Pique Newsmagazine 2813

APRIL 1, 2021 ISSUE 28.13

WWW.PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM

FREE

WATERCOOLER CHATS

14

UNEXPECTED ENDING

Whistler

Blackcomb closes for the season

22

LOCAL HEROES

Firefighters and teen

recognized in awards ceremony

42

ALEX THE GREAT

Conquering

Alexander releases debut EP

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

38

42

34 Back to work in B.C.: When?

Complications abound with post-vaccination pressure for a return to the workplace. - By Nelson Bennett and Steven Threndyle

14

UNEXPECTED ENDING

Whistler

Blackcomb has closed for the season after a provincial order—and the

28

THE RIGHT WAY

Responsible social media use

is a pillar of a new visitor education initiative in the Sea to Sky.

surprise move has left the resort scrambling to react.

16

HIT HARD

A coalition of Canada’s hardest-hit

38

MASTER CLASS

Longtime Whistlerite and

businesses—mostly in the tourism and hospitality sectors—are calling

mountain biker Cathy Zeglinski was named the province’s 2020 Master

for support in the upcoming federal budget.

Athlete of the Year last week at Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards.

22 LOCAL HEROES

42

Whistler firefighters, and one

ALEX THE GREAT

A unique new foursome

teenager, honoured for heroics over the past year by Whistler’s mayor

released its debut EP last week. Catch the release from Conquering

and council.

Alexander on all streaming platforms now.

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS Much of the resort is still in shock as we come to terms with the

#202 -1390 ALPHA LAKE RD., FUNCTION JUNCTION, WHISTLER, B.C. V8E 0H9.

PH: (604) 938-0202 FAX: (604) 938-0201 www.piquenewsmagazine.com

provincial government’s heavy-handed decision to close Whistler Blackcomb.

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter writers call out the province for its decision to shut down

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 AMIR SHAHRESTANI - ashahrestani@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

Whistler Blackcomb, while the Whistler Housing Authority reaches out to thank those behind recent housing builds.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Writer Megan Lalonde laments the shuttering of the mountains for the ski season, but also takes the time to thank all the staff that made the season-that-was so great.

58 MAXED OUT Ever wonder how the date for the Easter weekend is set? It’s not as easy as you think, and requires a mathematical formula, which Max kindly shares this week.

Environment & Adventure

Arts & Entertainment Editor ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

33 THE OUTSIDER Writer Vince Shuley delves into indoor cycling as a way to stay fit and have fun

Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com

while riding out the pandemic.

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 Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, FEET BANKS, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL, ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY, LISA RICHARDSON President, Whistler Publishing LP SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com

Lifestyle & Arts

40 FORK IN THE ROAD In her egg-cellent column this week, Glenda Bartosh discusses all things eggs, as we get ready to celebrate Easter.

44 MUSEUM MUSINGS Learn all about the Christiana Inn on the eastern shore of Alta Lake in 1967, which hosted fashion shows, dances, public meetings, apres ski entertainment, films and more.

Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of Whistler Publishing Limited Partnership, a division of Glacier Media) distributed to over 130 locations in Whistler and to over 200 locations from Vancouver to D’Arcy.

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OPENING REMARKS

Heavy-handed response not appreciated WATCHING THE hoards of people wandering the Village Stroll over the last couple of weeks (many with no masks) I suppose none of us should be surprised at the order coming down from the province to shut down Whistler Blackcomb until April 19.

But I find it absolutely infuriating that we are in this position when the government had every opportunity before we headed into the spring break period for everyone else but the Sea to Sky corridor to put the brakes on.

BY CLARE OGILVIE edit@piquenewsmagazine.com

It had already witnessed what happened after Christmas, then New Year’s, then the Superbowl with rising numbers. Then WorkSafeBC came in under B.C.’s top doctor Bonnie Henry’s direction and next up was a pretty big push to get hundreds of frontline workers across many sectors vaccinated in the resort.

of 20 and 39. However, no numbers were given for what percentage of these cases were the Brazil variant of concern Henry talked about when she handed down the new health orders that shut down Whistler Blackcomb and indoor dining.)

And people here in Whistler were doing the same thing—nipping off to Tofino and Vancouver and elsewhere to enjoy a break.

I mean, why should we follow the advisory when no one else was—or at least it felt like that.

And let’s not even talk about the numerous house gatherings happening and young spring breakers—many of whom have already had the coronavirus and recovered— deciding to just let loose for a few hours. Sigh.

I mean, who doesn’t want to let loose!

But for the province to give just hours of notice regarding the new public health orders to Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, our Chamber and local businesses was unacceptable. Government and health officials should have been meeting with them on the weekend to find a way forward that did not mean putting hundreds out of

There is no doubt, however, that we all share a portion of the blame.

But you only had to look at local social media in the last several days to know our numbers were skyrocketing again, likely from all the visitors here from Quebec, Ontario and the rest of B.C.—all ignoring our toothless and useless “travel advisory.”

(After days of requesting the information, Pique was finally told March 30 that we had 218 new cases in the last week with 83.2 per cent of them between the ages

Thinking that next year’s Easter Egg Hunt will be in a new house?

work overnight, not to mention risking the future viability of some businesses that are already just barely hanging on. It did, after all, result in Whistler Blackcomb making the decision late Tuesday to shut down for the rest of the ski-and-ride snow season.

It is unconscionable that the Chief Operating Officer of Whistler Blackcomb Geoff Buchheister described being “surprised” upon hearing of the order to close

the mountains. WB is the centrepiece of a tourist mecca that in normal times provides $1.37 million dollars a day to all levels of government in taxes. Is this how you treat one of your biggest economic partners?

And don’t lose sight of the fact that Whistler Blackcomb is not being shut down because it did something wrong and became a superspreader business. It was ordered closed because the province has spent months waffling on the messaging around whether Whistler Blackcomb was a local mountain for the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province and country.

There is no doubt, however, that we all share a portion of the blame. As a resort we wanted to have our cake—keep the restaurants and other resort businesses open—and eat it too—gratefully accept the revenue visitors brought in.

But to clamp down on the resort in such a heavy-handed way with no forward planning was unnecessarily harsh for everyone. And to do it when everyone here, who has been busy serving holidayers for weeks, was about to get some spring break days off themselves is a very bitter pill to swallow indeed.

Was there not a way to restrict skiers and riders to those with Whistler addresses only? Big White managed to do this months ago. Let’s keep in mind that no other ski resort has been targeted in this way with these latest health orders.

Does Dr. Henry honestly think that people won’t come to the resort for the long weekend or the next few weeks just because the mountain is closed? People will still ignore the “travel advisory” and come here to get outside in the fresh air and hike, bike in the corridor, maybe head out into the backcountry or just to get away to some of our gorgeous hotels. And they will come all spring and into the summer as well, and probably in crazy numbers once we are all vaccinated. n

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APRIL 1, 2021

9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Why are we punishing Whistler Blackcomb?

I was dismayed that our province has mandated that the mountain close for three weeks. Whistler Blackcomb has done everything to minimize COVID-19 spreading on their mountains, big kudos to them, yet they are being punished for the fault of the provincial government’s inability to enforce its non-essential travel [advisory].

As all of us who call Whistler home know, the last three weeks has seen an inordinate amount of travellers coming to town, and the majority of them do not have skis or boards with them.

Why have they been allowed to travel here?

Instead of closing the mountain, and hurting so many businesses in town, why not put a road check on the highway just north of Squamish?

If they do not have ski/board equipment in their car, turn them around. That will stop the spread of COVID-19 considerably faster than closing the mountain.

With Easter coming this weekend, we are once again going to be inundated with nonessential travellers coming to town, and a closed mountain is not going to affect their travel plans whatsoever.

The sad part is that the government knows what needs to be done but refuses to make the hard decisions needed to stop non-essential travel into B.C., let alone into Whistler.

To stop the spread of COVID-19, stop the non-essential traveller!

Larry Falcon // Whistler

It takes a village Housing, employee housing, is and has been the No. 1 issue in Whistler for as long as most of us can remember. In the past five years, the Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) has completed four new rental apartment buildings for our community’s workforce. These buildings represent a 50-per-cent increase in employeerestricted rental beds and are providing secure homes for 275 of our neighbours.

Unless you read the fine print on the signage at construction sites you have no idea who’s behind this effort, and even then,

very adept construction and site management, design and skilled work provided by key individuals.

Our construction site and project managers were: Dan Cave and Chad Wood (1310 Cloudburst Drive); Bob and Cam Baker (8350 Bear Paw Trail); and Matheo Durfeld, Davis English and Liam Revell (1020 Legacy Way & 1330 Cloudburst Drive).

The architectural firms were: AKA architecture + design (1310 Cloudburst Drive); Integra Architecture (1020 Legacy Way); and Murdoch & Company Architecture and Planning (8350 Bear Paw Trail & 1330 Cloudburst Drive).

These individuals and firms successfully managed skilled crews of carpenters, drywallers, painters, roofers, plumbers, electricians, concreters, landscapers, cleaners, and other trades to construct this new housing safely, swiftly and efficiently, often in very challenging weather conditions and more recently under COVID-19 safety protocols.

Together we learned much building these projects, and take pride in completing the first certified Passive House apartment building in the Sea to Sky corridor and one of only a few in B.C.—1020 Legacy Way. And working through the pandemic, our most recent employee housing development, 1330 Cloudburst Drive, finished four months ahead of schedule and nearly $2 million under budget!

The WHA has forged strong partnerships with, and is grateful for, the financial investments provided to these projects by our provincial and federal governments and our very supportive municipal government. Their

so many people remain unsung. I’d like to acknowledge the men and women who have worked so hard to bring so much housing to so many people. Our community is enriched by their hard work.

Sam Mendl, WHA’s Development Manager, and Project Manager Rob Laslett, with the help and guidance of WHA staff and Board of Directors, were the main agents bringing these projects out of the ground and into the community. That being said, the construction of these apartment buildings would not have been as successful as they have been without

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR combined contributions provided more than $11 million of the $40 million it took to build this much-needed housing—secure housing that will be available to Whistler employees and retirees in perpetuity.

Leveraging these partnerships, the WHA will continue to address Whistler’s No.1 issue and pursue additional innovative housing initiatives to build on our existing inventory of 6,600 employee-restricted beds in Whistler.

So, a big thanks to all our partners, all our designers, managers and trades who created this vital housing. You have left a lasting legacy for our community. Thank You. Marla Zucht, General Manager // Whistler Housing Authority

Travel to Whistler is essential travel The economic lifeblood of our municipality is bound by tourism and the needed visitors from the Greater Vancouver Regional District, from other provinces and from abroad to thrive.

And to survive. The decision by the B.C. NDP government to close our hill after the [Lower Mainland] spring break is absolutely political ... had they done it before the break, voters would have been up in arms.

I also doubt anyone in government understands supply chain management.

In case anyone didn’t know, restaurants buy food and set out staff schedules in advance. It’s called planning. Something [B.C. Premier] John Horgan doesn’t seem to understand after a career of being paid, no matter what, by taxpayer dollars. Did they consult the food-services industry and its hundreds of thousands of workers?

What happens to all that fresh food? What happens to all my friends who are now unemployed while shopping malls, Cypress Mountain and the legislature remain open?

But let’s get down to the root of the issue here on why we are seeing a cluster of COVID-19 cases. On multiple occasions over spring break I saw visitors who were sharing dining experiences with people outside of their household. I can testify to that. Multiple times.

I could even name names and places. The issue is not Whistler workers. It’s the people who came here and broke the rules because they could. Blame goes to the government for non-enforcement of the bubble rule. They could have easily had people up here doing checks instead of lollygagging in Victoria.

Don’t blame Whistler residents and workers.

Lastly, to my fellow residents, John Horgan owns this and yet he made our chief Public Health Officer [Dr. Bonnie Henry] the one to announce these restrictions, thereby [making her] the target of attack on social media.

Please don’t blame DBH. She is doing her best.

Patrick Smyth // Whistler

Closing Whistler Blackcomb not the solution Was skiing great powder when my phone buzzes to give me the sorry news—[Whistler Blackcomb] is shut down. Then [I] spent six

hours listening for the “why” answer. Never came. Something about the Brazilian [COVID19] variant being spread by those coming to Whistler then returning to wherever.

What does that have to do with skiing outdoors?

If [Public Health Officer] Dr. Bonnie [Henry] wants to stop people coming to Whistler getting [the] Brazilian [variant] and returning home, close the hotels and restaurants.

What has [Vail Resorts] done to allow those who ski to spread COVID-19? Nothing but make it safe to ski.

Somebody made a decision [that] really hurts us ski addicts! Better to mass vaccinate all of us, let us ski and safely make a living and recreate in the great outdoors.

Michael Blaxland // Whistler

What a difference a year makes On March 27, 2020, B.C. had 67 new cases of COVID-19 and a total of 792 cases to that date. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains were closed. The mayor and council and Tourism Whistler were telling people to stay home and not to come to Whistler to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Whistler was a ghost town. If you walked up the Village Stroll you would only pass one or two people. We were all concerned and compliant in our efforts to curb COVID-19.

On March 26, 2021, B.C. had 964 new cases of COVID-19 with a past seven-day average of 612 new cases. If you walked up the Village Stroll it looked like Mardi Gras or Florida during spring break. Keeping two metres from other people would be impossible.

In many places, keeping one metre from people would be impossible. Many people were not wearing masks. Compliance was non-existent or minimal at best.

What a difference one year makes. While many locals are minimizing their exposure by staying home and reducing their outings to essential needs or a socially distanced day skiing, the business community appears to be welcoming visitors with open arms in unlimited numbers. The mayor and council and Tourism Whistler are clearly complicit in this as there hasn’t been any recent effort to curb visitor numbers despite a surge in local COVID-19 cases working its way through restaurant and frontline service staff. This is not the way to stop COVID-19. Recently on the TV news there was an example where one person testing positive for COVID-19 had 300 contacts.

Compare this to New Zealand, where they had one new case on March 27, 2021 and a seven-day average of four. New Zealand’s population is 5 million, which is almost identical to B.C.’s 5.15 million. Clearly New Zealand’s strict early prevention policy was effective. If we actually want to curb COVID-19 in Whistler, it is time for Whistler’s leaders to step up and take the lead by changing the current policy of encouraging visitors. This won’t be an easy decision. But people don’t get elected or hired to make easy decisions—they get elected or hired to make tough decisions. If we are to have any hope of curbing COVID-19

Write to us! Letters to the editor must contain the writer’s name, address and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 450 words. Pique Newsmagazine reserves the right to edit, condense or refrain from publishing any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR we need tough decisions and compliance from residents and visitors, not this selfish attitude of entitlement. If we don’t change our ways we will be repeating last year again next year. The choice is yours.

Bryce Leigh // Whistler

Aversion to adversity If I were a doctor in Whistler and I could say that I hadn’t lost a single patient to the current pandemic, I would be grateful.

I would attribute this to our comparatively young, healthy population and the success of the safety measures that people have mostly adhered to.

than restate it.

Not being a doctor, I can’t say for sure, but I think cancer, hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease are not things you catch in an elevator or at the gym. Comparing these with a contagious disease is like apples to oranges or maybe more like apple cider to Agent Orange.

This pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. For some letter writers, it appears the cost is philosophical rather than physical, financial or emotional. These safety measures are certainly, at the very least, very annoying and inconvenient. But you know what is more annoying and inconvenient? Dying. You know what is really devastating to a family or a small

“[C]ancer, hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease are not things you catch in an elevator...”

Nick Davies, Whistler local and experienced family lawyer practising across BC andYukon.

- TIM SMITH

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If the media, such as this one, have contributed to hyper vigilance, that might be another explanation for this good fortune.

If I were to make claims in a published letter, I would do a little research first. If I had predicted last year our roads would be more dangerous than ever, only to be proven completely wrong, I might want to state that failure rather than continue with that assertion. Car accidents are down, bike use is up.

If I had predicted that diabetes was a greater threat than COVID-19 when, a year later, COVID-19 had claimed three times as many lives as diabetes in Canada, I would probably want to amend that prediction rather

business? Death. For those of us who have lost family members, friends and acquaintances from whatever cause, the suggestion these lives lost are trivial in the grand scheme of things is not only discomforting, it’s abhorrent and insulting.

If I were writing a letter to the paper to show how much smarter I was than the people reading it by repeatedly stating my credentials, I would be careful to choose the right words.

Some of us are tolerant of risk, some have an aversion. If the phrase I wanted was “risk averse,” I would be careful not to type “riskadverse” because that is just not a thing.

Tim Smith // Whistler ■

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AS OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 It’s been a snowy, windy, and cool week.

Widespread natural avalanche activity up to size 2.5 occurred in response to last weekend’s storm and ongoing skier- and rider-triggered slabs lingered through the week, especially from wind-loaded slopes where the new snow sits above a crust. Winds shifting from the southwest to the northwest added to the complexity of the loading pattern, making wind slabs slightly more unpredictable and found on most slopes. Cornices continue to be overloaded and can fail at any time; the likelihood increases when the temperatures rise, and the sun is shining. The winter-like conditions offered excellent skiing and riding on higher, wind-sheltered slopes. However, daytime warming, cooling, and dribs and drabs of new snow will change snow surfaces and avalanche problems, especially on southerly aspects and at lower elevations by the weekend.

The weather forecast for the weekend looks to be fairly grey, cloudy with light snowfall amounts and freezing levels rising to 1,600

metres by the afternoon. Watch for deteriorating snow surfaces with daytime warming, which can initiate loose wet avalanches, and always be aware of what is above you. Cornice fall this time of year could be as big as a bus and have severe consequences from above and below.

Even light amounts of new snow accompanied by moderate and steady winds can build reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes.

If you’re interested in heading out to the backcountry this weekend please check the avalanche forecast and be prepared, armed with knowledge, avalanche rescue gear (transceiver, probe and shovel) and know how to use it. With Whistler Blackcomb closed we suspect more users will flock to the backcountry and adjacent regions. Please ensure that you check the current forecast for your destination. If you’re staying local, you’ll want the Sea to Sky forecast. If you’re headed to the North Shore Mountains, check the South Coast forecast, and the South Coast Inland forecast if you’re going to the Coquihalla or Duffy Lake. ■

CONDITIONS MAY VARY AND CAN CHANGE RAPIDLY Check for the most current conditions before heading out into the backcountry. Daily updates for the areas adjacent to Whistler Blackcomb are available at 604-938-7676, or surf to www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountaininfo/snow-report#backcountry or go to www.avalanche.ca.

PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST

So much for saving our (spring) season BLUE SKIES, a few centimetres of fresh snow and a day off. What could kill a good mood on a Monday like that?

A text informing you the mountain is closing, apparently.

B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced on March 29 that Whistler Blackcomb, indoor dining and

BY MEGAN LALONDE group fitness classes across the province would be shut down at midnight, until at least April 19. Whistler Blackcomb confirmed Tuesday that it wouldn’t resume winter operations when that public health order lifts. Other ski resorts across the province can remain open.

Henry attributed the decision to yet another spike in cases in Whistler— “particularly in the last week with the more worrisome cluster of the P1 Brazil variant of concern,” she noted—as well as transmission as a result of travel between Whistler and other communities across B.C. Standing in what was a pretty packed line (by pandemic standards) for Peak Chair on Monday afternoon, nearly everyone was glued to their phone screens, shaking their

heads, their disbelief somehow still visible through masks and goggles.

There was a pit in my stomach brought on by the uncomfortable feeling of déjà vu.

That text pulled me back to the last sunny March day, 371 days ago, when we heard the mountain would be suddenly closing for what was initially supposed to be two weeks.

But this time, the circumstances feel different. Gone is the spooky precariousness of last March, replaced instead with the unrelenting pandemic burnout that’s resulted from a year’s worth of social distancing.

Pre-COVID-19, it was easy access to the outdoors and the people in this town that made dealing with a housing crisis 4,500 kilometres away from family worth it. This winter, I can’t overstate how much the freedom to hop on a chairlift, see friends outside and focus on something other than news for a few hours has been the literal breath of fresh air that’s truly kept me going. It’s a massive bummer to have that outlet unexpectedly taken away.

Despite another recent rise in cases, the shock of a sudden closure also feels stronger this time around because it seemed like we were almost out of the woods. The safety measures businesses implemented seemed to be working, people were being vaccinated and Whistler Blackcomb had just dropped

its spring-operations plans.

In the grand scheme of things, no, shutting down a ski resort at the end of March versus May is not the end of the world. But it’s demoralizing to find ourselves one year into a pandemic and feel like things are getting worse, not better.

I get why this closure seems unfair, too.

All winter long, the rally cry has asked locals to make good decisions to “be the reason we keep our season.” It’s still difficult to make sense of the fact that while British Columbians haven’t been allowed to visit a friend’s house since November, many Whistlerites have had to interact with visitors from other provinces or parts of B.C. on a daily basis at work, and now it seems like we’re the ones paying the price.

But realistically, these visitors and their credit cards have likely paid a lot of locals’ rents. It’s also no secret that while the vast majority have been responsible, not every single member of the Whistler community has been following public health orders to a T, whether that’s been by choice or the by-product of a tricky housing situation.

And I understand why the call to close Whistler Blackcomb was made—with an extra-contagious variant floating around, it’s easier and more effective to shut down a single resort and eliminate the draw than shut down a highway or convince people not to travel ahead of a long weekend.

I don’t think it’s productive at this point to debate whether some people are more at fault for our current predicament than others. Blaming a specific group might be cathartic, but it’s not going to reopen the mountain or change the fact that we’re in the middle of an outbreak.

Instead, I’m sympathizing with the people who this decision will impact most, beyond the initial disappointment of missing out on slushy, lift-accessed spring laps for a second year in a row: the hospitality workers who are once again out of work with little notice, local businesses struggling without tourism and Whistler Blackcomb staff who’ve worked so incredibly hard to keep the mountain running safely this winter before being blindsided with this announcement. In my view, you all succeeded in saving the season (at least the majority of it) and giving locals something to be stoked about—thank you.

I also feel for the public health officials tasked with making these decisions—people that have the expertise necessary to make these tough calls that I most definitely lack. I have to have some faith that they’re making the best decisions they can with the information and options they have available.

Sure, this decision sucks, but if it can save one person’s life or prevent one person from suffering, then it’s all worth it. ■

WE’RE OPEN

APRIL 1, 2021

13

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler jumps into action after new surprise health orders WB DECIDES TO CLOSE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON FOLLOWING THREE-WEEK SHUT DOWN GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE

BY ALYSSA NOEL AFTER 24 HOURS characterized by surprise, a little déjà vu, and scrambling, Whistler Blackcomb (WB) officially made the call to end the 2020/21 ski and snowboard season late Tuesday afternoon, March 30.

The announcement came after the province ordered the mountain to close for three weeks as part of a provincial health order that also paused indoor dining at restaurants and liquor-serving premises, adult group fitness activities, and indoor worship services. Whistler was the only community to have its ski hill shut down as part of the new restrictions.

With the latest public health orders in place until April 19, it meant that the season was definitely over for Whistler Mountain— which had already been slated to close on April 18—but there was a glimmer of hope that Blackcomb Mountain might reopen until its original closing day of May 24.

But, said Geoff Buchheister, vice president and chief operating officer of WB, in a March 30 release: “While the Provincial Health Order caught us all by surprise, we fully support the government’s direction and we’re doing our part to comply.

“At this time, we believe the best thing

UNEXPECTED ENDING Skiers and snowboarders didn’t know it at the time, but March 29 wound up being the last day of the season at Whistler Blackcomb.

PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE

14 APRIL 1, 2021

we can do to support the order is to begin winding down winter operations. We did not make this decision lightly as we know our employees and our community put so much effort into following our COVID operating guidelines so we could safely operate this season. Our full attention will

ski and ride season,” the letter said.

Pass holders will receive an email about eligibility for the rollover refund after the Resort Closure & Cancellation refund is processed in mid-May. “If you also booked a Ski and Ride School lesson, our team will be addressing

“[T]he direction we’ve received is we need to close. That’s devastating for me, as I know it’s devastating for our community.”

- JACK CROMPTON

now turn to getting our resort ready to safely open for summer.”

PASS REFUNDS In a letter to guests, Whistler Blackcomb said Epic Coverage terms and conditions may apply if guests booked a priority reservation day before Dec. 15, 2020 to ski or ride between March 30 and April 4.

If you qualify, Vail Resorts will automatically refund you with no actions required.

“If you used a 2019/20 pass holder credit towards the purchase of your 2020/21 pass, you may be eligible to apply all or a portion of the 2019/20 Pass Holder credit towards the purchase of a season pass for the 2021/22

your reservation and refunding unused lessons,” stated the letter. “No further action is required.”

WHAT’S BEHIND THE CLOSURE The new health order to close the mountains was prompted by increasing numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in the resort, visitors catching the virus in Whistler and bringing it back to their home communities, and a spike in the P1 Brazil variant locally, said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial public health officer, during her update on Monday, March 29.

“We’ve seen increasing cases again

in the Whistler Blackcomb area, despite testing, contact tracing Vancouver Coastal [Health] and the community have been doing together to try and support people to isolate and to prevent transmission, and the immunization program that we’ve started in the worker accommodation in Whistler.

“Unfortunately, this has not been enough and we’re starting to see cases increase again in that community, particularly in the last week with the more worrisome cluster of the P1 Brazil variant of concern.”

Last week, from March 22 to 28, the health authority identified 218 new cases of the coronavirus in Whistler. That brings the total number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the resort municipality from Jan. 1 to Mar. 28 to 1,120.

Of these, 900 individuals have since recovered from COVID-19. According to VCH, the vast majority of Whistler’s cases—83.2 per cent, to be specific—continue to be identified in young adults aged 20 to 39 years.

Comparatively, the resort recorded 271 cases in the entirety of 2020.

Vancouver Coastal Health was unable to provide numbers of the Brazil variant in Whistler cases by press deadline.

“From the beginning of this pandemic, I have been laser focused on ensuring we take the direction of public health,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “And the direction we’ve received is we need to close.

That’s devastating for me, as I know it’s devastating for our community, but it’s the direction we’re getting. It’s the direction we’ll take.”

NEWS WHISTLER 437 4899 Painted Cliff Rd.

BUSINESSES PAYING THE PRICE While the trickle-down effect of the mountain closing impacts every business in town, the restaurant business was dealt a particularly strong blow with the March 29 health orders to cease indoor dining and stick to strictly takeout, patios, or delivery.

“I have been amazed at how the restaurant sector has continued to rise to the challenge, so I expect they’ll do it again,” Crompton said. “But, in some ways, that feels like I’m diminishing what a huge ask it is. I simply cannot imagine a bigger request of them than to take this on again.

My hope and expectation is that local, provincial, and federal governments will be there to continue to support them in getting to the other side.”

For her part, Melissa Pace, CEO of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, said that while she understands the importance of keeping the community safe, the news came as a shock to everyone.

“Government needs to find a better, more timely and effective way to communicate information, allowing those affected time to prepare,” she said. “Twelve hours is not enough time.”

In the 24 hours since finding out about the new restrictions, the chamber set to work with community partners to organize a Zoom meetup on April 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. called Advocacy in Action: Food & Beverage.

It will include a panel of speakers including MLA Jordan Sturdy, Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the B.C. Restaurant and Food Association, Eric Griffith, president of the Restaurant Association of Whistler, Jackie Dickinson, executive director of the Whistler Community Services Society, and RMOW Councillor John Grills. (The event is free, but requires registration. Stay tuned to

checked out yet … Some people may still come. It’s not that there have been en masse cancellations. Some people have stayed over and are just enjoying the beautiful day.”

Griffith, meanwhile, said there’s been a range of emotions in the local restaurant scene, but everyone is jumping into action.

“Our group [RAW] is focused this week on dealing with operations, making sure everyone is taken care of, and deciding what everyone is going to do for the next few weeks,” he said. “We’ll be meeting and communicating regularly and the biggest thing is we’re supporting each other.”

While he was contemplating shutting down his restaurant, Alta Bistro, rather than switching to take out, he said other businesses have positioned themselves for takeaway and delivery over the last year.

“The products on offer are amazing,” he said. “A lot of new [products] have come on the market from restaurants that might not have been doing takeaway before.”

There are some other reasons to be optimistic, he added. For one, many industry workers are vaccinated. But also, compared to this time last year, the food and beverage sector is less shocked by sudden changes.

“We’ve all grown in fortitude and diversified our businesses,” Griffith said.

“We’re not going to give up after three weeks. No way. We love Whistler and we know this town can bounce back.”

Another particularly hard-hit sector is gyms and fitness studios, which were ordered to suspend all group classes for three weeks.

“I was definitely surprised,” said Meghan Sutter, who owns Peak Training.

“As far as I know, within Whistler, our gyms and studios have been very safe. As far as I know, there haven’t been any exposure risks, everyone is adhering to the rules and

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“The intention of this meetup is to find out what’s happening on the ground so that, as leaders, we can continue to better advocate for our businesses during these unprecedented times,” Pace said.

On top of that, the chamber will work to make sure businesses have timely access to existing grant programs and more clarity on the timeline for the federal Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy programs.

While the accommodation sector was gearing up for a busy weekend (by COVID19 travel standards), Saad Hasan, president of the Hotel Association of Whistler, said he expects many of their member hotels to switch to capital projects and deep cleaning during the three-week lull.

“Our immediate reaction is to take care of our guests,” he said. “Many haven’t even

being super diligent with their cleaning and their management with people and flow.”

While she does a lot of one-on-one training, Sutter had been hoping to ramp up small-group classes. On top of that, many of the trainers who work out of her facility have also been impacted.

“We’re not very group-based, but that’s the direction we want to be able to go,” she added. “We were just starting to get some ground with the awareness of what we were offering. It feels like the rug gets pulled out from under you.”

Like Griffith, though, she’s quick to drum up some optimism for the future.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Whistler community resume,” she said. “I know there is support around us and I know the community is happy to step in and support businesses and keep them surviving.”

- with files from Megan Lalonde n

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NEWS WHISTLER

What will the federal budget mean for tourism?

COALITION OF ‘HARDEST HIT’ BUSINESSES SPELLS OUT ‘DIRE’ SITUATION

BY BRADEN DUPUIS WHILE NEWS that Whistler Blackcomb (WB) is ending its season early due to rising COVID-19 case counts is reverberating through the resort, the tourism industry is keeping one eye on next month’s federal budget.

“It was very difficult news … mostly for the local community, which I think has really relied on the mountains to keep some sense of sanity during all of the pandemic,” said Barrett Fisher, president and CEO of Tourism Whistler, of the March 29 directive from the province ordering WB to close for three weeks (the mountain operator would later announce it is closing for the winter).

With tourism already down substantially (and research pointing to pent-up demand once it’s safe to travel), the closure isn’t likely to impact Whistler’s tourism recovery over the long term, Fisher said.

However, “We certainly are very, very concerned about the survival of our local business community,” she said.

“The pandemic has stretched out longer and gone deeper, and we know that there are a number of businesses that

may not survive.”

According to a new coalition of Canada’s “hardest-hit” businesses (mostly comprised of tourism and hotel associations), a full 60 per cent won’t survive until the end of the year without further government support.

The coalition is calling for the federal rent and wage subsidies to be extended beyond their current June 5 deadline (read more at hardesthit.ca).

The figures are not out of line with what B.C.’s tourism industry has seen over the past year, said Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC, a member of the coalition.

“Another year without international travel would really put more businesses over the edge. Many of them are in the last stages of having any cash reserves on hand,” Judas said, adding that he’s heard of operators that have “sold their homes, or leveraged even more” just to stay afloat.

“So it’s a pretty dire scenario, still, for the industry, and without international travel, or travel restrictions lifted any time soon, it’s only going to get worse.”

While the rent and wage subsidies are crucial, Judas added that an expansion of the Highly Affected Sectors Credit

Availability Program—offering more money to individual businesses, at better terms—would also be welcomed.

Payback terms for any government relief should also be delayed until the pandemic is over and tourism is recovering, and be spread out over 10 years, Judas said.

While there are many ways to support tourism, the overall motivation of the coalition is about helping businesses with liquidity, as well as “ensuring that the federal government, in particular, lives up to the billing of tourism as a seventh economic strategy table, and invests in the sector to make sure that it survives,” Judas said.

Though smaller hotels across the province may be at risk of closing, Whistler’s hotels mostly have the benefit of larger brands—and deeper contingency funds—said Saad Hasan, chair of the Hotel Association of Whistler (HAW).

“As far as Whistler is concerned, and the HAW members are concerned, they’ve got deep pockets, and I have not heard anything at all that makes me fear for any of the hotels,” Hasan said.

That said, the extended border closure has had a massive impact, with about 51-per-cent of the market unable to visit

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Those who have visited over the past year have typically come for the day, or stayed only a few nights, Hasan said.

“People are coming to stay, but not necessarily for extended periods of time, like one would if they were coming from, say for instance, Europe,” he said.

“So from that perspective, by no means was it a good year, and by no means a year that can sustain Whistler for any length of time.”

As for what TW is looking for in the federal budget, Fisher pointed to an extension of the rent and wage subsidies, as well as travel subsidies and other incentives to get people moving once it’s safe.

“To be frank, it’s business liquidity; it’s business survival,” she said.

“It’s often the small entrepreneurial businesses that are unable to survive, because they don’t have the cash flow, they don’t have the capital behind them, and those are businesses that provide the unique character that is so critically important in a local community.

“And it is that unique character that creates that vibrancy not only for our local community, but also for our visitors.” n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Sea to Sky Safety Net offers one-stop-shop for support WBF FUNDRAISER NETS $330K; DONATIONS STILL OPEN

BY BRADEN DUPUIS WHEN COVID-19 first hit B.C. and Whistler Blackcomb closed in late March 2020, it led to record numbers of Whistlerites seeking help at the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS).

In April 2020, more WCSS clients identified as being in crisis than ever before.

With the forced closure of Whistler Blackcomb (WB) on March 29, Whistlerites may be feeling a bit of déjà vu this week, but the WCSS is once again ready to help, said executive director Jackie Dickinson.

“History repeats itself—no truer phrase than right now—and so what did we learn last spring that we can implement to support the wellbeing of our community again this year?” Dickinson asked.

“I think it’s providing them with as many resources [as possible], and reminding them … of the protective layers within our community that are here to support them, because that’s going to be really essential.”

To that end, a new website spearheaded by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation (WBF) using funds from the Katz Amsterdam Foundation aims to provide

corridor residents with a one-stop-shop for all manners of support.

The site, seatoskysafetynet.com, pulls together data and resources from a large cross-section of local stakeholders, presenting it in one place and in an easy-touse interface.

A survey conducted this summer revealed the different barriers people face

“Basically our website is drawing people to online care options that are available … they could find these resources themselves, but we’ve pulled it all together in one location.”

The site includes low-cost or no-cost options for those struggling financially, Madden said, adding that people can choose to access resources anonymously, or even connect with someone in a different

“We hope that the Sea to Sky Safety Net can help bridge that gap.”

- MEI MADDEN

when looking for help, said Mei Madden, executive director of the WBF. Just over half of respondents included finances as a personal roadblock, along with other pressures and anxieties, long wait times, or simply not knowing where to go.

“So we hope that the Sea to Sky Safety Net can help bridge that gap,” Madden said.

community to further protect their privacy.

“And although we know there is capacity issues—we definitely don’t have enough clinicians in the Sea to Sky corridor—people who aren’t in acute crisis that need that extra help can find these resources that can help them immediately, and hopefully prevent them from getting to that critical

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point,” Madden said.

The launch of the site caps a successful month for the WBF, which also hosted a reimagined version of the Telus Winter Classic on March 13.

Hosted by Mercedes Nicoll and Robjn Taylor, and with the help of an eccentric cast of Whistlerites near and far, the Rise Up Live Telethon was a resounding success, netting the WBF $330,000 to help charities in the corridor.

The grand total was boosted by a $100,000 matching grant courtesy of Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise.

Madden said $65,000 of the final total came from Whistlerites calling in during the event.

“I’m absolutely thrilled by the $330,000,” she said, likening the community support to the WCSS’ “Together” campaign.

“It just really hits the nail on the head, because that word just sums up the heart and soul of our community … the next day as I was going through all of the donations, I was so overwhelmed by our friends, our family, our community members, everyone being so generous.”

If you missed the telethon, you can watch it in its entirety (and donate to the WBF) at whistlerblackcombfoundation. com. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Family launches ‘memory project’ for long-time local, WSAR founder Cliff Jennings AFTER DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS, FAMILY IS LOOKING TO GATHER MEMORIES FROM HIS 56 YEARS IN WHISTLER

BY BRANDON BARRETT IF YOU EVER HAD the good fortune of sharing a chairlift with long-time local Cliff Jennings over the years, chances are you got an experience better than any lift ticket could buy.

