Writer Mary MacDonald finds inspiration in the outdoors. - By Mary MacDonald
06 OPENING REMARKS It’s a season of strikes, writes editor Braden Dupuis— whether that’s on the picket lines or the pitcher’s mound.
08 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter-writers weigh in on taxing empty homes, and austerity in Whistler.
22 THE OUTSIDER To truly appreciate your hometown hill, sometimes you need to venture further—which requires proper planning, writes Vince Shuley.
42 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST It can be hard to survive in a town where it feels like everyone else is living life like it’s their best vacation, writes tobias c. van Veen.
10 BREAKING GROUND The Lil’wat Nation held a land-blessing ceremony for its Tseqwtsúqum development in Function Junction this week, as the long-awaited project breaks ground.
11 DELICATE AROMA Owner Jeremy “Stinky” Peterson says goodbye to Stinky’s on the Stroll after selling the beloved locals’ haunt to new owners.
26 ON A RAMPAGE Whistler’s Georgia Astle secured bronze at the 2025 Red Bull Rampage on Oct. 17 in Utah.
30 IN THE WRITE The Whistler Writers Festival returns with another acclaimed author lineup from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
COVER Is simply being outside while unable to stop thinking about work basically the same thing as having an outdoor workspace? - By Jon Parris - Adobe AI // @jon.parris.art
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A season of strikes
THIS COLUMN is not about baseball.
But less than 12 hours after George Springer hit one of the most monumental home runs in Canadian baseball history to send the Toronto Blue Jays to the World Series, I’ll admit it’s hard to concentrate on anything else.
Canada’s team now has a date with the peerless Shohei Ohtani and his powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers in the game’s biggest showdown, 32 years after their last appearance.
And of course the Dodgers are the odds-
BY BRADEN DUPUIS
on favourite to win it all. But whatever the outcome, it’s been a season for the ages for the Jays, and Canada should be proud.
Aside from Springer’s already legendary heroics, it was beleaguered closing pitcher Jeff Hoffman who sealed the deal for the Blue Jays, ringing up three straight Seattle Mariners for strikeouts in the top of the ninth to secure the American League Championship.
Hoffman had his share of flubbed saves in the regular season, drawing the ire of fans— but he’s been money in the postseason, and his biggest moment came Monday night in front of 44,770 screaming faithful.
Strike after strike after strike.
But then, strikes appear to be in fashion this October, whether at Whistler liquor stores, the post office, Squamish’s municipal hall, or one province over, where Alberta teachers are also on strike (I told you this column is not about baseball).
As of this writing, the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) strike is in its seventh week, with word that well-known mediator Vince Ready is now facilitating discussions between the parties. Ready has a long reputation of finding compromise, and has mediated thousands of labour disputes, including the drawn-out B.C. teachers’ strike of 2014 (some might call him the Shohei Ohtani of labour mediation).
The BCGEU is reportedly seeking wage increases of roughly four per cent per year— about 8.25 per cent over two years—along with cost-of-living protections to keep pay in step with inflation. The union also wants to modernize outdated pay structures, address low-wage inequities, and improve recruitment and retention in the public service. Other priorities include fairer access to remote work, rebalancing the number of excluded management positions, and updating job classifications to reflect the complexity of frontline roles such as wildfire response and enforcement.
In an interview with Pique earlier this month, Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU, said B.C. civil servants take tremendous pride in their jobs.
“We want to be out there serving the public right now, but unfortunately, government is refusing to negotiate … with a reasonable offer at the table,” he said. “And so, despite our best efforts to minimize the impact and disruption to the public, we’re now at a phase of the strike
“It is seen as a big cash cow for the Province, however, the cost of extracting those tax margins is very high due to the infrastructure. On every level the consumer and the [business-to-business] customer/ licensee loses,” Griffith said in an email.
“Private agents of liquor do the legwork: source products, import products, pay taxes on incoming products to B.C. into the bonded warehouse of BCL, and then lose control of their products once they enter the LDB system.”
Griffith went on to describe an “inefficient, antiquated system that is propped up by union labour and taxpayer dollars.
“Service at all points of this distribution is mediocre at best. At no point does the customer ever know exactly where the product is, nor does the agent, or its estimated ETA to store level. If problems arise, no one can really know … where in the distribution chain the products are,” he wrote. “As you can imagine, loss here is immense. We have had to wait more than four weeks for one case of wine coming from Delta. No logistics in the world
The strike timing is somewhat fortuitous here in town, as Whistler is currently not seeing the same demands as in Vancouver. If it were peak season, Griffith pointed out, local restaurants would be losing money every day, “and worst of all, diminishing our guest experience.”
Griffith questioned why the B.C. Liquor Distribution branch is required at all, and if the government’s return in tax dollars from alcohol sales is worth what it spends to control the whole system. If the province were to get out of retail and distribution it could drastically reduce its overhead, he argued.
“The strike is offensive for the smallbusiness owner who has to struggle to stay afloat and keep their employee paycheques being written, and it’s tough to see their supplier on the sidelines with no access to the products we need,” he wrote.
“Currently, my friends who run agencies have had their business completely stopped and are struggling. We also know that when
“The Province needs to act now to create a wholesale distribution stream that can continue to supply licensees as they are our only supplier.”
- ERIC GRIFFITH
where that’s inevitable.”
On Oct. 17, representatives of B.C.’s restaurant, wine, liquor and cannabis industries called for immediate action to end the strike, saying it is pushing them to the brink of “economic disaster.”
Locally, Eric Griffith, president of the Restaurant Association of Whistler, said the whole system needs to be reassessed, as the province controls all aspects of importing, retail and distribution for liquor and cannabis. And as with all government-controlled businesses, they’re inefficient.
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would ever stay in business with this record; no business would stay in business in a freemarket setting with that track record.”
The biggest issue is that licensees only have one supplier, “and that one supplier is a government-run business, a monopoly, and it leaves out any concept of free market and no options for us if they are unable to supply our businesses with products,” he added. “The Province needs to act now to create a wholesale distribution stream that can continue to supply licensees as they are our only supplier.”
the strike ends it will take weeks and months for the LDB to recover as they work so slowly and inefficiently and DO NOT have their customers in mind.”
(The BCGEU did not respond to requests for comment before Pique’s weekly deadline.)
It would perhaps be naive to expect any government to willingly give up control, or magically become more efficient. Much in the same way it may be naive to expect the Blue Jays to down the Dodgers in the World Series.
But as George Springer proved with one swing of the bat, there is always hope. n
Can we really tax our way to affordability?
I am hoping to add another perspective to the conversation about Whistler’s so-called “big empty homes.”
The argument goes that luxury second homes sit unused while local workers struggle to find housing (all very true). The proposed fix… tax these owners more. On the surface, that feels fair. But I have questions.
In a letter to the editor titled “Whistler needs its own Taylor Swift Tax,” (see Pique, Sept. 19) the writer is advocating for an Empty Homes Tax in Whistler, and believes the most “expensive properties should contribute proportionately more.” And, that “owning a luxury home in Whistler is a privilege that comes with community responsibility.” Let’s break this down a bit.
First, let’s discuss proportionate contributions. Many of these homes began as multi-year construction projects that employed local carpenters, electricians, plumbers, engineers, etc… our friends/ family in the valley. Next, I wonder how much these big empty homes contribute versus how much they draw from the system. Property tax records (leaving addresses out) for a couple high-end properties:
“If we assume these properties are underused that also means they are not drawing on our services...”
- BEAU JARVIS
-Highpoint Dr, Kadenwood: $71,300/year in property taxes/Tourism Whistler fees. -Sunridge Court: $45,800/year in property taxes.
If we assume these properties are underused that also means they are not drawing on our services—they aren’t flushing toilets into our sewers and swimming at Meadow Park when
their homes sit empty. Many of these properties are also part of bare-land strata corporations and are responsible for snowplowing their streets in addition to property taxes. So, if we take into consideration the economic benefit resulting from the construction of these homes, and then consider what they are contributing in taxes, versus what they are drawing from the system, perhaps they are already proportionately contributing to our community?
Then there’s the matter of “community responsibility.” What does that mean exactly?
Using myself as a case study, Whistler is my home, and my family has been contributing to this community for just over half a century. With this said, my life circumstances have found me spending more time in Vancouver in recent years. So, my home in Whistler may be considered underused by some. But, I take contribution to my community seriously. I run a Whistler-based non-profit, and volunteer on Whistler boards and committees. So, does my home suddenly become “underused” and subject to penalty? Or, does my fulfilment of community responsibility offset that label and offer me an exemption from a tax?
Complicated… isn’t it?
It’s important we consider the law of unintended consequences, and I believe we need to move away from divisive us-versusthem conversations. Do we really want to punish one group of property owners, or do we want to find solutions that increase housing
supply without deepening divides? Let’s please come together on this as community. Beau Jarvis // Whistler/Vancouver, Founder, The Old School Initiative
What does austerity mean in Whistler?
I read with interest Pique’s recent article on our beloved mayor’s return from the annual UBCM convention (see Pique, Oct. 10: “Whistler mayor returns from UBCM hopeful…”). One word stood out: AUSTERITY. You had me at hello.
What exactly does “austerity” mean in our local context? Does it entail cuts to public services, deferring capital maintenance, postponing infrastructure upgrades, reducing staff, or scaling back recreational programs?
Or is it more narrowly about tighter budgeting, delaying new projects, or increasing cost recovery from businesses and developers?
Or, God forbid, does it mean increased taxes on an already burdened electorate?
P.S.—The City of Vancouver just passed a ZERO-PER-CENT property tax hike for the next fiscal year. Will the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) follow suit?
Here is a list of questions that every local should be asking:
Which areas of the municipal budget are
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
being characterized as “austerity” and why?
What services, if any, are slated for reduction or elimination?
What RMOW staff will be furloughed, laid off, or will there be a hiring freeze?
Which capital or infrastructure projects will be deferred, and how will these deferrals impact long-term costs with inflationary pressures?
How will austerity affect amenities that contribute to quality of life of residents?
How will the RMOW balance austerity with the need to invest in housing, transit, and growth pressures on infrastructure, for example?
Will there be public consultation and transparency as austerity measures are considered or applied?
It is not enough to use the label “austerity” as shorthand for cost-cutting. We deserve to see the fine print and to weigh the tradeoffs. The choices made in budgeting will shape Whistler’s character, livability, and resilience. This isn’t just for the coming local election cycle, but for decades to come. For our children.
I trust the great team at Pique will do a follow-up article exploring how “austerity” is being operationalized in our municipality and allow residents to see the details behind the headlines.
Patrick Smyth // Whistler n
Write to us! Letters to the editor must contain the writer’s name, address and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 450 words. Pique Newsmagazine reserves the right to edit, condense or refrain from publishing any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Send them to edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com before 11 a.m. on Tuesday for consideration in that week’s paper.
