L in LEM Yellow fruits Southwest st.

Pond blossom Atlanta campus Borge and Bohr Eavesdropper Figures of speech Track events Redcaps’ burden Paris season Lab work Skin an apple Grown-up Competition lover Unoccupied Pharaoh’s land Fabric meas.

Skeptical Cruise or Hanks

38 41 43 44 45 46 47 49 50 51 53 54 55 56 57 59 61 64 66 71 73 74 75 76 78 79 80 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 90 91 93 94 95

Aquatic bird Dallas cager Twist forcibly Telepathy Soup choice Not cook (2 wds.)

Bond’s alma mater Gourmet’s interest “The Greatest” Rattle Scoundrel Single time Fragrance Jazzy Count -Compass dir.

Monsieur’s islands Period Behaviors First-aid devices Average grade Floor coverings Girl, in Madrid Airport code for O’Hare Place a wager Sock parts Look curiously Kind of bar Possesses TV brand Fierce anger USAF unit Curbed Shortens, maybe Walks heavily Deli offering High desert of Asia Ukraine city Alice’s chronicler Playwright -- Simon

96 97 98 99 101 103 105 107 108 109 111 116 118 121 122 124

Zorba portrayer Invited Skim milk’s lack Beatles’ meter maid Legatees Male swan Speckled horses Banking convenience, briefly Loudest Crucial trial (2 wds.)

Catch a crook P.O. competitor Rumor Van Gogh medium Make tidy D’Artagnan’s creator

125 126 127 129 130 131 132 134 135 136 137 139 140 142 146

“-- vincit amor” Feeling remorse Gainsay Safari leader A Homer opus “Same here!”

Turn inside out Verb preceders Herd orphan Dodge More scarce TV receivers Tumult Give off light Not forward

LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

Enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that: • Each horizontal row contains each digit exactly once • Each vertical column contains each digit exactly once • Each 3x3 box contains each digit exactly once Solving a sudoku puzzle does not require any mathematics; simple logic suffices.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: EASY

2 5

8 1

3 5 4 5

8

8

6 7 2 7

3 7 6

9 7 8

1

4

1

5

9

1 3 6

6

9 5

EASY Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com# 46

ANSWERS ON PAGE 54

OCTOBER 29, 2020

61

MAXED OUT

The devil we know….

SOMEHOW,

THE

PROVINCIAL

election this past month seemed, well, boring. Predictable. Revoltingly self-serving in its origins, numbing in its progression towards an end surprising no one.

Compared to the Prologue to a Cultural Revolution being played out south of the border, B.C.’s election was as Canadian as ... never have figured out how to end that thought. Beavertails? Lager? Poutine?

The Big Turkey got his way, a majority government—unofficially, of course. It won’t be official for a few more weeks because of the mail-in ballots and the arcane, horse-

BY G.D. MAXWELL and-buggy protocols in place to deal with them. Changes to this system were passed last year but weren’t going to be in place until the “scheduled” election next year, the one the Turkey couldn’t wait for in his quest for political stability or, more accurately, to strike while the opposition was in disarray.

All those mailed ballots won’t even start to be counted for 13 days after the election. Meanwhile, they have to be shipped to the district offices where the voters live, screened to ensure the voter was registered, eligible and didn’t slip in an in-person vote in the meanwhile, and then counted by hand.

While this delay in the interest of political stability will last at least two weeks, it won’t alter the outcome. It may alter who our MLA is, though. With a margin of only 604 votes, this riding’s Green candidate has to hope the vote-bymail residents of West Vancouver—never known as a Green stronghold—didn’t number in the thousands.

And so we wait, not knowing for certain which candidate to congratulate.

Meanwhile, the Big Turkey struts his victory and others write about how his popularity underpinned his victory. As if.

In the dark of night, lying in bed, listening to the blood rush through his ears and wondering whether the monsters will stay in the closet, Premier John Horgan probably understands the inaccuracy of those accolades. His victory had less to do with his popularity than it did with, in no particular order, the following…

Andrew Wilkinson was exactly the right man to lead the Liberals... assuming this election had been held a century ago. Yesterday’s man would have seemed refreshingly current compared to the hapless, inanimate Mr. Wilkinson, who couldn’t open his mouth without insulting half the listening audience. With a personality that combined the worst traits of the most arrogant doctors and lawyers, both of which he is, Mr. Wilkinson would have been incapable of reading the day’s obituaries without sounding condescending and arrogant.

With his “promise” to eliminate the

62 OCTOBER 29, 2020

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provincial sales tax, he left many Liberals wondering whether zombies had eaten his brain and many of the rest of us wondering whether the proposal was some kind of cosmic joke. All told, if I were casting The Simpsons: A Musical, Andrew would have a lock on playing Mr. Burns. To his credit, it didn’t take him long to step down as leader...it just seemed like a long time.

The Big Turkey owes a Big Debt to the pandemic. I’m not certain whose idea it was for him to stay in the background and let St. Bonnie be the public face of the daily good news/bad news pandemic show, but given

were first recorded back in 1928.