“He’d meet somebody on the chairlift and would take them for the rest of the day, if they were willing to hang out with him, and often they were because they had found this golden jewel of a person who knew all the history of Whistler, knew all the runs, would talk their ear off and also could ski well and possibly take them on harder terrain than they were prepared for,” said daughter Sara Jennings. “He was always wanting to show people Whistler.”

In a town filled with transplants who love to debate how local they are, Jennings may just take the cake. A heli-ski guide and avid hiker who co-founded Whistler Search and Rescue, worked for decades at the municipal sewage treatment plant, served as the nascent fire department’s dispatcher when asthma prevented him from becoming a

firefighter, and volunteered for innumerable local organizations, Jennings and his wife Vivien have lived in Whistler continuously since 1965.

Until, that is, this month, when Jennings relocated to the Squamish long-term care facility, Hilltop House, after a dementia diagnosis just three short months ago.

“It’s a very devastating disease when dementia hits you, and it hit him all of a sudden,” Vivien explained. “It didn’t creep up or anything; it really hit him with a bang.”

Now, the family is launching a “memory project” to remind Jennings of the many lives he touched over his more than half a century in Whistler, calling on old friends and colleagues to send in photos, videos, letters and other keepsakes.

“We were just trying to think of ideas to keep him connected to who he was and still is, knowing that his memory is going to decrease and his happiest memories are going to be in the past,” said Sara. “The biggest thing right now for him is he’s quite depressed, because there is nothing in his life that is positive right now. Especially with COVID, he doesn’t even get to have regular visits. Right now he’s just waiting to kind

COMMUNITY PILLAR The family of Cliff Jennings, who has lived with in Whistler continuously with his wife Vivien since 1965, is asking for the community to gather their memories and stories of him after he was recently diagnosed with dementia.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

of waste away, whether it’s his mind or his physical abilities.”

Research has shown that while patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can often struggle with recent memories, reliving moments from their earlier lives

through what’s called reminiscence therapy can help develop positive associations and reduce stress and agitation.

But along with aiding Jennings on the tough road ahead, the family knows they too will benefit from the trip down memory lane.

“It will be a document that we will use in the future as well. It’s a document of his life for his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, eventually,” Sara said.

It’s a fitting symmetry for a man who has always been more than willing to share the history of the town he loves, a history so closely intertwined with his own.

“He’s rooted in the Whistler community. His history is wrapped up in Whistler, and the history of Whistler grew up around him,” said Sara. “So I want him not just to know what he’s done for us, but what he’s meant to Whistler and other people here.”

Anyone with stories, photos or other memories to share can contact Sara at sarajennings@hotmail.com or 604932-2664. The Jennings family is also encouraging friends to connect with the family if they wish to chat with Cliff over the phone at Hilltop House. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

WFRS members recognized for heroics THREE CITATIONS AWARDED BY WHISTLER COUNCIL

BY BRADEN DUPUIS WHISTLER COUNCILLOR Arthur De Jong remembers well the night four Whistler Blackcomb buildings burned to the ground at Base 2 in September 2013.

Whistler Fire Rescue Service (WFRS) crews battled the blaze all night, deploying defensive tactics to save the surrounding buildings and forest.

“By about two, three o’ clock in the morning I realized I’m just getting in their way, so I went home and had some rest,” De Jong recalled at the March 16 council meeting.

When he returned a few hours later, De Jong found about 15 firefighters all in a tight circle in the parking lot, “just jamming pizza down just to keep their energy going, all looking like chimney sweepers, just wasted and red eyed,” he said.

“And I was so taken by that scene.

If I ever needed an image that defined a community’s anchor, a community’s heart and soul, it was there in that circle that morning.”

Several members of the WFRS (and one member of the public) were recognized for recent heroics at the March 16 meeting.

On Jan. 9, the WFRS responded to a report of a cross-country skier who broke through the ice at Alta Lake and was near drowning.

A team of six WFRS firefighters, supported by 30 paid-on-call staff, deployed the department’s Rapid Deployment Craft (affectionately referred to as the “banana boat”) to rescue the 78-year-old local.

Six firefighters were awarded certificates of recognition for the rescue on March 16:

Kauffman was also presented a certificate of commendation for a daring rescue in Pemberton on March 30, 2020.

Off-duty at the time, Kauffman awoke to his neighbour’s house on fire and quickly took action.

“Using his many years of firefighting skills, Dan took charge of the emergency, and began setting priorities to perform rescue and save surrounding properties,” Crompton said.

“Thank you for your selfless service.”

- JACK CROMPTON

David Rushbrook, Dan Kauffman, Jason Houlding, Richard Poilly, Tom Conway and Gavin Sands.

“Each of you displayed outstanding fortitude and professionalism, which resulted in the successful rescue of the patient who was obviously in peril of drowning,” said Mayor Jack Crompton.

“Thank you for your service, and thank you for representing the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the WFRS with great distinction.”

When they realized the downstairs tenant was still in the house, Kauffman and another neighbour rushed in to save him.

“Fighting through intense radiant heat without any protective clothing, Dan and neighbour Pat extricated the male patient from the doorway and out through the front yard awaiting responding ambulances,” Crompton said.

Despite suffering first and second degree burns of his own, Kauffman then donned a pair of protective coveralls and worked a

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“Deputy Chief [Cameron] Adams [of Pemberton Fire Rescue] would later comment that Dan really stepped up this night, and showed prowess to help and defend his fellow neighbours,” Crompton said.

“Thank you for your selfless service.”

Lastly, 15-year-old Jake Adler was recognized for his rescue of an 83-year-old who was drowning in Alta Lake this past summer.

Seeing the senior go under, Adler “quickly jumped into the water, and brought [him] to shore,” Crompton said.

“Fortunately he was unharmed, but the family wanted to recognize Jake, as they felt that his story could have had a very different ending.”

For a department so small, it’s rare to see three citations awarded in one year, said Chief John McKearney, but it’s something he’d like to do more of.

“This is the first one that I’ve done in Whistler, and I’ve been here for two-and-ahalf years … so it’s not that often,” he said, adding that the last Whistler citation was awarded in 2015.

“For our firefighters and all the first responders who engage in very difficult incidents, we need to do more of taking the time just to recognize that, and we will.” n

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23

NEWS WHISTLER

The story behind Whistler’s new plaid cat WHEN THE MOUNTAIN’S GROOMING SUPERVISOR PASSED AWAY, HIS FLEET BANDED TOGETHER FOR A LASTING TRIBUTE

BY ALYSSA NOEL WHEN WHISTLER Mountain grooming supervisor D’Arcy Burke lost his battle to cancer last July, his colleagues never got a real chance to pay a fitting tribute. “[The mountain] got shut down last year in March and we knew he was in rough shape, but there was no way to stay connected,” said Marty Elston, Burke’s co-worker for the last six seasons. “Most of us found out about his passing on Facebook.”

So, when the 2020/21 winter season rolled around, the fleet department came up with a lasting, fitting tribute to the well-respected local who was dedicated to his job, loved his mountain, and inspired others often.

“D’Arcy’s thing was he always wore a plaid shirt and had dark-rimmed glasses and he really was a professor-like guy,” Elston said. “Very intelligent, extremely well spoken, extremely talented in his skills in his snowcat. But he was incredibly easy to work with.

“I never saw D’Arcy without a plaid shirt on.”

The tribute: a snowcat that’s

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permanently adorned in a plaid design.

(If you didn’t get a chance to spot it this season ahead of the sudden closure of both mountains on March 30, it will be around next season—and, the crew hopes, until the cat is retired.)

“This was all paid for and done by the fleet department,” Elston said. “They felt it was a fitting way to honour D’Arcy.”

“From my perspective, what made D’Arcy different was his relationship with the mountain. I can’t stress that enough.

He would go out of his way before his shift to ski the mountain, to find the problems, to address concerns. He was extremely hands-on with the terrain. He offered a fresh perspective on old-school thinking.

He was always pushing us to rethink how we think about things.”

For his part, Elston—who has worked at several other resorts across the country— said Burke was an expert on Whistler Mountain and, as a colleague, provided a great deal of guidance.

“With his passing, I’m not going to say we’re lost, but we’re lost without him,” Elston said. “He kept it all together for us on the Whistler side.”

In the summer, Burke was well known in the mountain biking community as an exceptional bike mechanic.

FITTING TRIBUTE The fleet department at Whistler Mountain permanently decorated a snowcat in plaid as a tribute to late grooming supervisor D’Arcy Burke.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

That community organized a fundraiser to support him through his battle with cancer. At Whistler Blackcomb, another internal T-shirt sale to raise money for prostate cancer also quietly took place.

“We have a saying,” Elston said.

“What would D’Arcy do? A great number of us, that’s our mantra. When we’re a little unsure, a little hesitant, we stop our cat and say, ‘What would D’Arcy do?’ That speaks volumes to how much respect we had.” n

NEWS WHISTLER

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Historic Whistler Village dump a ‘ticking time bomb’: researchers

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WITH METHANE BUILDING, LOCAL LEADERS LEFT WITH TWO UNFAVOURABLE OPTIONS

BY BRADEN DUPUIS WHEN WHISTLER’S founders were plotting the layout for Whistler Village, building over top of a historic dump seemed like a good idea at the time.

But new research is coming to light showing the world-famous resort couldn’t be in a worse location.

According to recent studies conducted

by German research firm GefälschteFirma, a buildup of methane gas in the ancient dump underneath Whistler Village is a “ticking time bomb,” and if left unaddressed will certainly “burst (explode) in a devastating and destructiv (sic)” fashion.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), meanwhile, is quietly weighing two unfavourable options: Slowly and consistently leaking the gas at strategic intervals, or relocating Whistler Village entirely (at a no doubt astronomical expense).

The RMOW did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In an emailed exchange, Falscher Mann, founder and head researcher of GefälschteFirma, said that no matter what the RMOW decides, Whistlerites and visitors to the resort can expect the air to start smelling differently in the coming weeks and months.

“While methane gas can cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen, in low amounts and in large, well-ventilated outdoor spaces such as those seen in Whistler Village, there would be little-to-no impact on human health if ventilated correctly,” Mann said.

“There is of course the unpleasant smell to contend with, which would blanket the entire village during each thrice-a-day, three-hour venting period, and which some say is akin to rotten eggs half buried in a sandbox in the summer.”

Mann went on to say that, personally, he enjoys the smell of methane gas, and that in time, Whistlerites will, too.

“After all, we have all become accustomed to such drastic changes in the past year, what is one more?” he said, adding that his childhood home was next door to an open-air landfill, so the methane that might soon blanket Whistler Village three times a day would almost be nostalgic to him.

The rotten-egg smell might even end up

its own tourist draw, he added.

“The fresh mountain air for which Whistler’s alpine is world-renowned will be that much more desirable to guests and locals during the venting,” Mann said, reasoning that tourists desperate to escape the stench at valley bottom would drive a spike in lift-ticket sales.

“And not everyone enjoys that impossibly clean air, anyway. My extended family, for example, would love to come visit specifically for the ventings.”

The obvious enormous potential for fart tourism aside, the question remains why the study was conducted in the first place.

GefälschteFirma’s financial backer will be familiar to longtime Pique readers, as he has had his hand in all sorts of illfated ventures over the years, including: the Cheekside Naturist Festival; an ultrahigh-density employee housing building in Alpine; a new casino on the Parkhurst lands; and a reimagining of the Gateway Loop.

The methane study was inspired by a particularly spicy entrée at the Mexican Corner, explained Pené Esposti, billionaire, philanthropist and lover of all things naked.

“For what is civil engineering if not an extension of the biological form?” Esposti said. “It is as I suspected: Just as my biological form was bursting that fateful night, so too is our beloved Whistler Village.”

Esposti went on to say that he regrets nothing about the amount of Mexican food he ate that evening, or the complicated collusion of squeaks and squats that followed in the intervening hours.

“If I had exhibited some semblance of self control over myself—if I had eaten even one less Baja Broccolini—what then? Would Whistler be doomed to explode in a fiery fart cloud of death?” he said, asking the questions that every man must ask himself at some point in his life.

“In my case, I can answer with absolute certainty that yes, it would.”

No matter what the RMOW decides— eternal fart clouds or a new location for Whistler Village—Esposti proposed a new day of honour be pronounced in his name.

While we at Pique don’t have the official power to do that, we’re going to go ahead and say that April 1 in Whistler will henceforth be known as “Pené Esposti Appreciation Day.” People are tired of April Fool’s jokes anyway. n

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25

NEWS WHISTLER

Together, we will get to the other side of this pandemic.

The Bear Facts: The bears are back in town

BY LUCI CADMAN HELLO SPRING! The flowers are thinking of blooming and our furry neighbourhood bears are emerging from their dens. Expect to see them crossing roads, on trails, and passing through town.

After barely any time resting, black bears are awake—albeit a little sluggish.

Adult males are the first to emerge, followed by females, juveniles and lastly, new moms with cubs. Bear cubs born the previous winter (now yearlings) spent a busy season learning, exploring, and navigating life living close to humans. These young bears need to arise well-rested as spring dispersal is looming, and soon, they will live independently of mom.

Winter-killed animals provide important protein for male bears who rise in late winter. Though their diet is 80-per-cent vegetation, black bears have the digestive system of a carnivore and prefer to consume new growth, when young shoots are most nutritious and digestible. Grasses, sedges, dandelions and horsetails are important protein-rich foods that bears will seek out before berries arrive.

During this time of low food availability, new cubs stay nourished thanks to their mother’s rich milk, and adults rely on the fat reserves they built during hyperphagia the previous fall.

IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Thank you Whistler Blackcomb and other Whistler businesses for operating safely this winter season.

Please continue to avoid all indoor gatherings with people not in your household.

During this first stage of being awake from hibernation, bears are not as consumed by the need to find food as they were in the fall, and they will be mostly seeking out fresh greens. Although our responsibility when we share the landscape with bears begins right now by making sure we have no food available for them around our homes.

Given the opportunity, bears will be tempted by unsecured garbage, pet food, bird feeders and the food delivery order that awaits you at your doorstep.

Once consumed, these high-calorie foods will keep bringing bears back to homes, contributing to their untimely and avoidable deaths.

It is important that we set boundaries by not inviting bears to our homes with food and encouraging them to move on (from a safe place) if they visit. When you see a bear on your property, go to a window or deck and use a firm, persistent tone to encourage them to leave. Bears understand where they are not welcome, providing you are not confusing them with tempting treats.

BEARS CROSSING

Whistler.ca/COVID19 26 APRIL 1, 2021

Foraging for spring greens brings bears to the roadside, where such food is plentiful.

Be alert for all wildlife when driving. If you see a bear on the roadside, slow down and give the bear ample space—but please, do

BEAR BANQUET Bears emerging from dens will be looking for fresh shoots and grasses as they get ready for spring and summer.

PHOTO BY TONY JOYCE PHOTOGRAPHY

not stop. Approaching bears and turning off our engines contributes to bears feeling more comfortable around vehicles, greatly increasing their chances of being hit.

ON THE TRAILS Help to avoid surprise encounters on the trails by making noise with your voice.

Whilst the sound of a bear bell is better than silence, it does not travel far or identify you as human. Call out often in a firm tone as you explore. Be slower and louder by water and in low visibility areas.

If you see a bear ahead in the distance, calmly leave the area and take an alternate route. Give bears the space they need to forage and teach their cubs vital survival skills. Be aware of your surroundings in all directions as you leave.

If you encounter a bear: be present, stay calm, talk to them in a calm voice (any language to identify yourself as human), prepare your bear spray and slowly back away. In most cases, when you start speaking to a black bear, they leave the area or climb a tree to safety. Calmly distance yourself.

BEAR IN MIND Bears are part of our wider community, and though they are particularly visible in Whistler, they are not domesticated.

Do not approach them, especially for photographs. Bears won’t appreciate you intentionally encroaching on their personal space—who does!

Every new season offers us an opportunity to show bears that their lives have value by being responsible and respectful residents and visitors of bear country.

Luci Cadman is certified in bear safety and awareness and is a certified bear-viewing 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 and is now the Executive Director. While bears remain Luci’s first love, she expanded the Society’s educational outreach in 2018 to include coyotes, bobcats and cougars. n

Let's Talk Climate Action A Virtual Information Session Thursday, April 8th, 6pm Join Village of Pemberton Staff and representatives from the Community Energy Association as we talk about how to tackle Climate Change in our community.

Visit HaveYourSay.Pemberton.ca to register and learn more!

Questions? Contact Lisa Pedrini, Manager of Development Services at Ipedrini@pemberton.ca

APRIL 1, 2021

27

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Visitor education initiative coming to Sea to Sky TOURISM SQUAMISH-LED PROJECT RECEIVES PROVINCIAL FUNDING TO IMPROVE VISITOR BEHAVIOUR AND EXPERIENCE IN WHISTLER AND THE SEA TO SKY CORRIDOR

BY DAN FALLOON WITH ANY LUCK, visitation to the Sea to Sky will be back to typical levels sooner rather than later.

But with those high traveller numbers creating issues in myriad ways, especially in recent years, the Sea to Sky Corridor Destination Development Council is hoping that a new initiative will help those visitors enjoy their stay in a wiser manner.

The council, formed last year as part of a Destination BC-led process and made up of destination marketing organizations and other stakeholders from Whistler, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Bowen Island, Squamish, Pemberton, Lillooet, Bridge River Valley and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District, received $366,347 for a visitor-education initiative it will look to launch before guests return in droves.

Tourism Whistler is eager to see the campaign kick off, as it aligns with its long-term vision and strategy, according to vice president of destination and market development Karen Goodwin, the organization’s council member.

THE RIGHT WAY Responsible social media use is a pillar of a new visitor education initiative in the Sea to Sky. PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY/TOURISM WHISTLER

28 APRIL 1, 2021

“Involvement in this council has granted us the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Sea to Sky corridor to identify our shared challenges in visitor behaviours,” Goodwin said in a statement.

“As we rebuild our guest economies throughout the corridor, this partnership has also opened up access to provincial funding to assist in the development of aligned strategies and initiatives to protect our natural environment and support community well-being.”