NickDavies, Whistlerlocal andexperiencedfamilylawyer practisingacrossBCandYukon. Callat 604-602-9000 or visit www.macleanlaw.ca
Lil’wat Nation breaks ground on longawaited Function Junction development
CEREMONY AT TSEQWTSÚQUM ’ MARKS THE NATION’S RETURN TO WHISTLER LANDS FIRST RECLAIMED THROUGH 2010 OLYMPIC LEGACY AGREEMENT
BY LUKE FAULKS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
AFTER MORE THAN a decade of planning and negotiation, Lil’wat leaders and about 50 community members gathered on a crisp October morning to bless the land and break ground on the Nation’s long-awaited Function Junction development—a mixed-use project that will bring Lil’wat economic and cultural presence back to Whistler’s southern gateway.
“Today is a big day for us,” said Lil’wat councillor Qaqawam Christopher Wells, who led the Oct. 20 opening ceremony, drum circle and prayers. “It’s been a long time in the making— since 2010 this has been in the planning.
“Take care of this beautiful space,” he added. “Take care of this beautiful area.”
The Tseqwtsúqum ’ (pronounced “Chekchoo-koom”) development site, reclaimed by the Nation through the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Legacy Lands Agreement, sits just off Highway 99 at the entrance to Function Junction.
Lil’wat Business Group’s (LBG) 5.3-acre
development will include a gas station and three mixed-use residential and commercial buildings with a combined 72 units of employee housing and a neighbourhood grocery store. A new intersection between Millar Creek Road and the highway will be jointly undertaken by the Nation and the Province of B.C.
CEREMONY AND REMEMBRANCE
Lil’wat Kúkwpi7 Skalulmecw Political Chief Dean Nelson reflected on how the community
ceremony. Everything needs to start with acknowledgment,” he said. “We are nothing without the land. Life isn’t possible without the good mother, without the water.” He noted that Tseqwtsúqum’,, long before its colonial naming, was known in Ucwalmícwts—the Lil’wat language—as “swampy lake.”
Councillor Lhpatq Maxine Bruce described the project as a manifestation of Lil’wat selfdetermination and reconciliation.
“This project is for Lil’wat, and it’s by Lil’wat,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the Lil’wat Nation reconnecting with our land
“This project is for Lil’wat, and it’s by Lil’wat.”
- LHPATQ MAXINE BRUCE
has transformed the land from a place of grief to one of renewal.
“The last time we were here, we were bringing our ancestors back from the residential schools,” he said. “That was a milestone of where we were, and where we’re going to. I’m very happy for this day where we have the say in what we’re doing.”
Cultural Chief Gélpcal Ashley Joseph reminded attendees the ceremony itself represented a vital return to traditional practice.
“Everything needs to start with
and resources in this area. It’s a sign of reconciliation that you’re here to witness.”
LONG TIME COMING
For Rosemary Stager, CEO of LBG and daughter of the late St’át’imx Hereditary Chief Allen Stager, the milestone carried deep personal resonance.
“I got to serve one term with him. It was his last term as chief, and my first term as councillor,” she recalled. “We worked on the
2010 bid [and] my dad was really excited and had big dreams for this land. It’s been just over 15 years now.
“[When] I took the CEO job, in my interview, I said, ‘I want to see Function Junction happening. I want to see that place done.’”
The Tseqwtsúqum ’ development was originally awarded a conditional development permit by the Resort Municipality of Whistler in October 2017. Subsequent delays and revisions to the project have seen the amount of employee housing grow from 18 to 72 units.
In a short follow-up interview, Stager confirmed the project’s financing and next steps. In July, LBG announced an agreement with the First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC). While the exact figure wasn’t disclosed at the time due to ongoing negotiations, Stager confirmed at the groundbreaking that the FNBC has agreed to chip in $55 million in financing.
Stager said the Function Junction site is only the beginning; that in a few years’ time, she anticipates looking back on Tseqwtsúqum ’ as the first of three or four projects.
“We have the Pemberton highway yards, which we anticipate will be a little bit bigger than this one—maybe double the size,” she said. “Once this one’s shovel-ready, that’s the next big project we’ll be working on.”
Wells closed the ceremony with a message of gratitude and continuity.
“We go back to the ways of our ancestors,” he said. “I’m so proud to still be standing here, still speaking our language, still singing, still dancing.” n
DIGGING IN Lil’wat Construction Enterprises general manager Jason Andrew, Kúkwpi7 Skalulmecw Political Chief Dean Nelson, Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton, Cultural Chief Gélpcal Ashley Joseph, business group CEO Rosemary Stager and Councillor Lhpatq Maxine Bruce.
PHOTO BY LUKE FAULKS
NEWS WHISTLER
Whistler’s beloved Stinky’s on the Stroll calls last rounds
OWNER
JEREMY ‘STINKY’ PETERSON SAYS GOODBYE TO THE BAR THAT BECAME HIS SECOND HOME
BY LIZ MCDONALD
THE LIGHTS ARE DIMMING at Stinky’s on the Stroll—but not before one last round.
After more than six years running the popular Whistler sports bar, owner Jeremy “Stinky” Peterson is closing the doors for good at the end of October. The decision, he says, wasn’t easy—but it was inevitable.
“It’s sad, you know—relief, too,” Peterson said. “I love this place. I got through COVID, I’ve been Whistler’s favourite local hangout four or five years in a row, which is such an honour. But it’s just time.”
Peterson first opened Stinky’s in 2019 with a simple goal: create a friendly, unpretentious spot where everyone could watch the game and share a laugh. The bar quickly became a locals’ staple, known for its generous pours, irreverent décor and a soundtrack of Tragically Hip covers.
But when his lease came up for renewal last year, the numbers stopped adding up.
“When [the landlord] came up with $125 a square foot, that was it,” Peterson said. “I never got into this business to be the guy charging $12 a beer and $35 a sandwich. I love doing what I do, but I just couldn’t be that guy trying to gouge people just to break even.”
He estimates rent alone had climbed close to $200,000 a year, nearly double what an independent bar could sustain.
“I’ve done everything myself—cashouts, cleaning, everything—to save money,” he said. “It’s been an unbelievable experience, but it’s worn on me.”
A LEGACY BUILT ON LAUGHTER AND LOYALTY
Despite the financial grind, Peterson beams when talking about the community Stinky’s built. Couples had first dates there that turned into marriages. Patrons celebrated birthdays, playoffs, and heartbreaks side by side.
“I got to make people laugh,” he said. “Four different couples had their first date at Stinky’s and they’re all either engaged or married now. That’s what it’s about.”
He also used the bar as a platform for giving back—raising thousands for the Whistler Food Bank, WAG and Coast Mountain Veterinary Services, and sponsoring local sports teams like the Stinky’s Shooters women’s hockey squad, who went undefeated last season.
“The coolest thing was watching those girls win the championship wearing jerseys I bought them,” he said. “That was the best part.”
COMPETING AGAINST DEEP POCKETS
Peterson says small, independent operators like himself simply can’t compete against large, corporate-owned venues that can afford to weather slow seasons or run aggressive promotions.
“Corporations can last longer because
they have deeper pockets,” he said. “They can run these crazy three-course or fourcourse deals during shoulder season that bring people in, and little guys like me can’t do that. I just don’t have the margins. I can’t compete anymore.”
He said those kinds of deals may attract visitors in the off-season, but they squeeze out the independents that give Whistler its character.
“I’m not doing this out of greed—I’m doing it because I just can’t afford to stay,” he said. “I can’t raise my prices any higher, and I can’t play the same game.”
SIGNING OFF WITH STYLE— AND A SMILE
Peterson officially hands over the keys on Oct. 31 to new owners connected to the Shady Tree Pub and Tandoori Grill. They’ll keep the Stinky’s name for a year, but Peterson knows the real spirit of the place can’t be sold.
“It’s sad that I’m giving my name up, but it’s still just me,” he said. “Stinky was my persona, but I’m just Jeremy. I had my chance, and I had a lot of fun doing it.”
Before his final day, he’s planning a few farewell shows, including a Tragically Hip tribute night and one last show with DJ Foxy Moron and Vinyl Ritchie Oct. 24.
“I’m going to finish it off with style and grace,” he said. “Be classy, do the best I can for everybody, and have a lot of fun.”
Then, on Nov. 1, he’ll board a flight to Mexico.
“I’m going to decompress, drink margaritas, eat tacos and figure out what’s next,” he said with a laugh. “Everyone needs a transition after change.”
‘ENJOY LIFE TO ITS FULLEST’
As he reflects on three decades in Whistler, Peterson’s message is simple.
“I’ve lost a lot of friends over the years, and I’ve learned you never know when your bridge is going to wash out,” he said. “Just enjoy life to its fullest and do the best you can. That’s what I’ve always tried to live by.”
And with that, Whistler raises one last glass to Stinky’s—the home of good sports and better stories, and a reminder that community can’t be measured in rent per square foot. n
FAMILIAR SCENT Jeremy “Stinky” Peterson. FILE PHOTO BY DAVE BUZZARD / DAVIDBUZZARD.COM
WHISTLER |S QUAMIS H| NO RT HS HORE |V ANCOUVE
Bearfo ot Bistro
Cellar Dinner Series
THURSDAY,NOVEMBER6|7 PM
FRIDAY,NOVEMBER7|7
SUNDAY,NOVEMBER9|7
Whistler advances 2027-29 transit expansion, explores new passes—and eyes end to free summer rides
ELIMINATING FREE WEEKEND AND HOLIDAY TRANSIT COULD GENERATE ABOUT $98K, COUNCIL HEARS
BY LIZ MCDONALD
CHANGES ARE COMING down the road for transit in Whistler.
At its Oct. 7 meeting, Whistler’s mayor and council received a three-part update from staff outlining: implementation of the first year of a three-year expansion plan; a payroll-deducted Umo ProPASS for workers; and a new Pemberton-Whistler “Dual” pass. Staff also presented analysis on discontinuing free summer weekend and statutory-holiday service.
WHAT’S NEW IN SERVICE: ROUTE 10 TO RUN EVERY 15 MINUTES IN 2027
The first phase of the expansion requests provincial funding, through BC Transit, for 14,200 additional annual service hours and four new buses starting in January 2027. Most of the increase would be used to boost Route 10 (Valley Express) frequency from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes year-round, with an additional 1,000 hours for winter optimization.
The total annual cost is estimated at $2.76 million, with a $1.23-million municipal share in 2027 if approved.
Council also heard the increased frequency could trigger new housing permissions along Highway 99 under provincial transit-oriented density rules. Staff noted moving to 15-minute service “will trigger Bill 44 to permit six-unit threshold all along Highway 99 around those bus stops.” The province is considering “a 400-metre buffer along that linear corridor that could achieve six-plex,” said general manager of climate action, planning and development services Dale Mikkelson, adding that Whistler would then need to map the corridor and update zoning similarly to its current Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) framework.