Why so few? COVID-19 fear, for one.

I’m sure years after this pandemic has passed—assuming it does—we’ll be finding masked people squirreled away in their homes, surrounded by toilet paper, like those Japanese soldiers on remote Pacific islands who hadn’t heard the war had ended decades after the surrender. Can’t necessarily blame them.

There were undoubtedly a number of Liberal voters who just couldn’t be bothered or didn’t want to be a party to the foreseeable slaughter. Can’t blame them either.

[C]learly, [Horgan] benefited from that other incarnation of Lucifer: The Devil We Knew. the shambles it has left several premiers in, notably Doug the Slug, he benefited greatly by simply being invisible. He got a boost because of how well this province has handled things while simultaneously being insulated when the spikes occurred.

Astute move.

He benefited again from the pandemic and the toll it’s taken on voter participation.

Notwithstanding numerous early voting days and the 724,279 mail-in ballots sent out to voters who didn’t want to risk even those, the overall vote total this time around was a pathetic 51.4 per cent. That’s the lowest proportion since statistics on that metric

And there were the terminally apathetic.

I’d save my allotment of blame for them, but it would be pointless.

The premier owes a debt to the former leader of the Green Party, Andrew Weaver, whose single achievement was “negotiating” the agreement whereby the Green Party supported and made possible the Big Turkey’s minority government.

Turns out Mr. Weaver was more bootlick than backbone, having been bent over the barrel several times by the Turkey, most notably the decision to not put a bullet in the brain of the Site C dam. Mr. Weaver’s response to this betrayal was the equivalent

of rolling over and asking the Turkey to rub his tummy.

And as a parting gift, the former leader of the party knifed the current leader by endorsing the Turkey! And so, the Green Party treaded water, polling about the same percentage of the vote as last time, winding up with the same number of MLAs, assuming this riding’s preliminary result holds up.

Finally, the Big Turkey owes a double debt to the fallen angel: Beelzebub, Mephistopheles, Lucifer, the Devil. Many biblical scholars believe it was the Devil who, taking the form of a serpent, convinced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. It may well have been His Evilness, in the guise of trusted advisors, who convinced the Turkey to betray his agreement with the Greens, ignore his legislated promise to not call a snap election and listen to those playing on his baser instincts. Or maybe he just woke up one morning and decided to go for the political gold. Who knows?

But clearly, he benefited from that other incarnation of Lucifer: The Devil We Knew. In an election against a glaringly inept devil we didn’t know, albeit leading a party of devils we knew far too well, it was an easy capitulation and devilishly clever to persuade the populace to vote for the devil we knew.

And so a majority did. The end.

Now all we have to do is convince the Turkey he owns Site C, not the Liberals who started it, and he damn well better pull the plug on it before he bankrupts the province. n

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SPRING CREEK 1529 Tynebridge Lane Gorgeous custom single family home offering 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, wide plank fir floors, beautiful landscaping, lots of storage and a large 2 car garage. Studio suite makes up part of lower floor. $2,765,000

604-938-2468 Janet Brown

PEMBERTON MEADOWS 8354 Pemberton Meadows Road Imagine a 3.5 bdrm/2bath country home with a wrap around deck, that sits on 3 acres in park like setting with mature trees, flowers and veggie garden. Spectacular views all around, including Mt. Currie. $1,399,000

604-902-3309 Brigitta Fuess

BAYSHORES 2304 Brandywine Way Bright 4 bed/4 bath duplex in Bayshores, just minutes from Creekside. Open living plan with renovated kitchen & flooring and vaulted ceiling. $1,599,000

604-935-0700

SQUAMISH 40491 Highlands Way North Close to the school. Energy efficient windows/sliding doors & and forced air gas furnace.

Oak hardwood floors, 2 wood fireplaces. Rec Room downstairs! New appliances, light fixtures, new roof in 2013, new water heater & 1 bedroom nanny suite! 1,225,000

604-932-0751 Angie Vazquez *PREC

Whistler Village Shop

Whistler Creekside Shop

Squamish Station Shop

36-4314 Main Street · Whistler BC V8E 1A8 · Phone +1 604-932-1875

325-2063 Lake Placid Road · Whistler BC V8E 0B6 · Phone +1 604-932-1875

150-1200 Hunter Place · Squamish BC V8B 0G8 · Phone +1 778-733-0611

whistler.evrealestate.com

whistler.evrealestate.com

whistler.evrealestate.com

Engel & Völkers Whistler *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION ©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

778-318-5900

3D Tour - rem.ax/107woodrun

#107 - 4910 Spearhead Drive

3D Tour - rem.ax/12smoketree

$1,799,000

The Woodrun is one of the few concrete buildings in Whistler and #107 is conveniently located on the ground floor facing the green belt. The unit features a boot heater, huge owner locker, Washer, and Dryer in suite and the gym and pool access is just across the hallway.