Tourism Squamish executive director Lesley Weeks, whose organization took the lead and made the grant application, said the funding will kick-start Phase 1 of the campaign.

Weeks added that more than 400 participants and tourism partners worked to address key issues as part of the council’s work.

Among the recurring themes were skyrocketing BC Parks visitation, increasing search and rescue (SAR) callouts, higher traffic volumes, flagrant disrespect for natural settings, and concerns from First Nations over the amount and type of recreation that was happening.

“One of the key things that bubbled up was that we needed to work on a visitor education initiative for the Sea to Sky, a coordinated effort to start handling some of the things that we’re seeing, like exponential growth of recreation users,” Weeks said.

The strategy’s nuts and bolts are still being worked out, but from a high level, Weeks said that the overall content— hammering home the concepts of respect, proper outdoor conduct, preparedness, environmental awareness and responsible social media use—will be the same. But with some issues more prevalent in one area or another, there will also be opportunities to localize the approach.

“We’ll have cohesive messaging throughout the Sea to Sky region but we can adapt it to our own individual communities based on what we’re seeing,” she said.

“Some may be more applicable in other areas, so we can tweak that based on a community’s needs, but the messaging will be universal.”

Weeks said the council is looking at Phase 1 rollout this spring, “so we actually have some things in place for what we anticipate to be a really similar season to last year in terms of heavy volume.”

As well, in addition to the content, the places and means of communication are still under discussion. The overarching goal, however, is to display the messaging at common “chokepoints” starting at the airport and extending up Highway 99.

Those decisions will be made based on the results of ongoing consultation.

Weeks said the council solicited feedback on the campaign’s themes and messaging from stakeholders ranging from user

groups to SAR to chambers of commerce and destination marketing organizations.

“We’re hoping that we can get a lot of resident engagement from all the different communities,” she said. “Once we get that back, it’ll really help us hone in on the messaging and we’ll start to figure out what the creative looks like to go with that messaging and where it’ll go.”

Another element of the campaign is education for tourism businesses, which Weeks described as a means of having everyone onboard as opposed to stemming problems originating in the industry.

“It’s providing training on responsible marketing and what their role would be, ensuring that the messaging reaches their staff and then is turned out to the visitors,” she said. “It’s about getting everybody on the same page … so that visitors are hearing [the message] everywhere that they go at all the different touch points.

“Any successful program will have the residents behind it and championing it.”

One significant point will be the responsible use of social media, citing Jackson Hole’s campaign against geotagging as an example.

“If we can better manage these areas on social media as an example, and encourage visitors to do the same, hopefully we can keep our backcountry more accessible for everybody,” said Weeks, before adding that it applies to the frontcountry as well. n

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

ELIZABETH CHAPLIN

elizabeth@elizabethchaplin.com | 604 932 1311

#25 LAKEVIEW DRIVE

8733 IDYLWOOD PLACE

526C – 2036 LONDON LANE

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,825

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,620

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,008

PINECREST ESTATES

ALPINE MEADOWS

CREEKSIDE

This spacious 5 bedroom house is perfect for a family! Located just 15 minutes south of Whistler, in the peaceful and gated community of Pinecrest Estates. Very friendly and quiet neighbourhood.

Built right along a freshwater creek, this airy backyard has it all for a weekend getaway home, or long-term residence. This open concept home features large windows, vaulted ceilings, a new wood burning fireplace and a spacious kitchen with heated flooring.

A rare Whistler Creekside opportunity, unit 526 is the prime two-bedroom two-bathroom unit in Legends.

Located on the top floor at the outward curve of the building, this spacious quarter share condo boasts raised ceilings in the living room and master bedroom.

Detached Home

Detached Home

Condominium

$1,400,000

$2,100,000

$227,000

LISA HILTON

Personal Real Estate Corporation

lisah@wrec.com | 604 902 4589

DL 3129 HAYLMORE FSR

8131 ALPINE WAY

8951 PEMBERTON MEADOWS ROAD

Lot Size: 172.47

Bedrooms: 9 Bathrooms: 8 Square Feet: 3,938

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Lot Size: 1.05

D’ARCY

ALPINE

Acres

PEMBERTON

Acres

Off grid escape offering 172+ acres in close proximity to Anderson Lake and provides complete privacy.

Boasting its own air strip, views of the lake, Haylmore Creek meandering through and soil that has been compared to the Naramata Bench.

This home offers almost 4000 sq. ft. & is built to host you, your family AND your friends’ families. Ground level in-law suite, garage with workshop and a great office or nanny suite above. Perfect for a large family or as an immediate revenue generator.

Completely updated move in ready home sitting on just over an acre in coveted Pemberton Meadows.

Features include: new kitchen & bathrooms, 2 gas fireplaces, large barn, separate shop with an insulated workshop, large garden & orchard.

Acreage

Detached Home

Detached Home

$1,200,000

$2,800,000

$1,399,000

TRACEY CRUZ

tracey@wrec.com | 604 905 9552

#7 TREELINE

1744 PINEWOOD DRIVE

#501/#503 - 4315 NORTHLANDS BLVD

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,264

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,319

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 905

BLACKCOMB BENCHLANDS

PEMBERTON PLATEAU

CASCADE LODGE

Ski home from Blackcomb mountain to this beautifully updated townhome. Located close to golf, beach, tennis and the valley trail while nestled in the woods for peace & quiet. Phase 1 allows unlimited owner usage or nightly rentals.

This home offers three generous bedrooms, 2.5 bath plus a large one bedroom revenue suite over the double garage. Enjoy the open concept living space with a wood burning fireplace, lots of windows and a walk out patio to your landscaped backyard.

You can’t beat this location of walking distance to the ski hills, restaurants and shops from Cascade Lodge.

This suite is a lock off 1 bdrm & studio. Up to 56 days of personal use each year and the remaining time you can generate some revenue while you aren’t using your suite.

Townhome

Detached Home

Condominium

$2,279,000

$1,095,000

$549,000

SOLD

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet:942

Lot Size: 1.34

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 2,190

THE GLEN

Acres

Bright and airy, energy efficient corner unit condo with a garage. Newly built in 2020, Orion is conveniently located at the entrance to town.

Located a ten minute walk from pristine Gates Lake, imagine your dream cabin here on this buildable lot.

Beautiful custom home with timber-frame features, plenty of natural light and a family friendly layout with four bedrooms plus a legal one bedroom suite above the garage.

Condominium

Building Lot

Detached Home

$579,000

$340,000

$1,120,000

Condominium

$1,400,000

Condominium

$769,000

Thank you to Whistler Blackcomb for a fantastic season!

We appreciate all the hard work to keep us safe.

Reserved for your property WE ARE EXPERIENCING VERY LOW INVENTORY If you are thinking about selling, please give me a call for a market update!

JILL NOTMAN COLPITTS

Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 559 This 1 bedroom/ 1 bathroom condo is a corner unit on the 5th floor. The “Jack and Jill” bathroom configuration offers an ensuite to the bedroom. The Marquise features a hot tub, an outdoor pool with a sunny pool deck, an exercise room and bike room. Recently the membrane to the underground parking was remediated as well as the landscaping.

KAREN VAGELATOS

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,056 This spacious two bedroom plus den/two bathroom condo is a corner unit on the fifth floor facing Blackcomb. This unit is prime for your upgrades. The Marquise features a hot tub, an outdoor pool with a sunny pool deck, an exercise room and bike room.

MARQUISE

jill@wrec.com | 604 932 1372

#512-4809 SPEARHEAD DRIVE

MARQUISE

karen@wrec.com | 604 902 2520

#511-4809 SPEARHEAD DRIVE

DANIELLE MENZEL

1481 BALSAM STREET

BIRKEN

Personal Real Estate Corporation

9209 PORTAGE ROAD

ORION

danielle@wrec.com | 604 698 5128

#107-7350 CRABAPPLE DRIVE

SOLD

1911 HIGHWAY 99 PEMBERTON

JANE HEIM

jane@janeheim.ca | 604 935 0802

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Lot Size: 7.5 Acres Pemberton living at its best with ultimate privacy and stunning views of Mount Currie, a gorgeous 3000+ square foot home with three bedrooms plus office, and three car garage on a sprawling 7.5 acres. A gardener’s or horse lovers delight, the land is fenced and fertile. Picture your long summer days in the above-ground pool with custom-built deck surrounding it. The house is cozy and warm with rich refinished fir, tile and stone finishing, a custom chef’s kitchen with over-sized island, and spacious bathrooms.

Chalet with Acreage

$2,150,000

KEITH MCIVOR

keith@wrec.com | 604 935 2650

1707 WISHBONE COURT - THE RIDGE

#41-4000 SUNSTONE WAY - ELEVATE

Square Feet: 18,944

Enjoy all day sun and unobstructed views of Mount Currie from this beautiful lot in Pemberton’s premier neighbourhood. This exclusive neighbourhood offers easy access to outdoor amenities such as; golf courses, backcountry skiing, mountain bike and hiking trails. Do not miss your chance to own one of the few remaining lots in The Ridge.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,026 This spacious, elegant duplex features an open-concept layout complete with designer finishes and expansive deck to enjoy unobstructed mountain views. Thoughtfully designed for your active Pemberton lifestyle, Elevate duplexes are ideal for growing families or the perfect weekend home with plenty of room to entertain.

Vacant Land

Duplex

PEMBERTON

PEMBERTON

$549,000

Personal Real Estate Corporation

DAN SCARRATT

dan@wrec.com | 604 938 4444

2220 LAKE PLACID ROAD

7374 PEMBERTON FARM RD EAST

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5.5 Square Feet: 3,865

Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 5 Square Feet: 5,260

CREEKSIDE

$1,089,000

PEMBERTON

Location, Recreation, Relaxation. This amazing home and property is just a short walk to the Creekside Gondola, pubs, restaurants, and shopping, or an even shorter stroll to Alpha Lake.

Amazing family home on 8.1 acres beside the new Sunstone recreational field, Friendship Trail, and close to Pemberton! Above the valley with southern exposure, this property has everything you need in a private family estate while still having easy access to all amenities.

Chalet

Chalet

$4,395,000

$3,199,000

SCIENCE MATTERS

Supreme Court decision puts Canada on right track for carbon pricing

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E: info@whistlerimmigration.com W: whistlerimmigration.com P: 1-888-266-1161 • 604-962-8844 A: 201-4230 Gateway Drive We are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) Managing Partner Brooke Finlay (R514337), Barbara Kolvek (R531141) and Caitlin Thomas (R530663).

IT SHOULD be evident that a national government has the authority to set policy regarding nationally important issues. But with the climate crisis, some provincial premiers have pushed back. Governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario have been fighting in court to overturn the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. On March 25, in a significant victory for climate action, Canada’s Supreme Court ruled in the federal government’s favour.

It affirmed that climate change, caused mainly by greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere through burning fossil

BY DAVID SUZUKI fuels, is “a threat of the highest order to the country, and indeed to the world” and that there is “broad consensus among expert international bodies that carbon pricing is a critical measure” to reduce emissions.

The ruling also stated, “A provincial failure to act directly threatens Canada as a whole,” and “Canada would not be able to push for global action on climate change if provinces were not cooperating in the fight against it.”

Although carbon pricing is one of many solutions to reduce the risks of climate disruption, it’s a critical policy the David Suzuki Foundation has been advocating for since 1998. Represented by Ecojustice, the Foundation was an intervener in the court cases brought by the three provincial governments, arguing that the climate crisis

The minimum price is $40 per tonne of emissions as of April 1, set to increase to $170 per tonne by 2030 to meet the current target of reducing emissions at least 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

Because greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide, cause extensive and costly harm, carbon pricing ensures polluters pay for damages. Even though it rarely reflects the full costs, it gives polluters incentives to find cleaner ways to operate— reducing their costs and emissions. It also gives cleaner energy sources like solar and wind a growing price advantage over coal, oil and fracked methane.

Where carbon pricing has been enacted, it’s been successful without causing economic harm.

It’s time for all governments to join with industry, academia and all of society to resolve the climate emergency. As I recently told federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, we don’t have time for bickering and drawn-out, costly court challenges. In fact, we need far more ambitious action from all levels of government, especially provincial.

We’re still not on track to meet climate targets, and the costs of more frequent extreme weather events are mounting. Gas price fluctuations and increases imposed by the oil industry show it takes a lot to get people to adopt better habits and technologies, so making better options widely available is important. That means investing more in transit, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and measures to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.

We must also stop subsidizing the fossil

Because we’ve failed to heed the warnings for so long, we’ve reached a critical point in the climate emergency.

represents a national emergency. It was also instrumental in getting B.C. to adopt carbon pricing in 2008.

Although this decision was specifically about carbon pricing, it signals that the federal government has the authority to enact national climate and clean energy regulations that reduce harmful emissions.

It also sends a clear message to provincial governments that have put entrenched fossil fuel interests ahead of the well-being of our children, communities, future and all living species and ecosystems.

Under Canada’s law, provinces are required to set their own carbon price through a tax or cap-and-trade system, meeting minimum standards set by Ottawa.

If they don’t, they’re subject to a federal “backstop” carbon price, including a charge on gasoline and other fuels, offset by household rebates that leave most families better off, and a separate pricing system for heavy industries.

32 APRIL 1, 2021

fuel industry with tax breaks, low royalties and pipeline purchases.

Because we’ve failed to heed the warnings for so long, we’ve reached a critical point in the climate emergency.

Now we must do all we can to prevent the crisis from accelerating. We need federal, provincial and municipal policies, regulations and investments to improve energy efficiency, fast-track clean power, electrify everything and switch to renewable fuels.

There’s no shortage of solutions. We just need to employ those proven effective, including carbon pricing. The Supreme Court decision gives Canada the power to make a difference. Now it’s time to act.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington. ■

OUTSIDER

The inescapable convenience of indoor cycling I DON’T KNOW about you, but I’ve never been a fan of the gym. Even before COVID-19 shut down most of the gymnasiums in the world, my few attempts to make it a routine over the years never lasted more than a couple of months and would barely qualify as a fad. I just found it so damn boring.

BY VINCE SHULEY Gyms have their uses, of course. Highperformance athletes need somewhere to train properly, and not everyone has space to safely perform a deadlift in their living room or non-existent garage.

But the equipment I always found the most pointless was the cardio machine: Treadmills, trainer bikes and elliptical machines. I get that it’s not always ideal running weather outside, but I’d rather run in the rain with my dog than spend a half hour turning a hamster wheel.

Summer in Whistler should give people every excuse to exercise their cardio outside instead of inside. Ride bikes, run the trails, paddle across the lakes, whatever gets you fresh air and raises your heart rate.

In the winter, however, cardio becomes a bit trickier. I’ve dabbled in Nordic skiing and actually enjoyed it, but with pineapple storms always looming around the corner, it’s far from a weatherproof activity. Ski touring is my jam, but again, it’s both

INSIDE RIDE To prepare for the biking season, you can suffer in good company with an indoor cycling setup.

GETTYIMAGES.CA

weather and snowpack dependent and requires a full day of commitment if you really want to get somewhere awesome.

What I began to notice in the last few years as my work transitioned to an indoor/ office affair, was that my long winters were not giving me the exercise outlet that I needed to keep my body (and my mind) operating at peak efficiency. I could still do big days of ski touring, but my recovery was slow. Spring skiing and touring never really prepared my body for a Whistler mountain bike season. Ever resistant to the idea of a gym membership, I decided to join a group of my cycling friends on Zwift.

For those not familiar, Zwift is a virtual cycling tool that works much like an online video game. You can log in to servers and ride around with random people from all

trainers and bikes have been in short supply and high demand. I managed to find a rare second hand Wahoo Kickr Snap smart trainer on the Vancouver Buy & Sell for $600, which is about the minimum you can expect to spend on a used unit. Good, cheap, used road bikes are also quite rare, so I ended up blowing that budget a bit with an older model Cannondale Synapse in excellent shape for $900. Add in the Zwift monthly membership of $18 and you can see that this is by no means a small investment. That said, my indoor cycling setup was the best money I’ve spent on sport equipment in years. Here are a few reasons why.

I now have a training tool that I can use in any weather, any time of the day when I have 30 to 60 minutes to spare to spin the cranks.

When work dictates that I have to miss that bluebird backcountry mission or powder day, I can grind out my frustration on the trainer and feel better almost immediately. over the world, join ride/race events or embark on a private ride just with you and your friends. To achieve the desired simulation, Zwift requires that you have a bike connected to a smart trainer, which sends your power output data via Bluetooth to your display device such as a tablet, TV or laptop. The smart trainer can increase pedal resistance (to a certain degree) if you decide you want to tackle a hill climb stage of the Tour de France, for example.

With the meteoric growth of home workout equipment in 2020, both smart

I can nerd out to my heart’s content about stats. After a couple of weeks of Zwifting I picked up a heart rate monitor for the first time in my life just so I could benchmark my hardest training sessions.

When work dictates that I have to miss that bluebird backcountry mission or powder day, I can grind out my frustration on the trainer and feel better almost immediately.

I don’t race anymore, but I’ve never felt more prepared for the biggest days of the mountain bike season.

I can now conveniently earn my beer

without going out into the rain, cold or darkness of winter.

I won’t get into the nitty gritty of a buying guide here, as that content is ubiquitous on the internet. But if you’re considering an indoor cycling trainer, here’s a few helpful things I learned.

• Wheel-on versus direct-drive: The direct-drive units are the most accurate of the smart trainers but can cost up to twice as much. Wheel-on does the job just fine if you’re not training for races or actual roadbike events.

• Any bike will work with a smart trainer, but the gearing and geometry of a road bike are the best. Keep that drivetrain tuned up and lubricated.

• Zwift is just one of many competitive online cycling platforms, but it’s heralded as the best for the social community and gamifying the indoor-cycling experience.

If you’re more into pure stats consider TrainerRoad.

• Make sure your space is set up appropriately. You need a somewhat powerful fan to avoid dripping sweat constantly and an open window helps too.

• Smart trainers are a lot quieter than the fan-resist exercise bikes of yore, but you probably shouldn’t be training while others in your house or building are sleeping.

• You may already be riding your bike outside, and that’s great. But if you’re considering a smart trainer setup for next winter, the summer is the best time to shop, especially on the secondhand market. Spin to win.