Councillor Jeff Murl questioned the likelihood of receiving the requested funding given provincial fiscal constraints.
“It seems like a big ask from a government that is having its own budget constraints. Like, what’s the likelihood we actually get all those?” Murl asked.
“I really can’t speak to that… I wouldn’t say it’s a slam dunk that we receive that,” replied Luisa Burhenne, climate and environment manager.
NEW FARE PRODUCTS: PAYROLL-DEDUCTED PROPASS AND A PEMBERTONWHISTLER DUAL PASS
Council approved working with BC Transit to pilot the Umo ProPASS—a payroll-deducted 30-day pass discounted 15 per cent (to
$46.75 from $55) with a six-month minimum commitment for participating employees. The goal is to make bus passes “set it and forget it” for seasonal workers and boost ridership. Staff expect the pilot to be broadly revenue-neutral.
However, uptake will vary by employer. When asked if Whistler’s largest employer, Whistler Blackcomb— owned by U.S.-based Vail Resorts—would participate, Burhenne said the company has “indicated that likely they’re not interested at this point because of this added complication of being outside the country.” In contrast, “the Fairmont for sure, and other bigger hotels” expressed interest, she said.
The difference, staff explained, is that Whistler Blackcomb’s payroll is managed abroad, complicating enrolment, while local hotels with Canadian payroll systems can more easily participate.
Council also approved a new PembertonWhistler Dual DayPASS ($12) and 30-day Dual Pass ($130), valid across the commuter, Pemberton local, and Whistler systems. The new passes replace the old $2 cash top-up between systems. Revenue will be shared between the two municipalities, with the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s expected loss estimated at under $2,000 annually.
“It seems like a big ask from a government that is having its own budget constraints.”
- JEFF MURL
FREE SUMMER WEEKENDS LIKELY ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
Staff reported that eliminating free summer weekend and statutory-holiday rides could generate about $98,000 in additional annual fare revenue. With tap-to-pay and Umo day passes now available, the traditional barrier of cash-only fares for visitors has largely been removed.
“We really don’t know” how much weekend ridership is due to being free, Burhenne said, emphasizing research showing convenience and frequency outweigh fare costs in ridership decisions.
Council received the analysis for consideration in future budget deliberations. Council passed all four motions. Murl voted against the first—approving the 202729 expansion plan—citing uncertainty about provincial finances. The remaining motions passed without opposition. n
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Beloved WAG resident Lola remembered for her joy, strength and spirit
WHISTLER’S FOREVER GIRL TOUCHED HEARTS ACROSS THE SEA TO SKY
BY LUKE FAULKS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
WHISTLER ANIMALS GALORE (WAG)
is mourning the loss of one of its beloved residents, Lola—a resilient pit bull mix who spent her entire life in the shelter’s care and inspired a community of supporters and animal lovers with her courage and love.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Lola,” WAG wrote in a post announcing her death. “Though she never found a forever home beyond our walls, Lola was never without love. Every day, she was surrounded by care, compassion and friendship from our dedicated staff and her close companions.”
Lola arrived at WAG in 2018, brought in by police after her previous owners were arrested.
Her early years were marked by instability and fear. Staff quickly discovered she struggled to trust strangers—especially men. And while she always struggled with reactivity, her days were still filled with plenty of cuddles and trips to local swimming holes.
Her family at WAG described her as a “little hippo with an athlete’s grace,” who adored
splashing in water and basking in the sun.
“The best parts that we will remember and cherish of Lola are her pure joy in the simple things: after-swim naps, sunshine cuddles atop the doghouse, and the way she would run into the house for sleepovers like she belonged there all along,” WAG wrote. “She loved deeply and taught us how to love in return with soft floppy ear scratches, forehead presses and snout kisses that melted hearts.”
For seven years, Lola was a fixture at WAG; a source of strength for staff and volunteers, and a symbol of what patience and compassion can achieve.
“She was more than a beloved companion; she was family, chosen and cherished,” WAG wrote.
Among those touched by Lola’s story was Vancouver-based artist Jane Chiang, the illustrator behind Drawn to Doggos, who created a portrait of Lola that once moved
WAG’s staff to tears.
“I think Lola inspired a lot of people— being a pitty who never got adopted but was always smiling and enjoying life,” Chiang said this week. “Lola was always smiling in her pink muzzle. She was just the happiest dog, even without being adopted.”
Chiang’s drawing captured the warmth so many saw in Lola. Former WAG executive director Lindsay Suckling recalled that “even people who hadn’t met Lola loved her and were rooting for her to find a family.”
Though that forever home never came, those who knew Lola believe she already had one at WAG, among the people who cherished her every day.
“We are better for having known her,” her caregivers wrote. “Our love for her will never fade. She was a good girl. She was our girl. And we miss her more than words can say.”
WAG is inviting the community to join them in honouring Lola’s memory and to give staff space and grace as they grieve. For the shelter and those who followed her journey, Lola will always be remembered not as a dog without a home, but as one who made a home in every heart she touched.
Donations to WAG to support dogs like Lola can be made at whistlerwag.com. n
BEST GIRL Artist Jane Chiang holds the drawing of Lola that she presented to WAG staff in 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE CHIANG
At just tenyearsold,Rich beganworkingonneighbouring farms, developingthestrong workethicthatwoulddefinehislife. He attended aone-roomschoolhousea miledown the road,often recalling fondlyhowhewouldskatethere inthewinterand keephis skatesonallday, readyforthe“greatescape” home at thesoundofthefinal bell. Agifted athlete, Rich excelledinsportsthroughouthis youthandhighschool years. Whetheritwashockey,football ,baseball, or basketball ,hewastheteammate everyone couldcount onwhen agamewasontheline. Hiscompetitive spiritcarriedthroughto everygameheplayed—be itonthefieldor aboard gamearoundthetable.Richattended theUniversityofGuelphwhere he proudlyearnedwhathejokinglycalleda “degreein football ,” garneringmanyaccoladesforhisathleticachievements, includingbeingnamed to Guelph University ’s 1970’s TeamOfTheDecade. Rightuptohislastdays,Richhadan incrediblemind forsports. Much to theastonishmentofthosewhohadtheprivilege of watching agamewithRich,hewouldoftensay word forwordwhatthecolor commentatorobserved,seconds before it wasspoken. Hisloveofmusic,nurturedsincechildhood,followedhiminto adulthood.WhenRich movedtothe Peterboroughareainthemid70’s hejoinedhisbrothersKeithandLarry andsisterConnietoformthe family bandSomethingBlue, performing together foreight memorableyears.Hethenwentontohavea short, butsuccessfulcareerin realestate Heneverregrettedthemoveasitwastherethathemethismateforlife,Peggy,his perfectmatchineverysense.Together, RichandPeg builta beautifulpartnership rooted inlove,laughter, andsharedadventure.Theyworkedhard, playedharder,and surroundedthemselveswithdearfriendsand family.
In 1984,Richand Pegfollowedtheirhearts west to BritishColumbia, quicklyfallingin love withWhistleranditsmountains. Theirpassion forskiingledthem to purchasea cabinthere in 1989,andin 1991 ,boughtwhatbecametheir permanentWhistlerhome. Richenjoyed asuccessfulcareerwith PacificPress,earningtripstoJapan,England, Australia, andMexico. Afterretiringin1996—thoughPeg likedtosay hesimplyquithis jobasa “paper boy” to becomethe“secretary” forherthriving promotions business—the two continuedtolivelifetothefullestasbusinesspartners, skibuddies,golfand pickleball teammates. Theyhada greatgroupoffriendswithwhomtheysharedmany parties, traveladventuresanddaysonthemountains.
AlthoughRichandPeg didnothave childrenoftheirown,(though beloveddog Zoomer mightdisagree),theypouredtheirlove andgenerosityintotheirmany nephews, niece andthe“surrogate”childrentheywelcomedintotheirWhistlerhome.Theirhouse becamea placeoflaughter, learning,andbelonging forcountless youngpeople, and others at timesoftransition—familyandfriendsalike.
In2023,RichwasdiagnosedwithALS,a devastatingblowtoallwholovedhim. True to his character, he facedhisillnesswithhumour, strength,andgrace. Oncetravel became difficult ,theentire familymadetheirway to Whistler to spendtimewithhim,share music,andsurroundhimwithlove andtheenergyofthekids. Musicremainedatthe heartoftheseconnections,withsiblingsandniecesandnephews sendinghim asong eachdayforthelast4 months,giftsthat broughthimimmensejoy,especiallywhenthere was“bloodharmony ”.
Richneverlosthissharpwit ,his passion forsports, orhiswarmthasa friend.Hewasthe kindof personeveryone waslucky to know,andthefriendeveryoneaspired to be Rich’s finalyears wasmadepeacefulanddignifiedthroughthedevotedcare ofhiswife Peg,nephewLuke,and Rebecca—hisheroes.Deepgratitudeisalso extended to Noel, whosegenerosityandfriendship were invaluable,aswellastotheSeatoSkymedical teamandtheALSSociety fortheircompassionatesupport.
Richissurvived by hisbeloved Peggy, hiswifeand partnerof48years,hissiblings,niece, nephewsandgreatnieceandnephews whomwillmisstheir“UncleRico” Rich livedlifeonhis ownterms,andheleft this worldthesame way— surrounded by love andmusic.
In lieuofflowers,donationsmay be made to ALS, https://alsbc.donordrive.com/InMemoryRichardLeoBurton
Whistler’s Rotary Bike Park Plaza is ready to rip in Cheakamus
WITH CONSTRUCTION ON THE PLAZA COMPLETE, THE NEW FACILITY IN BAYLY PARK WILL OFFER A COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE FOR CHEAKAMUS CROSSING RESIDENTS
BY LIZ MCDONALD
WHILE LONG DAYS spent outdoors may be winding down, Whistler’s newest recreational amenity at Bayly Park is officially ready for connection.
The renovated park builds on the former facility operated by Whistler BMX, which closed in 2024. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has since taken over operations and revitalized the bike park.
While riders hone their skills, friends, caregivers and spectators can now gather at a new plaza funded by the Rotary Club of Whistler. Located between the skills area and the Cheakamus Community Garden, the plaza features picnic tables, benches, a concession stand, bike stands, a repair station and newly planted trees.
Whistler’s public infrastructure is concentrated closer to the Village, so the project is a welcome addition to a neighbourhood made up almost entirely of full-time residents, said Rotary Club of Whistler treasurer Ken Martin.
“One of the challenges in Whistler is so much of the park space is tourist-oriented, right? And we could invest in that, but it’s
just so nice to be able to invest in a growing, 99-per-cent-local neighbourhood with lots of young families and kids,” Martin said.