Richard Christiansen

604.907-2717

2

#12 - 6125 Eagle Drive

$7,395,000

Priced well below replacement, 3800 provides the perfect Multi Generational home where family and friends can connect and rejuvenate. Planned to perfection for sharing; the home offers 5 bedrooms, media room, family room and office in a private location. Available for showings by appointment.

Ann Chiasson

5

604.932.7651

Sally Warner*

$3,788,000

8.5

604.905.8855

#304A - 2129 Lake Placid Rd.

$979,000

RARE OPPORTUNITY to own a unique PHASE 1 lock-off with TWO SEPARATE RENTAL UNITS which generate great cash flow in Whistler! This bright, renovated top floor, lock-off floor-plan gives the option to have 1 two bedroom unit, or 2 separate units. Rent through short or long term platforms or use for your own personal usage.

Ursula Morel*

2

604.932.8629

3D Tour - rem.ax/23gleneagles

#23 - 4636 Blackcomb Way

$1,988,000

With 3 bedrooms plus a rec room & 3 full baths, there’s plenty of room for family & friends.

Updated and fully equipped, this is a turn-key offering. Offering unlimited owner usage with the option of short-term rental income. Located in the south west corner of the complex & fronting onto the first fairway of the Fairmont Chateau golf course.

Bob Cameron*

3

604.935.2214

1327/1329 - 4308 Main St.

#315 - 7350 Crabapple Court

Bruce Watt

$539,900

3

604.932.7727

2

604.905.0737

3D Tour - rem.ax/7413ambassador

Fabulous opportunity to own this top floor, 3-bedroom, corner unit, in this completely green built complex. This southwest facing property offers lots of natural light from the energy efficient triple pane windows, and fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and Mount Currie.

Dave Halliwell

$619,000

Hotel Phase Two property featuring two combined rooms with a studio and a one bedroom suite, offering flexibility in use and revenue potential. A favorite of guests, owners, and investors with a steady income and outstanding service. Located in the center of Whistler Village you will enjoy easy access to all the shops, restaurants, lifts, and entertainment.

3D Tour - rem.ax/315orion

Haus Heidi has been a cornerstone property for group accommodation in Whistler for over 30 years. With eight bedrooms, a den, 3 dining and sitting areas and nine bathrooms, there is ample room for groups of up to 16 guests. The private location is an oasis of almost an acre of land within a few minutes walk to all that Whistler Village has to offer.

Dave Beattie*

2

604.905.6326

3D Tour - rem.ax/7115nesters

7115 Nesters Road

$980,000

Beautifully renovated 2 bedroom townhome with 2 full bathrooms within a short walk to Whistler Village, the Arnold Palmer Golf Course and so many wonderful amenities in Whistler. Park your car in the carport and walk or bike everywhere. This 2 level townhome has no-one above and offers views to the east of Blackcomb Mountain.

3D Tour - rem.ax/3800sunridgeplace

3800 Sunridge Place

3D Tour - rem.ax/304wrc

7413 Ambassador Crescent

$3,350,000

Fully renovated 5 bedroom family home available at Whistlers premium residential address in beautiful Whitegold. Just a few minutes walk to the village and connected directly to all the amenities that the Lost Lake area has to offer. Swimming, hiking, biking in summer and cross country or snow shoe trails in winter.

Dave Sharpe

604.902.2779

7

3D Tour - rem.ax/223greyhawk

#331D - 2036 London Lane

$189,900

Enjoy this slopeside 1/4 share suite at the popular Legends at Creekside. This spacious poolside 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 901 sf suite offers views of the Whistler Mountain slopes, pool & hot tubs. 331D enjoys US Thanksgiving in 2020. Legends ¼ ownership provides 13 weeks annually of owner use or rental.

Denise Brown*

604.902.2033

2

#223 - 3309 Ptarmigan Place

$1,890,000

Originally priced pre-COVID-19 at $2,639,000, now just $1,890,000 for a 4 bedroom 3 bath Whistler home completely renovated from top to bottom. Paint, carpeting, all furnishings, electronics, kitchen and all appliances, every bedroom and all beds, linens curtains, all brand new. All bathrooms, showers, and flooring professionally installed.

Doug Treleaven

WHISTLER OFFICE 106 - 7015 Nesters Road, Whistler, BC V8E 0X1 604.932.2300 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070 *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

If you are a home owner, buyer, tenant, landlord, or small business in need of help during this time, please see our updated list of resources at: remax-whistler.com/resources

604.905.8626

#218A - 2036 London Lane

$102,500

Legends is Whistler’s best ski in/out location with unbeatable year round amenities.

Fully furnished and equipped offering owners 1 week of use or rental per month.

Shopping, dinning and local lakes are just steps away. Enjoy Christmas and New Years ( 2 full weeks ) in 2020!

4

James Collingridge

604.902.0132

1

PEMBERTON OFFICE 1411 Portage Road, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L1 604.894.6616 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070