Vince Shuley is considering biking, now that it’s April. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider email vince.shuley@gmail. com or Instagram @whis_vince. ■

APRIL 1, 2021

33

FEATURE STORY

34 APRIL 1, 2021

FEATURE STORY

Complications abound with post-vaccination pressure for a return to the workplace

BY NELSON BENNETT oughly 59 per cent of employees in the Metro Vancouver area say they have worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey conducted by Research Co. for Glacier Media.

As more of the general population gets vaccinated over the course of the summer, many employers who are paying for near-empty office buildings will be eager to start bringing employees back to the office.

But they may face some dilemmas. They could meet with resistance from some employees who have gotten used to working from home, attending virtual meetings and travelling less. And some employees may refuse to be vaccinated, for any number of reasons.

“We’ve been seeing, and we’re hearing, some employees saying, ‘I kind of like this working from home thing—I don’t know want to come back,’” said Cissy Pau, principal consultant at human resources firm Clear HR Consultants.

“What if some people don’t get vaccinated? Who can return to the office? Who can’t return? That all impacts this whole concept of returning to the workplace, and will we ever have business as usual again or will it be different?”

The Research Co. survey found that 33 per cent of employees said they expect they will still work from home once or twice a week, even after the pandemic is over, and roughly 50 per cent said they expect to have fewer in-person staff meetings and more virtual meetings.

But once public health officials give employers the green light to re-staff offices, employers are under no legal obligation to let employees continue to work from home, said Ashley Mitchell, an employment law attorney at Miller Thomson LLP. “An employee can’t unilaterally say, ‘I just want to keep working from home forever, because it’s working well for me,’” Mitchell said. “So an employer can require employees to start to come back to work, assuming it’s safe to do so.”

Businesses deemed essential services—from food processing plants and manufacturers to banks and grocery stores—have already had to sort out these kinds of questions.

It’s the employers that have been operating for a year now with near-empty office buildings and a largely remote workforce that may have the biggest challenge in figuring out how to bring people back into the office.

For smaller businesses and offices with low interactions with the public, coming up with a back-to-work plan may not require much more than its HR department and perhaps a safety committee working with WorkSafeBC and public health officials to approve their plans.

But for larger employers, or businesses where workers are in constant close contact with the public or each other, bringing people back into the office safely will require more planning and perhaps even some high-tech solutions.

The easiest way to reoccupy office buildings might be for employers to simply require all returning employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before coming back to the office. But in most instances, that’s not legal.

Employers could implement return-to-work plans based on vaccinations, as long as employees voluntarily agree to it. But Mitchell said they can’t make vaccinations a condition for returning to work.

“Generally speaking, it would not be permissible for an employer to require employees to be vaccinated,” Mitchell said.

Employers who plan to begin bringing employees back into the office this summer should be speaking with or surveying their employees to get an understanding of their concerns and comfort levels with returning to work, Pau said.

“I think there’s going to be a work adaptation exercise that needs to be gone through. I think there may be some permanent changes to the workplace that we need to be looking at.”

Whatever they decide to do, Pau also recommends that employers give their employees plenty of notice about their plans, “and then talk through all the potential concerns.”

If an office is not spacious enough to keep workers at least two metres apart, some employers that never had shifts before may opt to bring employees back in shifts, at

have a surprising number of daily non-employee visitors: job applicants, lunch caterers, vending and coffee machine contractors, trash and recycling collectors, HVAC repair technicians and package delivery people.

“There are many more individuals coming in and out of a building that we weren’t necessarily cognizant of,” said Roger Beharry Lall, vice-president of product marketing for Traction Guest. “It can represent 10 per cent, 30 per cent of who’s on site.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Traction Guest has repurposed its guest registration platform to be used by employers to control how many employees or guests are in an office at a given time.

With the Traction Guest system, employees can register through an online portal. They may volunteer information, such as whether they have been vaccinated, recently been tested for COVID-19 or recently travelled.

If the employee plans to come to work Monday through Wednesday and work from home Thursday and Friday, he or she would indicate that and be given a QR code. When he or she shows up for work, the QR code would be scanned.

The system would allow employers to know just how many employees are in the office. Visitors could also be asked to register before coming to the office for job interviews and other reasons.

Not even WorkSafeBC knows yet what the rules and

“I think there’s going to be a work adaptation exercise that needs to be gone through. I think there may be some permanent changes to the workplace that we need to be looking at.” least temporarily. Or they may allow—or even require— some employees to continue working from home until the public health office says social distancing measurers are no longer required.

Some businesses will need to grapple with travel. Project managers and sales people will be expected to resume travelling to other communities, provinces or countries at some point.

“I see that being a big issue,” Pau said. “What if people don’t want to travel?”

Owners or managers in offices will also need to think about managing not only their own employees, but nonemployees as well.

Even businesses that don’t have walk-in customers may

timelines will be for a full return to work. Like everyone else, it is waiting for direction from the public health office.

So until they are told otherwise, employers will need to continue to have safety protocols and controls in place, like limiting the number of people in offices, even when a majority of employees have been vaccinated.

“At this point in time, anybody who is vaccinated and is working with anyone else, they all still have to follow the safety plans to the letter as they exist today,” said Al Johnson, head of prevention services for WorkSafeBC. “So a vaccination doesn’t negate any other precaution that needs to be in place.”

This article first appeared in Business in Vancouver, March 23. n

APRIL 1, 2021

35

FEATURE STORY

What work life might look like, as resort businesses get ready for operations where the majority of people are vaccinated

BY STEVEN THRENDYLE ne year ago, COVID-19 snapped B.C.’s tourism industry shut tighter than an elevator door… going down. Closed borders.

Stopped chairlifts (and all of that snow).

The run on toilet paper. Quiet bars and darkened stores in Whistler became the norm.

There were some optimistic signs of life through the summer as restaurant patios opened, food delivery services proliferated, federal government CERB cheques arrived and retail stores re-opened following the requisite “be safe” measures mandated by B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. You could golf, mountain bike, hike and even visit the Audain Art Museum, but hanging in every molecule of fresh mountain air was a single thought, “when the hell will this end?”

While a surprising number of Metro Vancouver employees—as high as 60 per cent—worked from home at some point during the past year, (see page 35) you can’t really groom a ski run or stock empty store shelves via a Zoom meeting.

As the poster from WorkSafe BC says, “COVID isn’t going on vacation.” In fact, it appears to be doubling down, with more than 840 new reported cases as of Tuesday, March 30. Though data is hard to come by, Dr. Henry’s February clarification allowing Lower Mainland skiers to visit Whistler puts the town at high risk, since Vancouver and the Fraser Valley continue to rack up the largest number of new COVID19 cases.

Indeed, most Whistler businesses—especially the customer-facing ones in food and beverage, retail, and mountain operations—are still very much working dayto-day and following the Provincial Health Officer’s ever-changing directives on personal bubbles and who, exactly, is allowed to visit.

Last week, Whistler Blackcomb owners Vail Resorts announced that there would not be a reservation system in place for the 2021/2022 season, perhaps to encourage Lower Mainland skiers and boarders to purchase Epic Pass and Edge Card products at a 20 per cent discount. The number of skiers and riders allowed on the mountain on any given day won’t be capped, either.

In an e-mailed statement, Vail Resorts West Coast communications manager Jennifer Smith says that “There is no post-pandemic for us this summer. We are still under a travel advisory and health orders and (are) working toward the goal of keeping our guests, employees and community safe until Dr. Bonnie Henry says otherwise. We look forward to announcing our summer strategy soon to ensure our bike park, hiking and sightseeing guests are equally prepared for summer as they were for winter.”

It’s also worth remembering that the health and travel restrictions that B.C. residents are under are more onerous than they were last summer.

According to Smith, the COVID-19 crisis has sharpened Vail Resorts’ communications game. “One big takeaway

when major resorts in other parts of the world were closed definitely helped both guests and locals mentally and physically cope with COVID-19 stress.

Soon after lockdowns were announced, the worldwide “run on toilet paper” focused attention on how quickly panic buying can sweep through the retail landscape. For Nesters manager Bruce Stewart, such consumer craziness is a distant memory, and while the shelves have been wellstocked and the basics of grocery shopping have remained the same, “We miss the handshakes, the hugs, and high fives from our customers who really are our friends. And it will be great to see kids back in the store again.”

Not surprisingly, Nesters will be taking its cue from the federal and provincial governments. While some staffers,

“We were very lucky to have skiing and riding and the basis for our winter activity. Nothing fundamentally changed about the hill, the snow or our collective passion.” has been to communicate as thoroughly and clearly as possible,” she says. “The COVID protocols brought many changes to the mountain experience that were a challenge to navigate. We are still blown away at the extraordinary effort our guests and staff made to adapt their behaviour.”

Most Whistlerites would likely agree with Smith’s sentiment that, “We were very lucky to have skiing and riding and the basis for our winter activity. Nothing fundamentally changed about the hill, the snow or our collective passion.”

Though Whistler Blackcomb has now shut operations for the winter following a government directive to close for three weeks, having both mountains open at a time

not to mention customers, probably never want to see another mask in their lives, Stewart believes that people will be comfortable wearing masks for the foreseeable future, especially during cold and flu season. “There might even be a case for leaving plexiglass barriers in place postCOVID, which surely highlighted the importance of a clean store, and limiting the number of visitors we allow in the store at any given time might be worth considering during peak times like Christmas and New Year’s,” he said.

Another unforeseen benefit from COVID-19 came from the spirit of teamwork and cooperation shared by Nesters’ store staff. Since employees weren’t supposed to socialize

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FEATURE STORY the home says Stewart, “work became its own social bubble and we became quite the interesting family, and a much healthier one. They rarely called in sick and if they did, I became personally involved to ensure that our staff weren’t put at risk.”

E-commerce and “shop and deliver” became a much bigger part of their business, too. “In the past, it’s been weekend visitors from Vancouver and international guests who ordered on-line. But now, high-risk residents had to stay at home. The need for us to shop and deliver or have orders picked up became overwhelming! Going forward, we want to engage and grow the local market through our e-commerce site,” Stewart says adding that Nesters added employees during this period, providing jobs to workers who had been laid off at other businesses.

Jay Pare, co-owner of Caramba and Quattro restaurants, was nicely surprised by how well his restaurant fared. “Early on, of course, we were really scared, wondering how we would get out of this,” he says. “The Restaurant Association sat down with our local MLA who reassured us that programs like WorkSafe and FoodSafe already met the highest safety standards. It wasn’t a huge adjustment to add masks, contact tracing, or Plexiglas shields; it was something we had to do to stay open. Our menu evolved, we did far more take-out and delivery than ever before—but mostly it was about keeping our staff and customers safe and preventing any spread into the community. We had some very busy days last July and August where it was hard to believe a pandemic was happening. We’re already planning ahead and putting our teams together for the summer months and into next season.

We want to be ready when the borders open.”

Chris Kent, the owner of the Kiss the Sky bungy trampoline attraction located in the Blackcomb Adventure Zone, has already been told that his landlord, Whistler Blackcomb, will keep the zone closed indefinitely. Kent believes the current pandemic situation warrants the Zone’s closure but says, “Summer business is my primary source of income, so to cope I reluctantly have to minimize personal expenditures and apply for whatever government assistance exists.”

There’s little hard data on how many workers make up Whistler’s professional class of doctors, nurses, teachers and consultants. Some professionals live in Whistler part-time, some are semi-retired. Then, there are businesses that manage projects in remote areas of the province, like the Cascade Environmental Resource Group headquartered in Function Junction.

Cascade partner Dave Williamson admits that early on, there were some challenges in setting up people to work from home. But senior staff has always enjoyed this perk and moving forward one of the biggest challenges might be getting people back into the office again.

“Working remotely (and in remote locations) comes as second nature to these science-based professionals who are already familiar (and even comfortable) in dealing with change,” says Williamson.

Indeed, Cascade’s business raison d’etre has pivoted somewhat, thanks to the pandemic. “We aren’t big fans of normal around here,” he says. “I think we will be better at the way we do business in the future.” ■

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37

SPORTS THE SCORE

Whistler mountain biker named B.C.’s Master Athlete of the Year ALSO IN SPORTS BRIEFS: THOMPSON FINISHES SKI CROSS WORLD CUP SEASON IN THIRD, CROSS-COUNTRY NATIONAL CHAMPS COMING TO WHISTLER

BY MEGAN LALONDE MOUNTAIN BIKER Cathy Zeglinksi might not have competed in a single race in 2020, but she nonetheless was honoured with the title of Master Athlete of the Year at Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year ceremony, held virtually on Thursday, March 25.

That’s because the award was initially supposed to be doled out during an in-person ceremony in Vancouver on March 12, 2020, just one day after the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic.

Like most events and planned competitions last spring, the awards were swiftly shut down. “To me that was the harbinger of things to come that, COVID really was real, because things like that were getting cancelled with such short notice,” Zeglinski recalled.

The 54th annual awards were postponed until this week—offering the long-time Whistlerite just a few extra months of anticipation to find out whether she’d won.

“I thought I had a good chance, but no one told me until a couple of weeks before

MASTER OF THE MOUNTAIN Longtime Whistlerite and reigning World Masters Champion mountain biker Cathy Zeglinski was honoured on Thursday, March 25 as Sport BC’s Master Athlete of the Year.

PHOTO BY ALPES EPIC MEDIA

38 APRIL 1, 2021

the event, because they were needing a taped message from all the winners. So it was a bit anticlimactic. They said, ‘Oh, by the way we need this—did anyone tell you that you won?’” she said with a laugh.

“It was a bit different than, you know, an announcement at an awards dinner where you go up on stage, but they did the best they could.”

Prior to her win in 2019, Zeglinski also won masters gold in South Africa in 2013, despite competing in that event with a broken collarbone.

She credited much of her success to her 2019 World Championships coach Mike Charuk—who also coached B.C.’s 2020 Junior Male Athlete of the Year Carter Woods—as well as her previous long-time coach Tony

“It’s bittersweet; I got to have the jersey for two years but I won’t ever have an event where I get to be in the outfit. Because there’s not going to be any racing this year, by the way it’s going.”

- CATHY ZEGLINSKI

In addition to her new title of B.C. Master Athlete of the Year, Zeglinski is still holding onto her title of World Masters Champion after winning the women’s 55-to-59 crosscountry race at the 2019 UCI Mountain Bike Masters World Championship in Mont Ste. Anne, Que. “It’s bittersweet; I got to have the jersey for two years but I won’t ever have an event where I get to be in the outfit,” she said.

“Because there’s not going to be any racing this year, by the way it’s going.”

Routley from Team Whistler and Mark Bunyan, who Zeglinski credits with bringing her “technical skill level up a big notch.”

Rather than competing, the next challenge Zeglinski will face will be shoulder surgery this spring. Afterwards, she’ll balance her recovery with running her new business. She’s taking her decades of experience as a family physician in the corridor and funnelling it into a venture called Empowered Med that aims to help clients prevent and recover from burnout

through the principles of sport.

But that’s not to say Zeglinski’s turned the competitive taps off for good. “I need to ride fast enough that I can keep riding with my friends who are all racers,” she said.

Zeglinski expanded on her motivation in a recorded acceptance speech broadcast during Thursday’s virtual awards ceremony, explaining, “I truly believe in the old adage that we are all going to age—that’s inevitable—but growing old is a choice. So choose to be young: Stay fit, stay healthy and keep active.”

CRYSTAL GLOBE RESULTS First time’s the charm, if you’re Reece Howden.

The 22-year-old ski cross racer from Cultus Lake, B.C. officially took home his first Crystal Globe in Veysonnaz, Switzerland on March 21.

The win served as the culmination to a mind-blowing first full season on the World Cup circuit that saw Howden stand on six podiums, win four races, and earn the honour of being voted FIS Rookie of the Year, on top of earning the most overall points of any man on the circuit.

“I was trying to do the best that I could.

After Val Thorens in December, when I got a couple podiums I realized there was a possibility if I kept skiing well that I could win the Globe. It is just amazing, I am super blessed and excited,” said Howden in a

SPORTS THE SCORE release from Alpine Canada, shortly after receiving the Crystal Globe on Sunday.

The title didn’t come as a surprise to Howden, either. Impressively, he secured the Crystal Globe three whole races before the end of the season, thanks to his dominant start. Howden is only the second Canadian man to bring home the season’s top prize, after teammate Kevin Drury first secured the honour last season.

“It was an amazing season. I had a lot of fun, learned a lot and had a great time with the whole team,” he added.

Switzerland’s Jonas Lenherr finished the season second overall, while Bastien Mildol of France took third.

On the women’s circuit, Whistler’s Marielle Thompson finished the season third in the world cup standings, after she suffered an injury in training before the penultimate race of the year.

NorAm World Jr/U23 Championship Trials were originally scheduled to run at the venue in January.

“After unfortunately having to cancel [the Canadian Ski Championships] in each of the last two years to protect the safety of our athletes, coaches and volunteers while the COVID-19 pandemic continued to run its course, we are very much looking forward to reuniting our entire community in Whistler next March for our national championships,” said Stéphane Barrette, Nordiq Canada’s chief executive officer, in a release. “We look forward to working with Black Tusk Nordic Events Society on staging this prestigious event.”

The national championships will see more than 700 senior, junior and ParaNordic skiers compete in sprints, distance races and team sprints on Whistler Olympic Park’s trail network, the site of the 2010

“We are super excited to be the host Organizing Committee for the 2022 national championships, which will see the best skiers in Canada back at Whistler Olympic Park.”

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“It’s a bittersweet feeling to hang on to third place in the overall World Cup, I’m proud of the skiing I did this year to earn that spot but disappointed to be ending the season injured,” said Thompson in the release.

Thompson, a three-time Crystal Globe winner and 2014 Olympic champion, stood on the World Cup podium on five separate occasions this season, twice in second place and three times in third.

Switzerland’s Fanny Smith finished first in the World Cup standings to take home the Crystal Globe, while Alizee Baron of France took second.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO WHISTLER IN 2022 One full year after major sporting events were shut down left and right amidst the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic, Whistler Nordic fans finally have a few major competitions to look forward to in the coming years.

Nordiq Canada announced last week that the 94th Canadian Ski Championships will be held at Whistler Olympic Park from March 20 to 27, 2022, with the Callaghan Valley’s Black Tusk Nordic Events Society tapped to host. That event will serve as a dry run for the Society ahead of the Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships scheduled to take place in Whistler one year later, in 2023.