The project grew out of Rotary’s mandate to provide amenities that strengthen community connection.
“[The RMOW] thought this would be a perfect place to add some amenities for the community to gather and have a good time,” Martin said. “This is going to be the perfect place to have a party.”
Once the snow melts, he said he hopes to see neighbourhood block parties with barbecues, kids playing and residents gathering to build stronger community bonds.
A COMMUNITY-BUILT PROJECT
While the RMOW and Rotary Club of Whistler were major contributors, the project was made possible through a wide network of
community partners.
The club provided $28,000, Rotary International contributed $20,000, and the Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium added $5,000. Cheakamus residents Mary and Doug Forseth donated $15,000, while Olwen Kuiper and her partner Frank Papenburg provided landscaping services. Concrete was donated by Amrize Concrete.
The RMOW and several local suppliers also provided support and discounted services, including Whistler Irrigation, PK EX, Cutting Edge Signs, Rona, High Country Landscaping, Lepcal Design and GB Concrete.
“We’ve had hundreds and hundreds of volunteer hours go into this—doing the fencing, the concrete forms, painting the shed. Even Whistler Blackcomb staff came out to help paint,” Martin said. “The whole intent is to involve the community and make a community space.”
NEXT PHASE: BIKE SKILLS PARK
With Rotary’s portion of the project complete, RMOW crews are wrapping up work on the adjacent bike skills area. Some of the former
LOCALS’ LOUNGE Located between the skills area and the Cheakamus Community Garden, the plaza features picnic tables, benches, a concession stand, bike stands, a repair station and newly planted trees. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN MARTIN
NEWS WHISTLER
Tapley’s Farm gears up for Whistler’s spookiest night
NOW IN ITS 42ND YEAR, THE COMMUNITY-LED HALLOWEEN TRADITION COMBINES FRIGHTFUL FUN WITH FUNDRAISING
BY LIZ MCDONALD
BREAK OUT YOUR MUMMY costumes— Whistler’s most spooktacular Halloween event is almost here.
For its 42nd year, Tapley’s Farm neighbourhood will transform into a pedestrian-only trick-or-treat zone on Oct. 31, drawing an estimated 1,000 ghouls, ghosts, and princesses from across Whistler. About half of the homes in the area participate each year, decking out their properties in elaborate, spooky displays.
“You really get a sense of Whistler’s spirit,” said longtime resident Shauna Hardy.
“We’re a small community, and when I moved here 35 years ago there were only about 1,800 permanent residents. Many of the people in our neighbourhood are original residents of Tapley’s. It really shows that the community spirit is alive and well.”
Trick-or-treating runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and RCMP closing Tapley’s to vehicle traffic at 4 p.m. for safety. With parking limited, residents are encouraged to use the free “Park and Spook” shuttle, organized by FastPark and supported by BC Transit and the RMOW.
The candy hunt typically winds down
ROTARY
PLAZA FROM PAGE 16
BMX track infrastructure, including the start mound and first turn, will remain in place. New jumps of varying difficulty have been built using existing materials, and a dirt pump track is being added.
In a written statement, the RMOW said the dirt jumps were redesigned and rebuilt this summer with help from local riders. “Due to rain and wet conditions, the jumps will remain closed for the winter,” the municipality said. “They are expected to open in the spring once the site has dried and final touches have been made.”
The overall footprint of the park remains the same, and the former Whistler
by 7:30 p.m., when most homes run out of treats and the community gathers at the Myrtle Philip Community School fields for the annual fireworks display. Sponsored by Nesters Market and coordinated by the Whistler Fire Rescue Service, the fireworks show provides a safe and festive finale to the night’s events.
While the evening centres on fun and fright, organizers also aim to give back. The event once again includes a Scare Hunger campaign, led by Whistler Secondary School’s Grade 12 Leadership Team. Students will be on hand to collect non-perishable food items and financial donations for the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS).
Last year, the campaign raised more than $4,000 and collected more than 350 kilograms of food—resources that continue to be in high demand, as WCSS reports rising need across the community in its latest annual report.
Hardy, who has lived in the neighbourhood for more than two decades, said while decorations and costumes have grown more elaborate, the heart of the event remains unchanged.
“I’d say it’s stayed pretty close to its roots,” she said. “People have really upped their game with decorations and outfits, but the spirit of the night is the same—it’s about neighbours, community, and fun.” n
BMX group has donated proceeds from the sale of equipment and materials, along with tools and storage items, to support the new facility.
Bayly Park spans 8.45 hectares on the former municipal landfill site and features volleyball and seasonal tennis courts, trail access, an off-leash dog area and a sports field.
While the official grand opening is planned for spring 2026, Whistlerites are unlikely to wait that long. With fall conditions still holding in Cheakamus Crossing, the new plaza—and soon, the revamped bike park—are already shaping up to be the neighbourhood’s newest gathering spot. n
SCANTHEQRCODE FORA COPYOFTHE PROPOSED BYLAWS ANDBACKGROUND DOCUMENTATION
TRICK-OR-TREAT Tapley’s neighbourhood pulls out all the stops for its annual Halloween event.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAUNA HARDY
Drew Meredith
MAY
9, 1950 –
The Resort Municipality of Whistler from time to time recognizes certain persons in the community who have contributed of themselves to help make Whistler a better place for all to enjoy.
The community recognizes these outstanding contributions by declaring them:
“Freeman of the Resort Municipality of Whistler.”
BY BOB BARNETT
MOST ARE FAMILIAR with the phrase “timing is everything.”
Whistler has lived by it.
If the NDP hadn’t been running the province between 1972 and 1975 there may not have been a freeze on commercial development in Whistler. The municipality may not have been incorporated and the village might have been built on private lands miles from Whistler and Blackcomb.
If construction of the village and Blackcomb hadn’t started in the late 1970s they may not have survived the financial recession that hit in 1982.
And if the Social Credit government hadn’t stepped in to bail out the Whistler Village Land Company (WVLC) in 1983 most of Whistler could have been sold as raw land to the highest bidder.
The recession, and the decisions made during that time, shaped Whistler. It also shaped the people making those decisions, like Drew Meredith.
The only person to have held the titles of president of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Whistler Resort Association (now Tourism Whistler), acting executive director of the WRA, and mayor, Drew was intimately involved in everything that happened in Whistler during the 1980s. It was a pivotal decade that began, for him, with “the worst three years of my life.”
Those would be the recession years, from ’82 through ’84.
“So, here we are, we’ve got a half-built resort. If you’re standing in Village Square looking up to Mountain Square it was just construction, but construction stopped,” he says. “So, from the Crystal Lodge all the way up to Mountain Square it was just concrete with rusty rebar, garbage. It was so bad.”
That was the village.
“For me personally, my real-estate company was booking zero months. No income for months. It was really bad, so bad that I started a commercial supply business. I was selling soap to the head chambermaids in hotels just to put food on the table for my kids.”
The Royal Bank also foreclosed on his house.
Before the recession, things had been going well. Drew arrived in Whistler in 1971, taking a year off from UBC to be the
night manager/janitor at the Christiana Inn. He went on to work for the Department of Highways, where he got his drilling and blasting ticket. That ticket led to building roads, including in Bayshores, where he met Andy MacGregor.
MacGregor and his partners had bought a lot of real estate in Whistler, including Twin Lakes, Tamarisk and Bayshores, anticipating a coming boom.
“And so I said, he’s got all this real estate so I should try and get in on that,” Drew recalls. That led to him opening a branch office of MacGregor Pacific Realty in Whistler in 1975.
MacGregor and his partners got caught by the NDP’s freeze on commercial development and never capitalized on their real-estate holdings. Poor timing, perhaps.
But in general, Whistler was booming in the late 1970s, in anticipation of the village and Blackcomb. Along the way Drew became president of the chamber of commerce and in 1980 was named Citizen of the Year. In 1979 he was appointed as the chamber’s representative on the new Whistler Resort Association board.
“Victoria was having a hell of a time with this model,” he recalls. “The NDP was going nuts saying you’re giving everything to the corporations and the mountains are involved and all the big guys. So, I was one of the little village people that got allowed to go on the board.”
In fact, as the resort association went through a number of executive directors during its early years, Drew ended up holding that title—in addition to becoming
chair of the WRA board in 1982. Just as the bottom fell out of the economy.
The municipality’s development arm, WVLC, was $8 million in debt and no one was buying the village parcels it was offering. The conference centre and golf course were unfinished. The fear was that if WVLC became insolvent Whistler taxpayers could be on the hook. So, very quietly, Whistler went cap-in-hand to Victoria looking for help.
In January 1983 the province announced that Whistler Land Company Developments (WLC) would take over the assets and liabilities of WVLC. Chester Johnson was chair of a board of Socred business people, and they made it known they were in charge.
“The government came in and took a very, very big role in the resort—to the point of control,” Drew says. “They had this huge meeting in Vancouver… where they made the resort association vote all control to them. It was really nasty. But, we had no choice.”
The municipality, as the only shareholder of WVLC, was under even more pressure.
“Nobody wanted that mayor job at that time and (Mark Angus) took it. And he just got emasculated. (Johnson) would land his helicopter beside municipal hall—the most arrogant thing you could do. Oh, and you’re two hours late for the meeting. He’d walk in like Napoleon.”
But the province guaranteed a $21-million loan, which allowed WLC to finish the golf course, the conference centre and other pieces of infrastructure and relieve the municipality of debt. It was not, however, a great relationship.
“I was actually the good guy because I was with Tourism Whistler, not the municipality. They hated the municipality,” Drew says.
“And interestingly, the municipality and Tourism Whistler didn’t get along either. It was quite nasty. Because it was another power-body.
“But I was standing over here as Tourism Whistler, so I was kind of the logical guy to grab Chester’s hand and lead him along. I mean, there was a board of directors (WLC) that was blue-chip Vancouverites. It was frightening. And they had a very dim view of all of us.”
The return for the province was always going to be Village North. But WLC’s first instinct was to cut it up into quarter-acre lots and sell them.
“Everyone (in Whistler) was absolutely horrified.”
Drew introduced Kevin Murphy— “Chester’s consiglieri”—to Eldon Beck, architect of Whistler Village. Beck convinced Murphy to maintain Whistler’s plans for the village.
“Eldon was key,” says Drew. “He came in and smoothed over the waters. He said, ‘no, this is working. This is going well.’ So we carried on.”
PHOTO FROM THE WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION / COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER MUSEUM
Having survived the recession, personally and professionally, founding the Whistler Real Estate Company in 1985; having helped steer the resort association through its most difficult years, Drew then decided to run for mayor in 1986.
“Well to be honest, I was really pissed off,” he recalls. “I was leaving Whistler. I was so annoyed that the council of the day wouldn’t recognize the importance of the village. They just couldn’t get their head wrapped around how much this was the engine of the community, and if this was successful we’re all successful.”
Nineteen-eighty-six was the year Whistler turned the corner after the recession: Intrawest bought Aspen Ski Co’s stake in Blackcomb; Fairmont announced it would build a hotel on the Benchlands;
essential because the Socreds were going to sell them.”
The negotiations lasted most of his time as mayor and included moving the original Myrtle Philip School from Village North to its present site.
In the 1990s, with Whistler the No. 1 ski resort in North America and the economy booming, sales of Village North lands repaid the debt to the province—and then some.
“They made money,” Drew says. “They did very well, but they never would admit that.”
There are still people who believe Whistler got a sweetheart deal when the province stepped in in 1983 and that Whistler remains a favoured child. But at the time, Whistler was an unproven
“[Y]ou’re faced with all these really serious, pivotal decisions going on, but you don’t necessarily have anybody you can shoot the shit with and say, ‘what do you think about this?’”
DREW MEREDITH
the Social Credit party held its leadership convention in Whistler; and Expo 86 put British Columbia and Whistler on the map.
And Drew was elected to the first of two two-year terms as mayor.
Accomplishments over those four years include: the call for proposals for summer amenities, which led to Nicklaus North, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course and the tennis resort; the initial two-per-cent hotel tax, which provides funding for marketing; acquisition of the Rainbow Park lands; and implementation of development cost charges, which have helped pay for resident housing and parks.
But the biggest achievement, in Drew’s estimation, was bringing the golf course and conference centre back under Whistler’s ownership. Having spent the early ’80s trying to get the province to step in and assist Whistler, “I had the envious task, once I became mayor, to get rid of them,” he says.
“Nobody really thought about where the eventual resting places of the golf course and conference centre would be when they were completed. Nobody ever even talked about that, until it became
experiment and the outside world was skeptical. It was a small group of people who led the way, with little history or experience to lean on.
“It was interesting times,” Drew says. “There wasn’t that many of us.”
And being mayor could be a lonely job.
“It’s not something you talk about but you’re faced with all these really serious, pivotal decisions going on, but you don’t necessarily have anybody you can shoot the shit with and say, ‘what do you think about this?’ So, you definitely had to make a lot of decisions on your own.”
For stepping up and making those decisions, Drew Meredith was awarded the Freedom of the Resort Municipality of Whistler in 1994.
This is Part 8 in a 16-part series recognizing Whistler’s Freedom of the Municipality holders, in honour of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s 50th anniversary. Watch for the others in the weeks ahead, and find them all at piquenewsmagazine.com.
Bob Barnett is the founding editor and co-publisher of Pique Newsmagazine. n
‘Feed Your Farmer’ celebrates the people behind the harvest
TWIN SISTERS HOSTING NEW PEMBERTON EVENT TO GIVE LOCAL GROWERS A NIGHT OF CONNECTION
BY LUKE FAULKS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
BY THE TIME the October rains roll in, farmers can be running on fumes. Twin sisters Natalie and Michelle Austin remember that feeling well. Before founding Two Sisters Farms, they spent years as farm hands— harvesting through the mud, chill and long days that mark the valley’s end-of-season push.
“I first came to Pemberton as a farm hand, and that’s where I found my friends and my community,” said Natalie. “At the end of the season, we’d have these events where all the farm hands and farmers would go to one farm, play a game, share food—and we realized the value of that.
“Farming can be really difficult financially, physically and mentally. Creating community is a really healthy way of keeping you in a good place within that job.”
That sense of community and the exhaustion that often accompanies it sparked Feed Your Farmer, a new event designed to help local growers end their season together.
TURNING CONNECTION INTO ACTION
The inaugural Feed Your Farmer dinner, organized by the Austins under their Two Sisters Farms banner, will take place on Nov. 2 in Pemberton. The evening will bring together farmhands, farm owners and agricultural workers for a night of food and conversation.
Two Sisters Farms, which the sisters launched in 2024, operates as a small-scale regenerative farm between Pemberton and Squamish. Its name comes from the Squamish story of the Two Sisters, known to many as the Lions mountains above Vancouver. The legend recalls twin sisters who ended a war by inviting rival nations to share a meal.
“That really spoke to us,” Michelle said. “It’s one version of how we’re bringing our mission to life through this event.”
The sisters said Feed Your Farmer fills a gap in the community calendar. While events like Pemberton’s Slow Food Cycle celebrate local food, those gatherings often ask farmers to play host.
“I don’t know of another event that looks primarily at the farmers themselves as people,” said Natalie. “We’re used to inviting everyone to the farm, but this is about the people who bring the food to our tables.”
A SEASON OF FATIGUE AND FULFILMENT
By late fall, many farmers are balancing pride and exhaustion; wrapping up production while dealing with worsening weather, financial uncertainty and staff turnover. The Austins wanted to create a space that acknowledges both the challenges and the satisfaction of the season’s close.
“Feed Your Farmer started really rooted in the purpose and mission behind our company,” said Michelle. “We started our farm to connect our community, connect town folk with farmers, connect farmers to each other.”
“It’s like any job when you can see a deadline on a project,” Natalie said. “There’s a lot of joy—’you did it, you pulled this off,’ but you’re also crawling in the mud to pull potatoes. It’s cold, it’s raining, you’re tired and your body starts to fail.”
Many farmhands also move on after harvest, adding an emotional dimension to the season’s end.
“You’re aware that your community is about to disperse,” Natalie said. “You’ve worked side by side with someone for months, and then they might be about to leave.”
According to a 2023 report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, farmers in Canada are experiencing “declining mental health,” driven by higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety than the general population. The Canadian Parliament’s agriculture committee has also catalogued key stressors like extreme weather, market volatility, paperwork burden and isolation—ultimately identifying farmer mental health as a priority.
The financial picture isn’t easing the pressure, either. According to a Statistics Canada report, farmers’ net profit dropped by about $3.3 billion, or nearly 26 per cent, down to about $9.4 billion from 2023 to 2024. At the same time, farm debt climbed, too, rising by 14.1 per cent in 2024 to approximately $166.7 billion, the largest annual jump since 1981.
So, by the end of the harvest season when fatigue sets in, deadlines are met, and the crew heads home, the mental and financial stresses line up. Michelle said the event aims to create a moment of relief.
“Farmers experience isolation and loneliness at really high levels,” she said. “When you invest in farmers connecting, it heals that part that’s been hurting. This is just our small thing to help combat that.”
A NIGHT BUILT AROUND FOOD
The event itself will be casual—centred around good food and conversation rather than formal speeches. After consulting with other farmers, the sisters scrapped their initial plan for a plated dinner in favour of a social, mix-andmingle evening.
“We wanted it to focus on farmers
celebrating that they did it,” Michelle said. “It’s one final chance to be together and celebrate the year.”
Naturally, some of the food will come directly from the community. But the sisters are also looking to sponsors to take some of the pressure off their target audience.
“We asked the farmers if they’d be willing to support with some of their veggies,” said Michelle. “Some have offered, and Spud. ca and Stong’s Market have given us gift cards to shop with them. We’re also working with a local female chef to prepare everything.”
While this first event is invite-only for local farmers, the sisters hope it grows in the future.
“We’d love to eventually include more of the Sea to Sky farming community,” Michelle said.
GROUNDED IN GRATITUDE
The Austins say Feed Your Farmer is both a thank-you and a reflection of their values as young farmers building a regenerative business in the Sea to Sky.
“We hope the public sees this as celebrating the people who brought the harvest,” Natalie said. “For the farmers, we just hope they feel appreciated and that they have a community that lasts beyond their workplace.”
They also made a point to recognize the land that sustains their work.
“We’re hosting this event and growing our flowers on Indigenous land,” Natalie said. “We’re forever grateful to the original stewards and get a lot of knowledge from them. We just really want to make it clear that they have a big part to play in this.”
For Michelle, even if the event remains small, the impact matters. “If we generate a reminder in the community to think of your farmer as you’re eating,” she said, “then we’ve done what we set out to do.” n
VILLAGE BACKS SEA TO SKY COMMUNITY SERVICES’ MIXED-USE COMMUNITY HUB WITH A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
BY LUKE FAULKS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
IN THE SPACE of a week, the Harrow Road affordable housing and community hub project in Pemberton received a pair of financial shots to the arm.
On Oct. 1, the RBC Foundation announced $200,000 towards the Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) development. Days later, the Village of Pemberton gave first, second and third readings to a 10-year municipal property tax exemption for the building.
The financial boost represents a “major step forward” for the project, according to SSCS executive director Jaye Russell.
“Thanks to this donation, the Harrow Road project is even closer to reality,” she said in a statement about the RBC donation. “We’re closer than ever to our goal of being able to support more than 2,200 people each year with stable housing and essential services.”
Located at 7400 Harrow Road, the project will provide 63 residential units—offering deeply subsidized, rent-geared-to-income, and affordable housing options—and nearly 7,000 square feet of community programming space to host upwards of 30 social services. It is expected to open in fall 2026.
WHAT THE TAX EXEMPTION MEANS
The permissive tax exemption, granted under B.C.’s Community Charter, allows municipalities to waive property taxes for eligible non-profit land uses. In this case, the Village of Pemberton agreed to exempt SSCS from municipal property taxes on the Harrow Road site for 10 years starting in 2026.
Gwendolyn Kennedy, the Village’s director of corporate and legislative services, explained the rationale to council during the Oct. 7 meeting.
“Permissive tax exemption is an opportunity for council to support organizations that enhance the quality of life,” she said. “Owners of land and improvements that are used for non-profit activities can request to be exempt from paying municipal property taxes.”
SSCS’s original exemption, approved in 2023, only covered the 2024 and 2025 building phases. The recent approval extends that exemption through 2035, covering operational years once residents move in and SSCS programming begins.
SSCS sees the credit as being key to allowing its programming to take place.
“The rising cost of property ownership and management, coupled with ongoing market volatility and an uncertain economic outlook, has placed significant strain on our operations,” SSCS stated in its exemption application. “A property tax exemption is not a loss—it is an investment in housing stability and community well-being.”
According to a staff report, the estimated foregone revenue from the tax break is projected at $2,388 in 2026, increasing to $29,954 in 2027 and $33,819 in 2028. Staff note those figures are subject to revisions based on future assessments and tax increases.
Mayor Mike Richman acknowledged the financial cost to the Village, but called the move necessary.
“It is a cost to the community and I think we need to remind the province of that as well,” he said. “[This is] coming out of our coffers, and it’s affecting us, [so] it’s another big expectation on small communities.
“But I’m happy to support this for the work they’re doing on Harrow Road. I think it’s an amazing project.”