Before falling victim to COVID-19induced cancellations, the 2021 Teck BC Cross-Country Championships were slated to take place at Whistler Olympic Park from March 20 to 22 this year, while the 2021

Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“We are super excited to be the host Organizing Committee for the 2022 national championships, which will see the best skiers in Canada back at Whistler Olympic Park,” added Norm Laube, chair of the Black Tusk Nordic Events Society. “Our officials and volunteers are already working hard with Whistler Sport Legacies to be prepared to showcase the Olympic legacy venue.”

The announcement comes following last fall’s declaration from the International Ski Federation (FIS) that the Black Tusk Nordic Events Society will also host the next generation of Nordic stars— in cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined—at the World Junior/U23 U23 World Ski Championships at Whistler Olympic Park in 2023.

The event is expected to draw more than 700 athletes from 50 countries to compete for the World title in the Callaghan Valley.

The Canadian championships in 2022 will provide Canada’s up-and-coming Nordic athletes with a solid test event as they look ahead to the world championships the following year, Laube explained.

“Providing our young athletes with home snow advantage at a major international event will offer a critical test along their journey to represent Canada at future World Championships and the Olympics,” he said. “Just as importantly, our hope is that bringing these talented athletes to the West Coast will also help foster Olympic dreams in Canada’s youth, inspiring them to try our sports and get on skis.”

It will mark the third time the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Championships have been held at Whistler Olympic Park, after successful events at the venue in 2013 and 2008. n

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Michael Gallup Michael Gallup age 57 passed away peacefully in Whistler, BC on March 5, 2021. He is lovingly remembered by his mother Dianne Johnson, father Harold Gallup (Connie), brother Robert Johnson (Femi), sister Nicole Johnson, nieces and nephews, Cara, Levon, Audrey, David, and Brittany. Michael was predeceased by his stepfather, Kenneth Johnson in 2020.

Michael was born in Victoria, BC. and was a long-time resident of Whistler. Whistler was where he called home.

Many will remember him from the Blackcomb Barber Shoppe, driving school bus for school district 48, and later as a bus driver for Whistler Transit.

A Virtual Celebration of Life was held on March 31, 2021 at 11 AM. Please contact Squamish Funeral Chapel at info@squamishfuneralchapel.com to receive a recording of the service.

In Michael’s name donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

To write a condolence to the family, please visit www.squamishfuneralchapel.com APRIL 1, 2021

39

FORK IN THE ROAD

What a good egg!

EASTER SPRINGS FROM THIS TIMELESS SYMBOL FOR GOOD REASON EASTER! SPRING! RENEWAL! I’m not egging you on by saying there are plenty of good reasons why the mighty egg is the quintessential symbol for all things bright and beautiful popping up this time of year.

Start with the fact that just about every culture has some kind of creation myth embodied in the egg.

BY GLENDA BARTOSH There’s the world egg of proto-IndoEuropean cultures. The primordial egg of China’s creation myth around Pangu, a hairy giant who separated chaos into yin and yang. Ancient Egypt’s cosmic egg, which contained the primeval waters, and the Earth/Sky egg of Bantu mythology.

Then we have our amazing taken-forgranted everyday eggs—like the 180 or so eggs that cook Eva Zienkiewicz has been cracking open pretty much every day she’s worked for the past three years at Whistler’s Southside Diner, one of the best places in town for a slice of breakfast, local-style.

Next time you crack open an egg on the edge of your frying pan—it’s so easy, it must be so fragile!—remember this: The endless

TIMELESS SYMBOL The strength—and beauty—of the eggshell arch has been applied for centuries in architecture.

GETTYIMAGES.CA

40 APRIL 1, 2021

arch that makes up the shell’s shape is a paradigm of strength to protect its precious contents. (Eva has a black belt in martial arts from cracking open all those eggs—kidding!)

Poke around the web and you’ll find a ton of fun and, I say this endearingly, nerdy science sites with egg-cellent experiments that prove their strength. For one, try carefully breaking the shells in half then use them to support a stack of books or anything you think will look cool teetering on eggshells.

Some people use Dremel tools or a small saw to cut the shells precisely.

You first have to pierce a hole into the peaked end and dump the contents into a bowl. Education.com features a sciencefair project where the shells were cut vertically and horizontally. (And here you thought I might be getting bored at home.)

Interesting: vertical eggshell domes can hold nearly twice the weight of horizontal ones, some 20,000 grams vs. 10,000.

The strength—and beauty—of the arch has been applied for centuries in bridges, aqueducts, churches and more. In fact, the dome of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah, is based on a half eggshell, cut lengthwise or horizontally.

If we were all still living off the land like the world’s population used to before it urbanized, we’d see eggs in a whole new light besides the fluorescent glare of the grocery store.

For one, did you know that at the most optimal time, as in, when the chickens are in their prime and it’s summer with the

sun a-shinin’, a conventional chicken will produce about an egg a day? And, sorry, boys, they don’t need a rooster to do it.

“It’s a funny thing, isn’t it?” Jennie Helmer at Helmers’ Organic Farm in Pemberton told me a while back. “It’s the same as us [women] releasing an egg a month, really, except they release an egg a day in their fertile years, which starts around six months and goes on as long as they’re alive... And they don’t have to get fertilized.”

As for that lifespan, conventional chickens in a factory egg farm are usually killed when they’re just under a year, at the end of their peak production time. But the Helmers, who raise heritage breeds like Chanteclers—the first Canadian-bred chicken—have had them live seven times as long.

It’s chickens scratching around on the ground eating “insects and green stuff” that makes for a nice, deep yellow yolk that stands up, and an equally firm white—the clear stuff around the yolk, also called albumen.

Beware old eggs: You’ll know right away since the yolks and whites are runny like water. And don’t be fooled by commercial tricks-of-the-egg, like adding “natureidentical” carotenoids (found in plants), such as apo-ester and canthaxanthin, to chicken feed to make the yolks yellower, unless they’re also using best practices to back up the optics.

You can poach a perfect egg without a fancy-pants egg poacher. Just get a medium-sized pot, fill it with water, bring it to a rolling boil and drop in your good eggs for two minutes. Some people add a dollop

of vinegar, but then they’re probably not using farm fresh eggs. Otherwise, soft-boil them—two and a half minutes at a gentle rolling boil, with your egg in the pot of water from the start.

But if you’re like most locals, I bet you often get your eggs at a place like Southside Diner, where they figured that their old cook, “Chucky,” cracked at least 600,000 eggs in the course of his career there. They were going to buy him a T-shirt when he hit a million.

Fear not that you won’t be able to get your diner egg this weekend after Dr. Bonnie’s recent “circuit breaker.” No more indoor dining for three weeks, but it’s full steam ahead for take-out at the diner and every other eatery in town that need our support more than ever.

My favourite, and a diner classic, the B.E.L.T.C.H (a fried egg sandwich with cheese, bacon, ham, lettuce and tomato) is perfect for take-out. Likewise, Eva’s fave, the huevos rancheros. And grab a maple bacon milkshake while you’re at it.

In fact, I say hang loose this Easter and do nothing but take-out. Or grab a cozy blanket and dine out on a patio. You’ll spread the love. As for all that time on your hands now you can’t ride or ski the mountains any more this season, you can always cut eggshells in half for weird experiments. Have fun—and remember, those eggs = re-creation and renewal!

Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist who feels younger after eating eggs. n

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ARTS SCENE

Conquering Alexander mix genres and language in debut EP WHISTLER GROUP RELEASES 9202, AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS

BY ALYSSA NOEL CONQUERING Alexander might have been born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but to trace the group’s true origins, you have to go back to 2014.

That was the year Sebastian Rubio and Elliott English first met in Whistler while working at The Keg. Rubio, originally from Chile, had been a writer since he was 15 and English had been playing guitar just as long.

“We would go to the Crystal and do open mics,” Rubio says. “He’d do riffs and I’d spit rhymes.”

That informal jamming came to an end when Rubio moved to Edmonton to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. In the meantime, English was in Banff after finishing a biology degree in England.

“We were like, ‘Let’s meet up.’ He had his guitar and the first thing we did was started jamming,” Rubio says of their visit in the Alberta resort town. “It was a better level than what we were doing at the Crystal in 2014.”

DEBUT RELEASE Conquering Alexander are ready to make their Whistler debut.

PHOTO BY DAN WHEATE

42 APRIL 1, 2021

But it wasn’t until he finished his degree and was passing through Whistler—with his eyes set on Vancouver—that Rubio connected with English again.

“I messaged Elliott—he was my closest connection and I knew he was in town. He said, ‘How’s it going? Let’s meet for a beer,’” Rubio recalls.

That night they headed back down to their old stomping grounds at the Crystal, where English introduced him to his friends

days later just to make sure the initial impression stuck.

“This time, it was a higher level,” Rubio says. “We connected at a deeper level. What our lyrics were saying, how the guitar was screaming, how our soul singer was doing voices, it came out beautiful. At the end, we were like, ‘This is something.’”

Conquering Alexander—gleaning its name from the idea of conquering Alexander the Great, “one of the greatest

“We connected at a deeper level.”

- SEBASTIAN RUBIO

William Ravenhall and William Osborn.

“He explains, ‘I went to university with these guys. This guy is a singer and this guy is a rapper. I’ve been telling them about you. Maybe we can all hang out one day and jam and see what’s up,” Rubio says.

One drink turned into another and one day turned into that evening. “We were pretty tipsy, but it was still a fantastic jam session,” he adds with a laugh. “I had that feeling. It was incredible how the universe puts you in a situation where you feel like, ‘I shouldn’t be anywhere but here.’ Everyone was on the same page.”

Still, they reconvened—sober—a few

conquerors of all time”—was born.

This being 2020, though, it meant that hopes of performing anywhere any time soon were on hold. Instead, the group got busy songwriting.

Mixing hip hop, R&B, and soul, with lyrics tackling the human condition, they turned out about 10 songs before cutting the list in half to create their debut EP, 9202, which they officially released on all streaming platforms on Saturday, March 27.

Rubio sums the tracks up: “‘The Realness’ is about how you gotta be real, accept things as they are; ‘Mama Don’t Play Around’ is about seeing where your

boundaries are; ‘Lost in the Midst,’ you’re on a journey, keep grinding; ‘No More Love’ is about self love, everything you need to have it. We don’t need that extra validation.”

It’s all rounded out by “Society Soldier,” a song about following your path rather than societal standards.

Adding another unique twist, while the album is largely in English, it also features Spanish and French.

“Me being from Chile, I started rapping in Spanish back in the day,” Rubio explains. “I developed this English persona; it was a novel thing there. For me to express everything I had in me, I had to express myself in Spanish and English. Why limit myself to just one?”

With an EP launch behind them, and the prospects of in-person concerts uncertain, the group is still forging ahead with a commitment to spreading their music, despite the times.

“Our vision is, we want to do this for the rest of our lives,” Rubio says. “We want to grind and travel doing this. Of course, it’s hard … After the EP, we expect more hard work. We have more material, we’ll keep going to radio, push an online presence, get on playlists. We want to be on tour in 2022. If it can’t be this year, it has to be next year.”

For more, check out instagram.com/ conquering.alexander/. n

ARTS SCENE

EXHIBITION EXTENDED TO MAY 9 TH

RESERVOIR

BY REBECCA BELMORE

UPCOMING EXHIBIT The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is set to host a new exhibit called Boarder X starting on April 29.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM WHISTLER

New SLCC exhibit combines boards and connection to the land ARTS NEWS: SQUAMISH ARTS COUNCIL SEEKS SEA TO SKY SUBMISSIONS; POET’S PAUSE WANTS YOUR WRITING

BY ALYSSA NOEL THE SQUAMISH Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is set to launch a new exhibit on April 29.

Boarder X will feature both local and international Indigenous artists who use snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing as ways to show their knowledge of and connection to the land.

“It’s a bit of a risk we’re taking, aiming at a demographic we don’t usually see coming through our doors, but I believe in the message and the great asset of this youthful town. Our connection to the land, whether through recreation, art, or sustainable stewardship, is a feeling we all share together,” says Heather Paul, executive director of the SLCC. The show—which aims to “reflect cultural, political, environmental, and social perspectives in relationship to the landscapes and territories we occupy,” according to a release—was curated by the Winnipeg Art Gallery. The upcoming exhibit, however, marks its first time in an Indigenous-owned building.

For more, stay tuned to slcc.ca.

SQUAMISH ARTS COUNCIL SEEKS PUBLIC ART PROPOSALS The Squamish Arts Council is on the hunt for two public art projects, with preference given to Sea to Sky artists or those from the Squamish Nation who reside anywhere in B.C. Funding is available for two projects, each up to a maximum of $10,000.

This year’s theme is “Interactive & Light.”

Open to non-profit art groups, individual artists, a variety of community groups and societies, artist collectives, and partnerships between businesses and artists, the projects

will be on display outdoors—though they can be permanent or temporary.

Some examples include sculptures, murals, digital projections, or more functional art like bike racks and streetscape improvements.

Project funding, meanwhile, can include art, technician or designer fees, materials and supplies, equipment rentals, cost of setting up a safe venue for production, documentation, project management, or support for volunteers and participants.

A jury will evaluate and select the two projects. The deadline is April 11.

For more information, or to apply, visit squamishartscouncil.com/public-artgrant-application.

NO JOKE—POET’S PAUSE DEADLINE IS APRIL 1 It’s that time of year again.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is seeking unpublished poems for its annual Poet’s Pause poetry competition. The winning poems are displayed at the Poet’s Pause sculpture sites in Alta Lake Park.

The themes are “listening” and “togetherness.”

“The Resort Municipality of Whistler is a proud champion of the art community and supports emerging and established artists in a variety of mediums through our public art program,” said Mayor Jack Crompton in a release. “Public art creates a rich resort experience and inspires creative conversations and thought. The Poet’s Pause poetry competition has a long history in Whistler and has helped showcase the work of local writers.”

The winning poets will receive $200 and have their poem read at a council meeting in April as part of National Poetry Month.

The deadline is April 1 at 3 p.m. Send your submission to resortexperience@ whistler.ca. n

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AT THE WHISTLER MUSEUM we often hear stories about the lodges that used to be plentiful around Alta Lake (as well as Nita Lake) from people who worked, stayed, partied or even lived at one sometime between the 1930s and 1980s. Some of the lodges, like the Mount Whistler Lodge, began as summer resorts before skiing was really thought of in the area, while others, such as the Christiana Inn, were part of the increase in development that started with the building of lifts on Whistler Mountain.

Sandy and Puddy Martin, who developed much of the Alta Vista neighbourhood, opened the Christiana Inn on the eastern shore of Alta Lake in 1967. They reportedly named their new venture after a similarly named lodge in Sun Valley, ID. The Christiana facilities included a heated, outdoor swimming pool, a beauty salon, gift shop, lounge area, and dining room. Located only five minutes from the lifts on Whistler Mountain and offering many activities around the lake, the Christiana catered to both winter and summer guests.

In the late 1960s, the Martins added on to the Christiana with a tennis court, a poolside dining and dancing area, and even a second dining room. The Christiana hosted fashion shows, dances, public meetings, après ski entertainment, and films, and even offered a free bus service for guests in the ski season. Over time, the pool was covered with a fiberglass roof in the winter and was opened to guests not staying at the Christiana for a nominal fee (in 1973, this fee was $1 for adults and $0.50 for children).

Sandy and Puddy sold the Christiana Inn in the mid 1970s. In 1979 the management of the lodge was taken over by brothers Ole and Per Christiansen, who hoped to “gradually alter the inn to a Bavarian atmosphere” and began offering traditional German fare in the restaurant (prepared by Swiss chef Pascal Tiphine) and

advertising the Christiana alongside the “newly decorated” Side Door Disco.

It would seem that it was during the midto-late 1970s that the Christiana Inn pool began to be known for belly flop and wet T-shirt contests. In May 1978 Brad Cooper wrote in The Whistler Question that “May 22 at the Christiana Inn will be well-remembered as the day over 20 people attempted to splash the most water out of a pool and live to tell about it.” He described hundreds of spectators crowding the pool area and watching from the roof and gave credit to the Christiana and organizers for a “wild but harmless event.”

Others did not find these contests quite as entertaining. In a letter to the editor of the Question in June 1979, T. Wood described the awards ceremony of the Great Snow Earth Water Race as “a fiasco at sleazy Christiana with wet T-shirts and belly flops, which require no talent.”

They claimed one contestant from the race was even “pushed into the filthy Christiana pool.”

In March 1980 rumours claimed that the Christiana Inn had unexpectedly ceased operations, causing the Whistler Rotary Club to lunch at the Filling Station instead. The then-owners of the Christiana, Travelscope Hotels Ltd., reported that the lodge was still operating but that the management company that had been in charge was no longer operating the hotel (it appears that the management had left town while still owing money to their employees).

The hotel and bar were still open, though the kitchen was temporarily closed due to a fire in the deep fryer.

In May 1980 the Christiana reopened for the summer as the Alta Lake Inn, wellremembered for its restaurant, which offered Chinese food and take-out. Later in the 1980s, the Alta Lake Inn closed as a resort and the property was converted into private condos, known today as Whistler on the Lake. Stories of the Christiana Inn, however, continue to be told throughout Whistler. If you have stories you would like to add to our records, let us know at the Whistler Museum. n

PARTIAL RECALL

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SPRING SUNSET What do you do when the mountain unexpectedly closes? Start preparing for paddle season, no matter how chilly or partially frozen the valley’s lakes might be—at least if you’re this mystery paddle boarder, as seen on GAPER FOOLS’ DAY When skiers and snowboarders uploaded Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak Chair on Monday, March 29, for some spring powder laps under sunny blue skies, they had no idea it would be the last day of Whistler Blackcomb’s 2020-21 winter season. We wish this was an April Fool’s joke. PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE. 3 ICE IS NICE You think we could let what’s now the last week of the ski season pass us by without publishing one last photo of the Blackcomb Glacier ice cave? Think again. Pictured is Magda cooling down on the ancient ice. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE GRAF. 4 FAREWELL FREESTYLE WRAP The queue formed for beloved Whistler eatery Ingrid’s Village Café on its last day of lunch service before shutting its doors for good could rival the Blackcomb Gondola lineup on a 30-centimetre day. Bye Ingrid’s, thanks for the memories! PHOTO SUBMITTED. 5 JACK SNACK Feeding the 1

Green Lake at sunset on Monday, March 29. PHOTO BY LAURA WOERLEE. 2

Whiskey Jacks that fly around Whistler Blackcomb’s slopes might be ill advised, but it’s hard to say no when they’re this cute. PHOTO SUBMITTED.