WHY THE EXEMPTION MATTERS TO SSCS
In its exemption application, SSCS said the relief would allow it to keep rents low and maintain social programming.
“Without property tax relief, we are forced to make difficult choices—passing these costs on to tenants in the form of higher rents [or] scaling back essential social service programs,” wrote Leighton Kunz, the organization’s director of housing. “Neither option aligns with our mission, nor the Village’s goals for an inclusive, affordable community.”
The 7,000-square-foot groundfloor community space will include trauma-informed design features such as barrier-free appliances, varied counter heights, accessible washrooms and a 520-square-foot teaching kitchen. The RBC Foundation grant specifically funds construction of the kitchen and four accessible washrooms, Russell confirmed.
The $200,000 was awarded through the RBC Foundation’s Community Spaces Grant. The program aims to support publicuse buildings that improve accessibility or environmental sustainability.
“From wheelchair ramps to solar panels to emergency systems, the RBC Foundation Community Spaces Grant is in place to increase environmental sustainability and improve the accessibility of the buildings where Canadians gather,” said Carmen Stossel, RBC’s regional director for community marketing and corporate citizenship, in a statement.
SSCS intends to lease a portion of the commercial space to “like-minded agencies for a fair market rate.” The remaining community programming space will house SSCS-led mental health, social support and family services.
Harrow Road was one of just a handful of B.C. projects to receive funding. The foundation announced the distribution of $16.2 million across 44 projects nationally, including accessibility-focused upgrades at Carrier Sekani Family Services in Burns Lake and bathroom renovations at Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt. n
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ELECTORAL AREA D
Public Notice is hereby giveninaccordancewithSection 466 of the Local Government Act that an electronic Public Hearingwill be heldregarding thefollowing bylaws:
2.Squamish-Lillooet RegionalDistrictElectoral Area DOfficialCommunity Plan Bylaw No.1135-2013, Amendment BylawNo. 1916-2025
PurposeofBylaw No.1915-2025 and1916-2025
As aresultofchangestothe Agricultural Land Commission Act(ALCA) and Agricultural LandReserve Useand GeneralRegulation(ALRUse Regulation), theSLRDneeds to updatezoningbylawstobeinalignment with theProvincialregulatoryframework Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 1915-2025 seekstoincorporatethesenecessary changes into theElectoral Area DZoningBylaw.The proposed changes reflect theapproach implementedinElectoral Area Cand arealigned with theElectoral Area DOfficial CommunityPlan(OCP) Bylawand SquamishValleyAgriculture Plan. Policychanges underthe AgricultureDesignationofthe Area DOCP Bylaware also requiredtoremove referencetooutdated termsand processesrelated to residentialusesinthe Agricultural Land Reserve(ALR).Additionally,OCP mapping changes arerequiredtoreflectnew ALRboundariesinthe Upper SquamishValley.
BylawNo. 1915-2025and BylawNo. 1916-2025applytothe ElectoralAreaD Agriculture Zone and ElectoralAreaD OCPAgriculture Designation.
Information
Acopy of theproposed bylaws andrelevant background documentsmay be inspected at theRegional District office,1350Aster Street,Pemberton, BC,duringofficehours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm notincluding weekends and statutoryholidaysorbyreviewing an electronic copy on theSLRDwebsite at https://www.slrd.bc.ca/inside-slrd/news-notices/ notice-public-hearing-electoral-area-d. Allpersons whobelieve that theirinterestinthe property is affectedbythe proposed bylaws shallbeafforded areasonableopportunity topresent submissions respecting matters contained in thebylaws.
WrittenSubmissions
Writtensubmissions must be addressedto“SLRD BoardofDirectors," and include your name and community of residence. Until4:00pm on October 27,2025, written submissionswill be received at thefollowing:
Email: planning@slrd.bc.ca
Hard Copy: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Planning Department PO Box219, Pemberton, BC V0N2L0
Writtensubmissionswill also be accepted on October 27, 2025 between 4:00pm and thetimewhenthe motion to closethe Public Hearingismade. During this timeframe, writtencommentsmustbesubmittedbyemail to:cdewar@slrd.bc.ca.
Participatevia Zoom
Th eP ubl ic He ar in gw ill ta ke pl ac ee le ct ro ni ca lly on Oc to ber 27, 2025 at 7pm Alinkwill be postedonthe SLRD websitethree daysprior to thePublic Hearing. Youmay also emailthe Planning Department threedaysprior to thePublic Hearingat planning@slrd.bc.catorequestany necessary information.
Ski-trip planning takes work
AFTER 20 WINTERS of skiing Whistler Blackcomb (WB), I can confidently say I know the mountain pretty well. I have my powday routines, my time-saving shortcuts, my classic-yet-can’t-miss lines, my stashes, my easy wins and my bigger gambles when the crowds motivate me to get more creative. Every ski-town local prides themselves on being able
BY VINCE SHULEY
to show out-of-town friends the time of their life on the mountain.
The coolest thing about WB is that even after 20 years, I still occasionally stumble upon a pocket of terrain I haven’t put tracks through before.
Hometown advantage gives us certainty. Skiing the mountain regularly keeps us in sync with coverage and conditions, so when the right storm does come off the Pacific, we’re ready to pounce. This dedication and patience can be rewarded with some glorious days, but the terrain doesn’t change (glacier recession notwithstanding). That doesn’t
mean it gets boring—far from it. But to truly appreciate your hometown hill, sometimes you need to step outside of your routine and see how the rest of the world skis. We might be blessed with arguably the best skiing in North America, but if WB is all you know, it’s all you know.
Travelling for skiing is one of the best experiences the sport can offer. It lets you explore different mountains, après in different ski towns and if you travel far enough, it can be a different cultural experience altogether.
Hitting up other popular ski resorts is a great first step into ski travel. It does take an investment of time and money, vacation from your work and a gamble on conditions,
a no-brainer. If you don’t mind crossing the border, Mount Baker is as legendary as it has ever been, and has a reasonably-priced day ticket in 2026 for what you get, even with the currency exchange. If you can travel with someone who knows the area or connect with a local, you’ll have an even better experience.
Where things get interesting is when you start looking at the more offbeat ski locations. These will have little to no mechanized access, so logistics and backcountry route planning are essential. The internet has plenty of resources from others who’ve explored before you, but the more remote and offbeat you get, the quicker the Google resources dry up. And no one wants to put two weeks of time, money
But to truly appreciate your hometown hill, sometimes you need to step outside of your routine and see how the rest of the world skis.
but few skiers come home from a road trip wishing they hadn’t gone. I’d wager the majority of Whistler locals have never taken advantage of their Epic Pass access to other Vail Resorts properties (avoiding U.S. travel due to currency disparity and political climate is more than understandable right now), but hitting up Interior resorts Kicking Horse and/ or Fernie with seven free days of lift access is
and travel into a failed ski trip.
Researching ski trips isn’t just finding blogs or scrolling through YouTube channels, it’s connecting with locals on the ground. This is how professional media crews do it, because their paycheque often hinges on the success of the trip. Your two-week vacation should be treated with the same importance. Finding new ski contacts on the other side of
the world isn’t easy, but it is possible.
Years ago, I wanted to explore skiing in Italy’s Sibillini Mountains. I had a loose media assignment and I had done some homework on which areas I could ski and the towns where I could stay. But for my story, I needed a local. Not just for guidance on where the good skiing was, I needed someone to tell me stories about the region, the history, the food, the culture and the people. I found a skier on Instagram who seemed very active in the Sibillinis and I threw out a long shot DM to see if he could be a resource for me during my week of skiing in Italy. Lorenzo ended up organizing us on multiple ski-touring missions, slashed turns for my photos, showed me his favourite dining spots and with the help of his partner, I got to interview the people that made my story happen. He’s now a contact who can connect me with people all over the European Alps, and more importantly, a friend who I want to ski with again.
Finding Lorenzo was a stroke of luck, but it also took time. Planning complicated ski trips sometimes means playing the long game, making sure you have your ducks in a row, ensuring your timing is right and having a backup plan if the primary goal falls through at the last minute.
While we’re all patiently waiting for snow to fall, why not spend the time to research your next ski trip?
Vince Shuley is due for an international ski trip. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider, email vince.shuley@gmail. com or Instagram @whis_vince. n
ANDIAMO Ski trips like this one to Italy’s Sibillini Mountains are smoother when you have a contact on the ground. Local skier Lorenzo Alesi shows the March conditions in Gran Sasso, Abruzzo region.
This wasp has been scanning my body for the past 20 minutes.
So close, like we’re friends, or more than friends. It’s a gorgeous autumn morning, no surprise to have wasps around now, they’re hungry and looking for something sugary, and I am outdoors in their domain, and apparently giving off a sweet vibe. I don’t need my memory jogged to recall the swarm of wasps who made their way down my T-shirt last fall and began a stinging jamboree, before tap dancing and shrieking, I managed to peel my T-shirt off. One after another, wasps arrive, circling my desk, my head, my moving fingers on the computer keys. They must have sent out a message, sugar rush, table one. Is it true what I have heard, they only sting once? Their activity unnerves me; I have just begun my workday. I know almost nothing about wasps and start searching for information. OK, they are pollinators. That’s good. A typical worker wasp lives for 12 to 22 days. Perhaps my new friends are on their 22nd day. By the time I learn their lifespan, I’m worried about the ones still alive, where do they go in winter? They hibernate, like our other Whistler animals, in safe places, like under tree bark, cracks in buildings, or in attics. I’ve also learned that, symbolically, wasps are viewed as messengers from the divine, where a sting is a wake-up call to a spiritual path. Well, that isn’t exactly what’s on my mind right this minute, but it’s intriguing, isn’t it?
I’m seated at my outdoor desk writing a story about a young man named Gilbert who is on a pilgrimage, which might just be a metaphysical journey, now that I think of it. So, the wasps, among other things I have noticed today, are observations the natural world has invoked, and which may become part of my story. Life has been going a little too smoothly for Gilbert, perhaps he needs a wake-up call. The things my mind makes up when I’m immersed in my writing. When I work at my indoor desk it’s challenging to situate my characters who are performing in the outdoors. So, I have taken myself outside. The weather is fine. Well, that’s not enough. Why not have Gilbert manoeuvring a path on a unicycle, flinging himself into the brambles. Another character has been hired to work on a ranch but has never been on a horse. I think he’s a private eye. He’s a genius in the kitchen, and they will decide to keep him, at their peril. Surveillance is a piece of cake for a pastry chef. It’s all this talk of sugar. Someone has a wasp as their nemesis. Surprising twists and turns. They might need to sweat a little. Get stung. While I’m waiting to find out what happens, a crow is cawing, I smell smoke, wind picks up and leaves are swirling. By mid-morning the sky is an impressive blue. Images, sounds, scents have already wound their way into my story.
Two years ago, I created this outdoor writing room. The kind of space where I write in the outdoors, not writing about the outdoors, necessarily. I’m writing about humanity, about hope in dark times, about songs and tears and trees and mountains, and things I’m haunted by. About God. It’s that the outdoors forces me to listen and pay attention to find the story. Novelist, Elif Shafak, said here waits the wisdom of the story. It’s the weather, the temperature, the sounds, the crescent moon, the ever-changing sky. Writer, Barry Lopez, kept journals on his remote travels, but he wrote in a cabin on his property beside the Mackenzie River, so he could hear the river.
By Mary MacDonald
I moved an old teak table I inherited years ago, a chair, an outdoor rug I bought at Home Hardware and my laptop outdoors. It’s a modest space. Here, in the town where we all came to be in the outdoors—skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, backcountry, biking, hiking— why not writing? It can’t be beat for ambience, colour and texture. It turns out that I have found my perfect place. And curiously, all this exciting environment, is good for plot. Rain or sun, I have an eagerness, though I have not braved writing outdoors during a Whistler winter. A friend who is hounding me to finish my novel, and hoped my outdoor set-up would be a passing fancy, just gifted me wool gloves where the fingers are half exposed. Get it done, she said, I guess people write in dark pubs and garrets. It won’t kill you. Later I wonder about what she said. I wonder if there is too much grief. I worry that I’ll mess the story up. Not that I am in danger. But right now, birds are singing, and two people are walking near enough for me to eavesdrop, and I start typing, he could levitate at any moment. What a satisfying sub-plot I can spin out of these excellent words.
What happened is this, one day I was out walking, listening to a podcast interview with the wildly successful science-fiction writer, Kim Stanley Robinson. First, he spoke about his passion for the natural world, for being outdoors, for hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains near his home in Davis, California. He used a word I had not heard before—psycho-geology—to describe how places shape the way we think. And consequently, he created an outdoor space to write. Mostly, he described the same relationship to the planet I feel. He’s worried about forest fires and drought, and floods. He was becoming consumed by his concerns about climate change. So, one day he set up an outdoor desk. Then, realizing he could not see his computer screen, he set up a tarp over his head. When it got cold, he began wearing wool sweaters and then a puffy jacket, an electric blanket, and now, he even has down booties. His passion when he spoke of writing outside was infectious, I
FEATURE STORY
wanted to do what he did. There he was, talking about his profound love of nature. About beauty and peace, and the quickening loss of habitats, ponds drying up, fires and heat like we’ve never known, and how suddenly he wasn’t sure there would be a tomorrow. He had gotten himself in a state where his writing became focused on climate change.
Morning light is coming later now. At 6 a.m., I’ve bundled up, it might have been between 0 C to 10 C overnight. The sky is lit pinky-mauve, and it’s quiet. Just me and the dawn chorus: the sharp trill of the dark-eyed juncos, alarming call of the black-capped chickadees, the piercing tone of the northern flickers, finches that are like an orchestra, the shook shook shook of the Steller’s jays. Squirrels are frenetically detaching cones from the fir trees behind my desk. Plunk, plunk the cones are falling. John Muir estimated that 50 per cent of all cones in the Sierra conifer forest were snipped off and handled by Douglas squirrels. Well, that’s exactly who’s up my conifer trees and hoarding their cones and seeds for winter. Soon they will be in a story because they are burying those cones, and where. I think they are going to make a mess of one of my character’s gardens, dirt will be flung wildly while the squirrel digs down to hide those cones. And there is nothing like an angry gardener. A story needs a good dollop of nosiness and emotion.
I knew if I was going to do this, I had to love it. It’s not always peaceful outdoors, though things change, minute to minute. I’ve just messaged my neighbour that I hear a sooty grouse in the backyard. As soon as I get my butt in the seat, which is the hardest thing for a writer to do, I witness something spectacular, and I’m off and running. We have a yearling who passes through our backyards here in Whistler. Quietly and elegantly, wanders through the backyard as though it belongs to him or her, which in fact it does. Some people believe that bears have song lines. I really love that idea. That this young bear is travelling from Squamish to Pemberton, just with their knowing. This is the perfect time for my story to become mysterious. Perhaps someone will have a transformation. What I see changes me and where I’m going with this story. Where was home and whose home is this? Soon, I’m adding spiritual elements to my story. I’m thinking about before we arrived, about the land and what it was like before we humans lived here.
The bear is quickly becoming my favourite character. I’m disappointed when I start researching to find black bears probably do not have a song line. I go back and read sections of Bruce Chatwin’s classic book, The Songlines, about how during the dreaming time, the Aboriginal cultures in Australia sang their land into existence. The song line for Chatwin was the line of the ancestors, binding people to their past and to their land. Canadian hereditary Chief Bob Joseph described this deep connection to the land as a living entity, as essential to the beliefs of our First Nations, too.
I am still thinking about bear. I cycled around a corner once and almost hit one. While he snorted and sniffed me, I stood perfectly still, overwhelmed with awe and reverence, not danger. These kinds of encounters are a reminder we’re in this place together. I’m struggling, someone in my story has been suffering. As I watch the bear amble past my desk, the shiny, inky blackness of the fur, I have a contemplative feeling, like prayer. Through my senses, my story is changing. Someone will be imbued with profound knowing. I go back over the last page, trying not to go back to the beginning, as writers tend to do. It has occurred to me I’ve completely missed something. Someone needs saving. I am reminded of something writer Helen Humphreys said, the world is hard enough, give your reader a happy ending. I imagine a world that is more heart, less grievous.
Wind arrives by late afternoon, dry leaves scrape against each other, fir cones roll along the earth like tumbleweeds, temperature is dropping. I’m shivering and zip up my cardigan. Storms arrive quickly in the mountains. I need to give my characters shelter. I am trying to find my people, what they think, feel, and fear. I’m listening. The wind, rain, hail stones pounding the overhang will change the shape of the story in ways I can’t predict. I’m not writing alone. I take a front-row seat in the outdoors, hope the muse arrives, and the story will reveal itself.
The renowned South African writer, Deborah Levy, said the story would lead her. She writes in a little shed in London she calls a cold shed under an apple tree. A shed with no heat source and nowhere near her home. She cycles there in the morning, parks her bike, and waits for the muse to arrive. Many well-known writers worked in small cabins and shacks—famously Virginia Woolf and Mark Twain and E. B. White. But who has their writing room outdoors? The pleasure is in the abundance of feeling, the intensity of it, the aliveness. Time goes by, then suddenly I notice the sun has gone down. It is always later than I think.
It’s been simple really. I have warm clothing, I’m an early riser, and it’s easy for me to arrive at my writing desk now. The squirrels have moved on. Bear is a pleasant memory. A few birds remain; the loud rattle of a northern flicker pierces the early evening sky. It will soon be winter. There is no heat in my writing room. For now, the story is alive and gathering depth and movement. Time will tell how I do when the first snowflakes fly. And there are those wasps again. The much-maligned insect. Perhaps not always hostile. One swirls over my hands as they click clack their last lines, before I close over the keyboard for the day. I suspect it is gathering information about me, too. Perhaps about to write its own story.
The 2025 Whistler Writers Festival runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. Read more on page 30, and get tickets at whistlerwritersfestival.com. n
PHOTOS BY PAUL WRIGHT
PHOTO BY MARY MACDONALD
‘Pretty wild’: Georgia Astle snatches bronze at 2025 Red Bull Rampage
ROBIN GOOMES REPEATS AS LADIES’ CHAMPION, HAYDEN ZABLOTNY PREVAILS IN THE MEN’S CONTEST
BY DAVID SONG
GEORGIA ASTLE continues to demonstrate her freeride prowess with a second Red Bull Rampage medal in as many years.
The Whistler native secured bronze on Oct. 17 in Virgin, Utah with an 87.66-point outing. Robin Goomes defended her gold from last year (89.50), and Hannah Bergemann snuck in for silver (89.33).
Cami Nogueira earned both the Toughness Award and GoPro Moment, Kirsten Van Horne’s suicide no-hander drop was named Best Trick, Chelsea Kimball’s diggers Aric Duncan and Ryan Rodriguez netted top honours in their field and the McGazza Spirit Award was given to Bergemann.
“Pretty wild,” said Astle. “I’m still reflecting on the fact that I’ve just podiumed in my second Rampage. It means so much to me, and it also is a reassuring moment solidifying the fact that I have this process and it’s worked for me. I can go into something not necessarily being all gung-ho, but I can have a lot of fun and just trust my own process throughout the whole thing.”
Among men, incumbent Crankworx Whistler Whip-Off runner-up Hayden
Zablotny emerged victorious two days later (96.00) in front of Thomas Genon (94.35) and Tom Van Steenbergen (94.00) in that order.
“I just wanted to build something that would showcase my building and riding style—and something I’d be stoked on riding as well,” Zablotny commented in an interview with Red Bull.
Jaxson Riddle clinched the GoPro Moment and Best Trick with his backflip heel clicker, Aiden Parish took the McGazza
real curveballs—not to mention sliders, fastballs as well as knuckleballs—because of harsh weather. Turbulent wind and driving rain marred valuable practice time and caused organizers to move the women’s event back a day.
On the bright side, Virgin was a repeat venue unlike 2024’s location in St. George, Utah. Riders took advantage of existing features to build their lines, and the blueprint for going bigger was already in place. That
“It means so much to me, and it also is a reassuring moment solidifying the fact that I have this process and it’s worked for me.”
- GEORGIA ASTLE
Award, Zablotny’s mates Dakoda Osusky and Harper Simon were named Best Diggers and the Toughness Award unsurprisingly went to Adolf Silva after he experienced one of the most terrifying crashes in Rampage history.
Under-rotating a double backflip, Silva caught his front wheel and impacted the ground headfirst. He was airlifted to St. George Regional Hospital, regained consciousness and assured fans via Instagram that he was doing well apart from a lower back injury.
This year’s athletes were thrown some
didn’t mean things went off without a hitch: Astle and her team found themselves needing to completely remove a jump that did not function as intended.
Unfortunately, there was also a great deal of carnage. Five women—last year’s bronze medallist Casey Brown, Vaea Verbeeck, Kimball, Harriet Burbidge-Smith and CJ Selig—all pulled out due to injuries sustained in practice. A similar mishap befell Parish before Silva and Red Bull Joyride champ Emil Johansson went down
hard during the men’s contest.
“Injuries are always going to be a part of it, unfortunately. I think part of it was just hitting features for the first time, but also there were some mistakes,” Astle opined. “I would say it’s something that you have to learn as well. One of the girls had a really bad crash, honestly, just due to the blindness of the feature. Once the testing didn’t go well, she completely re-evaluated it and made it really safe.