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

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ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF APRIL 1 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Playwright August Strindberg

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The Resort Municipality of Whistler advises that the parcel tax roll for the 2021 roll year are available for public inspection at the Resort Municipality of Whistler Municipal Hall, 4325 Blackcomb Way, business hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday only (inclusive) (statutory holidays excluded).

The Resort Municipality of Whistler also advises that any complaints of the tax roll must be received by the Manager of Financial Services no later than 4:30 PM, Friday, April 02, 2021.

Valid Complaints are: • Errors or omission of a name or address, • Errors or omissions on inclusion of a parcel, • Errors or omissions of taxable area or taxable frontage, • An exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed.

A complaint must be in writing and must: • Include an address for delivery of any notices in respect of the complaint, • Identify the property of which the complaint is made, • Include the full name of the complainant and telephone number where they can be contacted at regular business hours, • Indicate if the complainant is the owner of the property, • Indicate, if applicable, the name of the complainant’s agent and telephone number where they can be contacted at regular business hours, • State the grounds that the complaint is based upon, • And any other prescribed information.

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(1849–1912) was a maverick innovator who loved to experiment with plot and language. One of his stories takes place in a dream and the hero is the Christ-like daughter of a Vedic god. He once said that he felt “an immense need to become a savage and create a new world.” Given your current astrological potentials, Aries, I suspect that might be an apt motto for you right now. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied.

There’s no need for you to become a savage. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. But the coming weeks will definitely be a good time to start creating a new world.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Who says all Tauruses are gentle, risk-avoidant, sensible, and reliable? Taurus author Mary MacLane (1861–1929), known as the “Wild Woman of Butte, Montana,” authored shocking, scandalous books. In I Await the Devil’s Coming, she testified, “I am not good. I am not virtuous. I am not generous. I am merely a creature of intense passionate feeling. I feel—everything. It is my genius. It burns me like fire.” Can I convince you, Taurus, to make her your role model for the coming weeks? APRIL FOOL! I don’t think you should be EXACTLY like MacLane.

Please leave out the part about “I am not good. I am not virtuous. I am not generous,” as well as the “I await the devil’s coming” part. But yes, do be a creature of intensely passionate feeling. Let your feelings be your genius, burning in you like a fire.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Poet Emily Dickinson had a good sense of humour, so she was probably making a wry joke when she wrote, “The lovely flowers embarrass me.

They make me regret I am not a bee.” But who knows?

Maybe Emily was being a bit sincere, too. In any case, I advise you to make a list of all the things you regret not being—all the qualities and assets you wish you had, but don’t. It’s a favourable time to wallow in remorse.

APRIL FOOL! I was totally lying! In fact, I hope you will do the reverse: Engage in an orgy of self-appreciation, celebrating yourself for being exactly who you are.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Provocation specialist Lydia Lunch is a singer and poet who is skilled at generating interesting mischief. She testifies, “My daily existence is a battlecade of extreme fluctuations where chaos clobbers apathy, which beats the s--- out of depression which follows irritability which slams into anger which eclipses ecstasy which slips through my fingers far too often.” In the coming weeks, Cancerian, I recommend you adopt her melodramatic approach to living the intense life. APRIL FOOL! I lied. Please don’t be like Lydia Lunch in the near future. On the contrary: Cultivate regal elegance, sovereign poise, and dynamic equanimity.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 1692, a Swedish man named Thiess of Kaltenbrun was put on trial for being a werewolf. He claimed to be a noble werewolf, however.

He said he regularly went down to Hell to do holy combat against the Devil. I suggest you make him your inspirational role model in the coming weeks. Be as weird as you need to be in order to fight for what’s good and right. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. What I really meant to say was: Be as weird as you need to be to fight for what’s good and right, but without turning into a werewolf, zombie, vampire, or other supernatural monster.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “I want to hear raucous music, to brush against bodies, to drink fiery Benedictine,” wrote author Anais Nin. “Beautiful women and handsome men arouse fierce desires in me. I want to dance. I want drugs. I want to know perverse people, to be intimate with them. I want to bite into life.” All that sounds like perfect counsel for you to consider right now, dear Virgo! APRIL FOOL! I lied. Nin’s exuberant testimony might be an interesting perspective to flirt with—if the COVID-19 virus had been completely tamed.

But it hasn’t. So I must instead suggest that you find ways to express this lively, unruly energy in safe and sublimated ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Here are affirmations that will serve you well in the coming days: 1. “I am willing to make mistakes if someone else is willing to learn from them.” 2. “I am grateful that I’m not as judgmental as all the shortsighted, self-righteous people.” 3. “I assume full responsibility for my actions, except those that are someone else’s fault.” 4. “A good scapegoat is as welcome as a solution to the problem.” APRIL FOOL! All the preceding affirmations are total bunk! Don’t you dare use them. Use these instead: 1. “I enjoy taking responsibility for my actions.” 2. “Rather than indulging in the reflex to blame, I turn my attention to fixing the problem.” 3. “No one can make me feel something I don’t want to feel.” 4. “I’m free from believing in the images people have of me.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to author Kahlil Gibran, “If we were all to sit in a circle and confess our sins, we would laugh at each other for lack of originality.” But I challenge you Scorpios to refute that theory in the coming days. For the sake of your sanity and health, you need to commit highly original sins—the more, the better. APRIL FOOL! I lied. Save your novel, imaginative sinning for later. The truth is that now is an excellent time to explore the joyous and healthy practice of being extremely virtuous. Imitate author Susan Sontag: “My idolatry: I’ve lusted after goodness. Wanting it here, now, absolutely, increasingly.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The coming months would be a great time to start your own university and then award yourself a PhD in Drugless Healing or Mathematical Reincarnation or Political Metaphysics—or any other subject you’d like to be considered an expert in. Hey, why not give yourself three PhDs and call yourself a Professor Emeritus? APRIL FOOL! I’m just joking. The coming months will indeed be an extremely favourable time to advance your education, but with real learning, not fake credentials.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): After his Nirvana bandmate Kurt Cobain committed suicide, Capricorn drummer Dave Grohl was depressed for months. To cheer himself up, he wrote and recorded an album’s worth of songs, playing almost all the instruments himself: drums, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, and vocals. I think you should try a similar spectacularly heroic solo task in the coming weeks. APRIL FOOL! I lied. Here’s my true and actual advice: Now is a time when you should gather all the support and help and cooperation you can possibly garner for an interesting project.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Argentine poet Alejandra Pizarnik told her psychoanalyst León Ostrov that if she were going to steal something, it would be “the façade of a certain collapsed house in a little town called Fontenay-aux-Roses [near Paris].” What was so special about this façade? Its windows were made of “magical” lilac-colored glass that was “like a beautiful dream.” In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you, too, to decide what marvel you would steal—and then go steal it! APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. Yes, definitely decide what you would steal—it’s important to give your imagination permission to be outrageous—but don’t actually steal it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I’ve never understood the appeal of singer-songwriter Morrissey, especially since he began endorsing bigoted far-right politicians.

However, I want to recommend that you adopt the attitude he once expressed in a letter to a friend. “It was a terrible blow to hear that you actually worked,” he wrote. “It’s so old-fashioned to work. I’d much rather lounge about the house all day looking fascinating.” Be like that in the coming weeks, Pisces! APRIL FOOL! I lied.

In fact, you’d be making a silly mistake to lie around the house looking fascinating. It’s a highly favourable time for you to find ways to work harder and smarter.

Homework. Send the secrets you could only tell a stranger. FreeWillAstrology.com

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca

46 APRIL 1, 2021

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

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5 3 4 . Plan Checker – Temporary Part-Time 1 4 3 7 .

8 . Chief Operator, Water Distribution – Regular Full-Time 6 Senior IT Business Analyst – Regular Full-Time 4Support Specialist6– Regular 2 Full-Time 1 . IT . IT Application Specialist – Regular Full-Time 2 3 1 5 . Executive Assistant to the General Manager of 8 Community Planning & Infrastructure/Administrative Technical Coordinator – Regular Full-Time 6 9 2

The N’Quatqua First Nation is seeking a qualified Aboriginal Supported Child Development Educator to fill a full-time position at N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre. The successful candidate will join our NCFDC team, the function of the Aboriginal Supported Child Development Educator is to provide the extra staffing support to a child care center in order for children with extra support needs to fully participate in the child care settings chosen by their families. The Educator works as a team member with child care setting staff and with all the children and families providing general support to the whole program to ensure effective inclusion of the children.

HARD

NOTICES GENERAL NOTICES

For more information visit squamish.ca/careers # 49

HARD

ROTARY CLUBS OF WHISTLER

The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability in: • Ability to develop and maintain a warm, caring, responsive relationship with the child.

D J

• Ability to establish and maintain supportive, collaborative relationships with families and staff.

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.

[SALES & EVENT MANAGER]

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, positive, professional, non-judgemental attitude.

7 4 1 2 5 + M 8C P /B

FREE G 1 5 9 Renovated restaurant + event space Ranked top Golf Courses in Canada 9 within Award winning culture 4 3 8 1 More info/apply: nicklausnorth.com/employment Inquire: jlowe@gol c.com4| Jason Lowe 7 6 5 2 6 histler’s Best Pa o + Lounge + Restaurant 3 9 Whistler’s 5 1

• Physically ability to carry out the duties of the position.

• Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports community, inclusion and is culturally significant for young Aboriginal children • Understanding and working knowledge of Child Care Licensing regulations • Interpersonal, written, oral communication skills and maintaining positive communication with parents • Collaborating with community service providers, Self-directed and able to initiate and complete projects In addition, the Educator will have: • A minimum of 2 years work experience in a child care setting • Valid Early Childhood Educator Certificate, SNE Licence to Practice.

• Clear Criminal Records Check & Current First Aid • Food Safe or willingness to obtain

HARD

• Some knowledge of curriculum and philosophies in First Nations Early Childhood settings.

5 2 7 3 MEETING PLACE 8 6 8 7 9 9 7VOLUNTEERS 4 2 6 7 8

Welcome Centre at Whistler Public Library - Information, support, community connections and ESL practice groups for newcomers and immigrants. Meet people, make connections, volunteer, build your communication skills in English.

Multicultural Meet Up every Friday 9.3012pm.604-698-5960 info@welcomewhistler.com FB: WhistlerWelcomeCentre

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.

# 51

HARD

Terms of Employment: • Full-time, Monday to Thursday hours to be determined • Start Date: As soon as possible • Wage: (negotiable depending on experience) Cover Letter & Resume to: Title: Lisa Sambo, Manager Agency: N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre Email: lisa.sambo@nquatqua.ca Fax: 604-452-3295/3280

# 49

Deadline: until position is filled We thank all those who apply. Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

50 APRIL 1, 2021

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6 2 5 9 4 5 6 7TIME) 8 3 9 2 (FULL TIME# 50AND16 PART 4 6 8 1 8 7 3 9 2 1 5 4

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www.sudoku.com

CASHIERS

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Front of house positions The Pony Restaurant in Pemberton is looking for a few new members to join our front of house team!

We are currently looking for: Full Day shift bartender: (thursdayMonday 11:30-5pm) this job requires previous bartending experience, a good knowledge of local bc craft beers, and wine. Have a good positive work ethic and be comfortable in a fast paced setting.

Servers: Must have previous serving experience in a similar style fast paced restaurant, full & part time positions available, variety of day/night shifts.

Must have up to date SIR cert. events@thepony.ca ***Local Automotive*** Automotive technician for year round position in Whistler. 604-905-9109 steve@localautomotive.com

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre PO BOX 88/64 CASPER CHARLIE PLACE, DARCY BC V0N 1L0

The Listel Hotel Whistler is now hiring for the year-round leadership position of

FRONT OFFICE MANAGER • Responsible for leading a dynamic front office team and daily operations • Competitive Salary and incentives provided • Extended Management Health and Wellness Benefits available For more information and application, please send resume and cover letter to hr@listelhotel.com Thank you for your interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted.

JOB POSTINGS

PRESCHOOL CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INFANT TODDLER EDUCATOR The N’Quatqua First Nation is seeking 2 qualified Early Childhood Educators. One is a full-time permanent position, the other is a full time maternity leave position at N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre. The successful candidates will join our NCFDC team. The Early Childhood Educators work as team members with other child care setting staff and with all the children and families providing general support to the whole program to ensure effective inclusion of the children.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability in: • Ability to develop and maintain a warm, caring, responsive relationship with the child.

• Ability to establish and maintain supportive, collaborative relationships with families and staff.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, positive, professional, nonjudgmental attitude.

• Physically ability to carry out the duties of the position.

• Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports community, inclusion and is culturally significant for young Aboriginal children

PIQUE NEWSMAGAZINE

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REGULAR MAIL WITHIN CANADA

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PAY BY MASTERCARD, VISA OR AMEX TEL. 604-938-0202 FAX. 604-938-0201

www.whistlerexcavations.com

The Sea to Sky corridor’s top civil construction company.

We are currently recruiting professionally minded people to join our team.

Required: Construction Labourers Pipelayers Please send resume to: Email: info@whistlerexcavations.com

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities • Manager, Legislative Services/Corporate Officer • Planner - Projects • Journeyperson Carpenter - Capital Projects • Utilities Group Labourer 1 • Waste Operations Coordinator • Labourer I - Turf • Student Labourer I - Turf • Student Labourer I - Horticulture Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

• Understanding and working knowledge of Child Care Licensing regulations • Interpersonal, written, oral communication skills and maintaining positive communication with parents • Collaborating with community service providers, Self-directed and able to initiate and complete projects In addition, the Early Childhood Educators will have: • A minimum of 2 years work experience in a child care setting • Valid Early Childhood Educator Certificate, ECE Licence to Practice or going to school to take Early Childhood Educator courses.

• Clear Criminal Records Check & Current First Aid • Food Safe or willingness to obtain • Some knowledge of curriculum and philosophies in First Nations Early Childhood settings.

Terms of Employment: • Full-time, Monday to Friday hours to be determined • Start Date: As soon as possible • Wage: (negotiable depending on experience) Cover Letter & Resume to: Title: Lisa Sambo, Manager Agency: N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre Email: lisa.sambo@nquatqua.ca Fax: 604-452-3295/3280 Deadline: until position is filled We thank all those who apply. Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

APRIL 1, 2021

51

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM/JOBS

THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

Cardinal Concrete, A Division of Lafarge Canada Inc is the leading supplier of ready-mix concrete in the Sea to Sky Corridor and has been involved in building the communities of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton for over 40 years. We are currently seeking a career oriented individual to fill the role of Commercial Transport Mechanic at our Head Office Location in Squamish, BC. COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT MECHANIC Responsible for performing preventative maintenance inspections and repairs to all new and existing fleet assets according to the Preventative Maintenance program. The ability to quickly and effectively troubleshoot and repair engines, electrical systems, and general truck repair is a must. Job duties also include following a scheduled PM program, environmental and safety compliance and administrative duties, while supporting all departments with safe and reliable equipment. Excellent wage and benefits package as per the Union Contract QUALIFICATIONS: ■ B.C. Certificate of Qualification, and/or Interprovincial Ticket as a Commercial Transport Mechanic, and/or Heavy Duty Mechanic Ticket ■ Class 1 or 3 driver’s license an asset ■ BC - Commercial Vehicle Inspectors Certificate an asset ■ Forklift experience an asset ■ Welding and fabricating experience an asset To apply submit your cover letter and resume to info@cardinalconcrete.ca

COAST CONSTRUCTION JOIN OUR TEAM - We are hiring

Full-service construction company – custom homes, residential renovations and commercial construction – hiring for:

PLAY HERE

Project Manager Carpenter Carpenter Apprentice Office Administrator (part-time) Competitive wages, Benefit package To apply with cover letter and resume or to inquire further about working at Coast: careers@coastconstruction.ca Connect with us: www.coastconstruction.com coastconstruction.group

» piquenewsmagazine.com/jobs

52 APRIL 1, 2021

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

Hiring – Experienced Excavator Operator Corona Excavations Ltd is looking for experienced excavator operator’s to join our crew. We are a civil based construction company with a professional and enjoyable working environment working in the sea to sky corridor from Pemberton to Squamish.

We are offering full-time hours with wages and benefits dependent on experience. 3+ years’ operating experience preferable but not essential.

If you are interested or have any questions please call 604-966-4856 or send an email with your CV to Dale@coronaexcavations.com.

Hiring – Experienced Pipelayers/Labourers

Don’t cut your Whistler season short 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 growing. Opportunities abound!

Corona Excavations Ltd is looking for experienced pipelayers and labourers to work for the upcoming construction season. We are a civil based construction company with a professional and enjoyable working environment working in the sea to sky corridor from Pemberton to Squamish.

WE ARE HIRING NOW IN PREPARATION FOR SUMMER.

We are offering full-time hours with wages dependant on experience.

• STAFF ACCOMMODATION • EXTENDED HEALTH BENEFITS • FREE STAFF MEALS

If you are interested or have any questions please call 604-966-4856 or email me with your CV at Dale@coronaexcavations.com.

Secure your job and staff accommodation now and don’t miss out on everything Summer has to offer.

PERKS AND BENEFITS • FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE • MARRIOTT HOTEL DISCOUNTS

Email your resume to work@westinwhistler.com

Are you ready to start a career path in sales?

We are currently in search of high-quality team members who are experienced or willing to learn!

We offer competitive hourly wage + commissions

ResortQuest Whistler is currently hiring:

Work Perks: • Daily/Weekly sales contests for prizes • Tiered spiffs • Seasonal “Spirit” ski/snowboard pass

Apply at https://www.fvwireless.com/company/careers/

• Room Attendants Benefits include - activity allowance, extended medical, RRSP match, opportunities for growth and more.

To apply for this opportunity, please specify the position and email your resume and cover letter to: beth.fraser@vacasa.com We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Employment Opportunities: DO YOU LIVE IN PEMBERTON? THEN WHY COMMUTE TO WHISTLER?

Guest Services Agents Room Attendants

Apply to: jobs@pembertonvalleylodge.com

Competitive wages, health benefits, casual environment APRIL 1, 2021

53

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM/JOBS

THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

COAST CONSTRUCTION JOIN OUR TEAM We are a full-service construction company – custom homes, residential renovations and commercial construction – and looking to hire an experienced and dedicated construction industry professional.

Senior Project Manager Competitive wages, Benefit package To apply with cover letter and resume or to inquire further about working at Coast: careers@coastconstruction.ca

Spray Foam Technician

Full Time - Permanent Full Wages Time - Permanent Competitive - Benefits Package Competitive Wages - Benefits Package Training Provided for the Right Candidate

info@tminsulation.ca

SEEKING STRONG, ACTIVE, RELIABLE AND

NOW HIRING NATURE-LOVING F/T & P/T STAFF FOR OUR 23

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NO EXPERIENCE? AT MOUNTAINBERRY, WE PROUDLY TEACH YOU HOW TO LAYOUT, GROW AND MAINTAIN BEAUTIFUL & ICONIC GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES.

SEASON!

SEEKING LEAD HANDS & TEAM MEMBERS: STARTING WAGE FROM $17.00-$19.00/HOUR SKILLS TRAINING, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT POSITIVE, ENCOURAGING TEAM & LEADERS SMALL CREWS & COVID-19 SAFETY COMPLIANT WORK IN WHISTLER’S MOST ICONIC GARDENS SEASON RUNS APPROX. APRIL 15 - OCTOBER 31

APPLY NOW: Send your resume and availability to carolyn@mountainberrylandscaping.ca

54 APRIL 1, 2021

Want to line up your next job with the ski/ snowboard season suddenly over?

Looking to join a construction company that believes in growing their team from within while building meaningful projects throughout the Sea to Sky? If you are looking to advance your career, Murphy Construction offers support in the ITA Red Seal program, mentorship, training and more. Get your resume in now, and line up your next job for late spring in Whistler. We are hiring CARPENTERS, ASPIRING TICKETED CARPENTERS, and LABOURERS. Please send resume to info@murphyconstruction.ca

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Regional Business Liaison (Temporary Full-time)

WE’RE HIRING OPERATIONS MANAGER If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are skilled at managing people, equipment, and systems please apply in confidence to join our team at: https://secure.collage.co/jobs/coastalmountain/21269

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is located in southwestern BC and consists of 4 member municipalities (Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet) and 4 electoral areas.

The region contains some of the most spectacular forests, waterways, and mountains in the province and affords an endless range of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of regional, sub-regional and local services to its residents.

Services include land use planning, solid waste management, building inspection, fire protection, emergency preparedness, 911 services, recreation, water and sewer utilities, trails and open spaces as well as financial support for various community services.

The SLRD is seeking to fill the temporary (one year), full-time position of Regional Business Liaison. Reporting to the Communications and Engagement Manager, this position will encompass a wide range of responsibilities for the development, coordination and implementation of the Rural Business and Community Recovery Program for the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. This position will work closely with existing business support agencies in the SLRD to support local businesses through the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and connect businesses with resources to navigate the challenge of COVID-19 recovery - potentially the transition to online, curbside and delivery services, and initiatives such as “buy local”.

Collaborating with Economic Development Officers and organisations, the Regional Business Liaison will help to advance the economic development strategies and initiatives throughout the SLRD region, from Porteau Cove to rural Lillooet and the Upper Bridge River Valley. In addition to acting as a liaison, the position provides services to communities, local businesses, non-profit organizations and Indigenous-owned businesses within the SLRD, to source, access and utilize the support programs made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Regional Business Liaison provides business planning support for small businesses, coordinates access to funding opportunities and may assist with identifying grant opportunities.

NOW HIRING

We are looking for the following positions to join our well established family practice

Certified Dental Assistant Registered Dental Hygienist New grads welcome! Full or Part Time, no weekend shifts! Extended benefits package provided after 3 months employment.

Please send your resume to: managercreeksidedentalwhistler@gmail.com

The ideal candidate will have post-secondary training in economics, business administration or management, and will also possess demonstrated skills, and experience in the following areas: • Excellent research and analytical skills; • Sound analytical thinking, decision-making, planning, prioritization and execution skills culminating in results-oriented problem solving; • High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability; • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; • High level of integrity, confidentiality and accountability; The RBL must reside within the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.

For further information, please see the full job description at www.slrd.bc.ca/employment.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume with a covering letter by email, no later than April 8, 2021 to: Nathalie Klein, Administrative Assistant nklein@slrd.bc.ca We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Glacier Media Group is growing. Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: Foremen, Carpenters, Labourers, Apprentices

www.glaciermedia.ca/careers

R001408475

WE ARE HIRING:

Please contact Marc@balmoralconstruction.com

APRIL 1, 2021

55

CALL THE EXPERTS

Want to advertise your service on this page?

BLINDS ETC.

Call Pique at (604) 938-0202, or email sales@piquenewsmagazine.com

BLINDS ETC.

BLINDS ETC.

SUNCREST WINDOW COVERINGS

WINDOW COVERINGS Whistler’s Source for Blinds since 1989

Custom Blinds • Shades • Draperies

• BLINDS • SHADES

• SHUTTERS • DRAPERY

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Custom Window Treatments Contact us today for a free quote or consultation info@suncrestwindowcoverings.com

CARPET CLEANING

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CLEANING

BLACK BEAR CARPET CLEANING LTD. • CARPETS • UPHOLSTERY

• TILES • CAR INTERIORS

Coast Mountain Cleaning • Full service cleaning • Residential & Commercial • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Property Maintenance • Established 2011 Insured & Bondable • Criminal background checks on all staff

www.blackbearcarpetcleaning.ca • 604 698 6610

604-966-1437

coastmountaincleaning@gmail.com

FURNITURE

S

• • • •

Wood blinds Sunscreens Shades Motorization

www.summersnow.ca

ummer

Snow Finishings Limited

CHIMNEY

We follow all VCH, Min of Health and WHO Covid 19 protocols

100% ECO FRIENDLY CERTIFIED

David Weldon david@summersnow.ca 604-938-3521

We use tea tree oil based cleaning products.

GLASS

BLACKCOMB CHIMNEY PATROL LTD. Serving Whistler since 1986

Specialized in cleaning Chimneys, Furnace & Airducts, Dryer vents.

Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc.

604.932.5775 / 1.877.932.5775 blackcombchimney@yahoo.ca

HANDYMAN

WINDOW REPLACEMENT

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Take advantage of the benefits and savings you will receive from new windows and doors.

Call Whistler Glass for your onsite consultation

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GENERAL MAINTENANCE

• Carpentry • Tiling • Drywall Repairs • Texture Finishing • Renovations • Installation • Painting • Plumbing • Snow Removal • Appliance Repairs Ask Us About • Mine Sweeping Your Home ROB PIDGEON • 604-932-7707 • Bonded & Insured

find us on

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HEATING AND COOLING

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

PAINT

Western Technical System Inc

HVAC/R

WHISTLER PROPERTY SERVICES

Our paint team has over 25 years combined paint sales experience, and we can help you get things right the first time. Now offering In Home Paint Consultations! Pemberton Valley Rona.

Let us help you love where you live.

Residential/Commercial Heat Pumps Boilers-Furnaces-Chillers Design Build Call us today! 778-994-3159 www.westerntechnical.net

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Book your in-home leen Consultation with Col today!

604-894-6240 7426 Prospect St, Pemberton

REAL ESTATE

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Serving the Sea to Sky Corridor Since 1963

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RE/MAX Sea to Sky Real Estate Whistler PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION 604-905-8855 1-888-689-0070 Dave@DaveBeattie.com

56 APRIL 1, 2021

Search properties in Whistler and Pemberton at www.DaveBeattie.com

▪ ▪ ▪

Phone: 604-932-3770

Surveys Surveys

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Surveys Plans

Window Cleaning

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SURVEYING

BUNBURY & ASSOCIA

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Pressure Washing

Surveys

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DOUG BUSH SURVEY SERVICES LTD DOUGLAS J BUSH AScT, RSIS p: 604-932-3314 c: 604-935-9515 Engineering & construction layout Topographic & site improvement surveys Municipal, volumetric & hydrographic surveys GPS - global positioning systems www.dbss.ca // dougb@dbss.ca

PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 11 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 33 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 44 46 51 52 53 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 68

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Slug cousin Ventricle neighbor Fluid rock Swift Lariat Future fries Misprint Municipal Dark yellow Touch or taste Area of land Follow Coaxing Big spread Me opposite That, to Jaime Distress signal Wise ones Boo and -Composed And, to Fritz Throw out Flavorful seed Corsage choices Med. plans Oil exporter Played cornet Wisdom teeth Goes fast Slur over Hagen of “The Other” Limber Slant Pale yellow Happen Chick’s parent Skiing mecca Goat cheese

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Old Clint Eastwood serial Places of refuge Evelyn Waugh’s brother Rio Grande town Performs a glissade Unearthly Hold sway Fall into disuse Vegas attraction Paris attraction Deceitful cunning Rover’s pal Get together again Vamoose Sofa Theater company, briefly Nudged forward In a few hours Portends Concerning Ms. Farrow of films Subsequently Em, Bee and Polly Belgium neighbor Shipping hazard Sketch Legend Composted Parts of speech Dentist’s advice Lose -- -- whisker Clean house Tresses Gridiron plays Fem. saint Famous Khan Weathervane dir.

6

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34 40 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 59 62 63 64 65 67 68 70 72 74 75 78 79 81 82 83 84 86 87 89 90 91

Four duos Showing no embarrassment Painter Claude -Hold off for Listens closely Frosting Talk idly Magnificent Disturb Poetry Lettuce and such Writer’s concern Down at the heels Had a question

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 30 32

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Hits the brakes Salsa go-with Volcanic output Um-hmm (2 wds.)

Noblemen Delegates Used the key Ladder parts Gridiron stats Out on the briny Kilo system Collar Park feature Comfy shoe Pretentious Waiting lines Ode inspirer “Ghosts” playwright Make happen Prepare dough Commends Game with pawns

Express one’s views Lincoln’s st.

Dais VIP “Uptown Girl” singer Border st.

Consumer advocate Old cattle town Slugger -- Maris Metallic sound Linden or Holbrook Umbrage It’s wreaked Tale of Helen of Troy Clear Debussy music Items for sale Repair a boot Gnawed away South Seas paradise On-ramp sign They give a hoot Principal 22-card deck Laissez- -Rockies resort Trawler net Pry bar Dull greens Geraint’s beloved One who governs Sorrowful wail Bit of cake Hawk’s refuge Candy base A number of times Distance across Sarcasm Playing card Decided on

93 95 99 100 101 102 104 105 106 108 111 113 114 115 116 117 118

Dainty Taboos Banking conveniences Purchases Circle portion Meadow murmur Grads Love in a gondola Daring deeds Safari animal Han or Ming Gave the boot to Salon treatment Kiddie-size Slept over Musical intros Old Greek marketplace

119 120 121 122 123 124 125 128 130 132 134 136 138

Venice “street” Deli sandwich Billfold container Mourning period Leer Rigid Inched Fall on deaf -So Breezes through KLM datum Waterlogged Tarzan companion

LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

6 8 5 4 9 5 1 8 3 8 6 5 7 5 2 9 1 2 8 3 3 2 6 7 4 7 3 8

HARD

# 50

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: HARD

4

7 4 5 8 5 9 3 8

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3 9

2

1 2 9 4

6 5 1

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HARD Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com# 51

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HARD

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# 52

ANSWERS ON PAGE 50

APRIL 1, 2021

57

MAXED OUT

There’s a formula for that…

WOW, DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN. Happy April Fool’s, you fools. Now it’s open; now it’s closed.

Death comes suddenly... always. Your heart beats; you’re alive. It stops; you’re dead. You never know which beat is your last. It happens suddenly, even if it was foreseeable.

I skied yesterday. The mountains are closed today. It happened suddenly. In the time it took me to go from the base to home.

It was foreseeable. I’m still shocked. But I’ve moved on to the third stage: Anger.

Anger is not an emotion that makes for

BY G.D. MAXWELL good writing. It does make for bad social media. So I’m going to let this simmer until next week and come to grips with yet another season foreshortened by political, corporate and human failure.

In the meantime, we are celebrating both April Fool’s Day and Easter this week.

With the mountains closed, my April Fools reveal of Oakley’s new Skier Collision Avoidance System seems untimely. So let’s focus on Easter since none of us need another joke pulled on us this week.

Easter, ostensibly the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, is the Rubik’s Cube of holidays and as such, has always been the holiday I most associate with celebrating my own state of normalcy, to wit: the State of Confusion, not to be confused with my current State of Anger.

Easter is often referred to as a movable feast. Movable because the holiday can fall any time between March 22 and April 25. Feast because... well, I’m not sure why but having stuffed my youthful face with chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chickens and accidentally ingested cellophane grass—an unwanted byproduct of speed and gluttony—often enough to wish I’d been born an atheist, I’ll just go with the flow on the feast thing.

Along with my cynical disbelief in all things miraculous, it was this ethereal quality of Easter that led me to conclude religion and I would follow two different life paths. I reckoned if the death and resurrection of Jesus were the touchstone events of Christianity and the most learned Keepers of the Faith couldn’t nail down the date of those miracles any closer than within an entire month, who was zooming who, so to speak?

But in my quest to study all things trivial, I learned the whole Easter thing was a religious-political compromise, a melding of cultures and, best of all, a really cool astronomical-mathematical puzzle.

It wasn’t enough to bring me back into the fold, but trotting out the Formula For Determining Easter is still a great party trick, assuming we still had parties.

Like most religious holidays, Easter has pagan roots modern churches take great

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pains to dye with a colouring of piety. And like most pagan holidays, it has more than a passing relation to fertility, which is to say, foolin’ around. Not coincidentally, like Christmas, it also has to do with the astronomical changing of the seasons, this time the vernal equinox.

Easter is the climax of Lent, which is so complicated and drawn out and wrought with guilt I can’t bring myself to discuss it, though I still eat pancakes to kick it off.

Of all cultures for which Easter is truly the best time of year, it’s the Mexicans that seem to do it right. While figures are

Judas Iscariot—takes place after mass on Holy Saturday, the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. A large papier maché effigy of Judas, the devil and not infrequently, unpopular politicos, is set alight amid much good humour and celebration to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.

In Whistler, we have our own nascent celebration: Early and Unexpected Closing.

Getting back to the date of Easter, the First Council of Nicaea, called in 325 AD, by that buttinski Constantine, established the date of Easter. The Council wanted to

But in my quest to study all things trivial, I learned the whole Easter thing was a religious-political compromise.

sketchy, it is currently estimated that before the pandemic, approximately half of Mexico celebrate Semana Santa, the week between Domingo de Ramos and Domingo de Gloria by humbly skiing in Whistler. Perhaps next year, amigos.

While Whistleratics share few Mexican celebrations leading up to Easter, we do celebrate our own version of Los Judas later in the season. The burning of Los Judas—

establish a formula for determining the exact date of Easter until the End of Time. It didn’t help that they were using the Julian calendar but it’s not like they could foresee Pope Gregory and his obsession with Leap Year.

They developed tables that make sine, cosine and tangent tables look like a walk in the park. So complicated was it that they simplified it to three rules:

• Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or after the day of the vernal equinox; • this particular ecclesiastical full moon is the 14th day of a tabular lunation (new moon); and • the vernal equinox is fixed as March 21.

Easy, right? Except there are differences between ecclesiastical full moons and astronomical full moons, the vernal equinox isn’t always March 21st, and then those pesky time zones came into existence.

Be that as it may, here’s the algorithm for computing the date of Easter. Use it if you ever hit on a math major in a bar.

The algorithm uses the year, y, to give the month, m, and day, d, of Easter. The symbol * means multiply. And, it is an integer calculation; all variables are integers and all remainders from division are dropped. c = y / 100 n = y - 19 * ( y / 19 ) k = ( c - 17 ) / 25 i = c - c / 4 - ( c - k ) / 3 + 19 * n + 15 i = i - 30 * ( i / 30 ) i = i - ( i / 28 ) * ( 1 - ( i / 28 ) * ( 29 / ( i + 1 ) ) * ( ( 21 - n ) / 11 ) ) j=y+y/4+i+2-c+c/4 j=j-7*(j/7) l=i-j m = 3 + ( l + 40 ) / 44 d = l + 28 - 31 * ( m / 4 ) You can thank me later.

Happy Easter. OK, royally f*%ked up Easter. ■

HAPPY EASTER!

E N J OY T H E W E E K E N D S A F E LY

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Whistler Village Shop

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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.

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3D Tour - rem.ax/215tyndall

#422 - 4800 Spearhead Drive $1,050,000

#215 - 4338 Main Street

Enjoy this freshly renovated one-bedroom suite in Whistler’s favourite slopeside accommodation, the Aspens Lodge. Perched on the 4th floor, this suite enjoys the peace and privacy of the forest next door while still enjoying the pool, hot tubs, exercise room, ski concierge, and common social spaces.

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1

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Dave Sharpe

$1,250,000

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#536 - 4899 Painted Cliff Rd.

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A top-floor north-facing condo-style studio suite with cougar mountain views. It has a full kitchen, river rock surround gas fireplace, lots of windows, walk-out balcony, wallmounted TV, and bright bathrooms (shower & tub). Updated in 2019 with a new mountain contemporary style: stone countertops, new carpet, paint, furniture, and bonus amenities.

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.5

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SLOPESIDE on Blackcomb - this 1 bed Aspens unit is a true ski-in/ski-out property with views of the slope from the outdoor pool and several hot tubs. Enjoy being slope side in one of Whistler’s most popular complexes - walking distance to the Village or access the bus system free of charge.

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1

604.905.8777

#251 - 4314 Main Street

$630,000

Deer Lodge is a centrally located property right in the heart of Whistler Village. #251 is a bright and spacious studio suite on the quiet side of the building with a great view of the mountains to the west. Inside, the unit has a full kitchen, a full bathroom, a space saving Murphy Bed and a spacious patio, and has a neighbour on only one side.

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778.919.7653

2034 Watson Way

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#223 - 4800 Spearhead Drive

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3.5

604.935.9171

3D Tour - rem.ax/107woodrun

$1,025,000

#211-4557 Blackcomb Way

$988,000

#107 - 4910 Spearhead Drive

$1,799,000

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Michael d’Artois

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1

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#112/113 - 4905 Spearhead Dr. $1,599,900

9099 Corduroy Run Court

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Located just 12 minutes north of Whistler Village and 5 minutes from the new grocery store and liquor store in the ‘Rainbow’ neighbourhood, the lots at Wedgewoods offer privacy, views and light. Each property has been carefully designed to have the best building site available and the services are at the lot line.

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