“It’s really tricky, but you don’t want to add blind, loose and high speed all into one equation. It’s a learning experience, but I think we’re all settling into how Rampage works.”
Astle remained upright, being one of two female riders to hit the 16-metre El Presidente drop and linking that move with her wellknown suicide no-hander. Each of the seven finalists completed two runs, with Goomes on top by way of crankflips, backflips and no-handers in sequence.
“The main goal is to ride your run well,” Goomes told Red Bull reporters. “Obviously I wanted to win, but all you can do is ride your best, and if you can do that, you have a good chance.”
Though she continues to love participating in hometown races like the Garbanzo Downhill where she finished second in August, Astle’s heart now belongs to the freeride realm. She intends to keep developing her skills and gunning for more medals in the next three years.
Visit redbull.com/ca-en/red-bullrampage-winner for more details from Red Bull Rampage 2025. n
ON A RAMPAGE Red Bull Rampage 2025 women’s podium, left to right: Hannah Bergemann, Robin Goomes and Georgia Astle.
PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE POWERS
SPORTS THE SCORE
Wei Tien Ho’s new ski movie 此刻: NOW premieres in Whistler
THE
MANDARIN-NARRATED FILM WILL BE SHOWN OCT. 24 AT THE MAURY YOUNG ARTS CENTRE
BY DAVID SONG
WEI TIEN HO wears a number of hats in life: son, friend, Yeti Xtreme Verbier champion, Enduro World Cup athlete and burgeoning sports movie star.
The Whistlerite wanted his latest on-screen undertaking, 此刻: NOW, to be unique, so he joined up with dear friends Hugh Saint-Jacques and Cole Nelson to venture outside the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking. While many ski flicks emphasize action and adrenaline, NOW is intuitive, emotional and deeply personal.
It is also narrated by Ho’s grandmother— in Mandarin.
“The project as a whole means so much to me for many reasons. To have my grandma’s voice be archived on this piece honestly means more now than I imagined at the start,” Ho said. “I didn’t really want to narrate, so I had the idea of getting my grandma to do it. I’m half-Chinese, so that’s where the link is from. Hugh actually wrote the script. The whole process was more meaningful than I could ever have imagined.”
Ho won’t pretend Asian culture has permeated every aspect of his life. He was born in Canada, grew up skiing the same lines as most other locals and doesn’t speak any Mandarin. Announcers sometimes mispronounce his name at competitions, but otherwise he’s just one of the guys.
That said, Ho intends to tap into his Chinese heritage going forward. He’s flying out to Shanghai in November to promote NOW alongside his sponsor, Peak Performance, as both believe China is an opportunity-laden market for freeride skiing.
ARMOUR FOR SELF-DOUBT
NOW depicts Ho’s most recent campaign. An ankle injury on Oct. 16, 2024 threw a wrench into the gears, but he forged on with rehab and began filming last fall nonetheless. The goal was not to tell his season story, but show it by way of compelling shots and intentionality.
The tale has a Hollywood ending: an outof-left-field victory at March’s Freeride World Tour (FWT) finale in Verbier that saw Ho best a stacked lineup including another close friend, overall men’s champ Marcus Goguen.
“I’ve been trying to fully digest it,” Ho admitted. “I see the ski season and the bike season kind of as one because I transfer quite seamlessly [between them], they kind of go by in a flash. I think the timing of Verbier, for multiple reasons, just couldn’t have been any better. It’s just a bit of proof in the back of my mind to create some armour for the self-doubts I sometimes have. We would have been pretty [expletive] without Verbier—we
would have made something happen, but I definitely think [the gold medal] is a very nice cherry on top.”
Ho has watched NOW at least 100 times by his own estimate and gets shivers down his spine each time. He lauded Nelson and SaintJacques for their creative eye and talent for cinematography, and hopes viewers will be moved by the project like he is.
“I want to create some stuff that’s just sick skiing and pushing the progression … but on the other hand as well, I want to create some more moving pieces that have a deeper meaning,” remarked Ho. “When I watch ski films during premiere season, a lot of content [doesn’t] really stick with me, but when I would watch certain people’s personal projects, that’s really inspiring.
“There’s a lot of story that goes on in sports that are often overshadowed by the highlights everybody sees. That [story] is what we wanted to show. We didn’t want it to be a docuseries explaining every little moment that happened in my season. We wanted to express … a broader outlook and have my grandma’s voice giving advice to an adolescent pursuing their goals. It’s a hard feeling to exactly put your finger on, but I hope it’s the feeling the audience gets when they see it for the first time.”
NOW will be shown Oct. 24 at the Maury Young Arts Centre after premiering during this month’s International Freesports Film Festival (iF3). Visit showpass.com/whistlerblackcomb-movie-premiere for details. n
HERE AND NOW A still from Wei Tien Ho’s new film, 此刻
Whistler dead season deals abound in fall 2025
RESTAURANTS TO CONSIDER INCLUDE WILD BLUE, ARAXI, IL CAMINETTO AND MORE
BY DAVID SONG
IT MAY TECHNICALLY be dead season, but there’s no cause for your taste buds to feel desolate and neglected.
Local restaurants are now offering a plethora of mouthwatering deals to attract customers during the calm before the storm: a.k.a. Nov. 21 when Whistler Blackcomb (WB) opens to skiers and boarders.
It’s only fitting to begin with Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar, a culinary castle that earns acclaim from far and wide. It was named Best Whistler Restaurant at the 36th Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards (VMRA) and ranks 33rd on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for this year. Since 2023, Wild Blue has also been voted Whistler’s best offseason deal by Pique Newsmagazine readers.
“We are honoured and grateful to be recognized among the best by both Vancouver Magazine and Canada’s 100 Best,” said Neil Henderson, Wild Blue Partner and restaurant director, in a press release. “This is a true
reflection of the hard work and passion of our entire team—from the kitchen to the front of house—and our ongoing commitment to bringing the very best of Whistler to every guest we welcome.”
Wild Blue features a $43 four-course prix fixe menu brimming with flavour. Mains consist of ling cod, beef ribeye “yakiniku” sausage, cavatelli, prime striploin and a hearty “harvest” option: Rösti potato, lentils, fall vegetables and nut butter sauce.
There’s also Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar, which came second in the 2025 VMRA. Known as one of the Sea to Sky region’s most
of years they’ve been open.
Key items on said menu include B.C. albacore tuna sushi roll, rootdown farm assorted beet salad, grilled Pacific octopus, Tofino spring salmon, duo of organic lamb and Angus reserve beef tenderloin.
If Italian cuisine is what you desire, Il Caminetto is always a viable option. Like Araxi, it is helmed by Walt and the Toptable Group while Mark Mcloughlin handles executive chef duties. The VMRA named Il Caminetto as Whistler’s third-best restaurant, and its fall menu aims to marry rich autumn produce to summer ingredients.
“We are honoured and grateful to be recognized among the best by both Vancouver Magazine and Canada’s 100 Best.”
- NEIL HENDERSON
vaunted eating establishments, Araxi benefits from the services of Ying Gao—who joined last year as executive chef to team up with culinary director James Walt. Under their leadership, the restaurant has rolled out its own prix fixe menu costing $44: the number
Again for $44, guests can enjoy the likes of North Arm Farm harvest insalata, gem lettuce caesar, ricotta gnocchi ai funghi (a mushroom dish), eggplant parmigiano al forno, lobster and saffron spaghetti, and more.
Speaking of lobster, Bearfoot Bistro
has that covered. Having hosted its Magic of Maple Sugar Shack dining experience earlier this year, this restaurant now pivots away from maple syrup towards seafood: and plenty of it.
There’s big eye tuna, pork belly and scallops as appetizers, surf and turf options pairing lobster with a six-ounce bavette or seven-ounce ribeye steak, king salmon fillet, a full pound of Atlantic lobster and much more. This Lobsterfest menu will cost you $88, but it may be worthwhile for seafood connoisseurs.
Consider also 21 Steps Kitchen + Bar, which is marking its 21st birthday this year. This eatery was voted Whistler’s best casual dining establishment of 2024 due in large part to the hands-on attitude of owners John McMillen and Allie Warner. They bartend, polish glasses, run the door and do whatever else it takes to ensure their guests have an optimal experience.
21 Steps’ fall menu is three courses for $43 and available Sunday to Friday. Small plates include buttermilk fried chicken, garlic chili prawns and the signature Twenty One Salad, while big plates run the gamut from Thai vegetable curry and braised boneless beef short rib to 10-ounce New York steaks and a seven-ounce bacon-wrapped filet mignon.
Visit whistler.com/blog/post/2025/09/25/ fall-dining-offers for details on these and other dead season deals throughout Whistler. n
IN THE BLUE The interior of Wild Blue Restaurant in Whistler.
PHOTO BY RUSSEL DARBY / COURTESY OF WILD BLUE
MEADOWPARKSPORTSCENTRE
F FLEXIBLEREGISTRATION Flex-reg’classeshavea separatefeeand allowyoutoregisterfor classesonthedaysthatfit yourschedule.
R REGISTEREDFITNESS Registeredfitnessclasses haveaseparatefeeanda definedstartandenddate. Pre-registrationisrequired fortheentire setofclasses.
I INCLUDEDFITNESS Theseclassesareincluded withyourpriceofadmission fornoextracharge.
Girls StrengthClub 3:45-4:45p.m. Julia I Strength inPlay 6:30-7:30p.m. Anna I Zumba 6:30-7:30p.m. Carmen F Yoga: CoreFusion 5:15-6:15p.m. Heidi I Mountain Ready Conditioning 6:30-7:30p.m. Carly
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Silvia Moreno-Garcia headlines acclaimed author lineup at 2025 Whistler Writers Festival
THE EVENT RUNS FROM OCT. 30 TO NOV. 2 WITH OTHER NOTABLE GUESTS LIKE JULIAN BRAVE NOISECAT, SUSAN JUBY AND KARINA HALLE
BY DAVID SONG
THE 2025 WHISTLER WRITERS Festival (WWF) has prepared quite a lineup of guest authors under the theme of “Joyful Resistance.” including Canadian favourites like Susan Juby and Antonio Michael Downing as well as emerging names Liann Zhang and Julian Brave NoiseCat. There’s also Karina Halle, a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller specializing in fantasy and romance.
Few are more anticipated, however, than Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Identifying as “Mexican by birth, Canadian by inclination,” the Baja California native now lives in Vancouver. She’s a critically-acclaimed talent whose most famous book, Mexican Gothic, earned a host of award nominations and five wins (the Locus Award, British Fantasy Award, Pacific Northwest Book Award, Aurora Award, and the Goodreads Award).
Moreno-Garcia’s latest work is called The Bewitching. It stars three female protagonists and a plot that spans multiple generations of witchcraft and gothic horror.
“It is a supernatural suspense novel that goes from the hallways of a New England college in the 1990s to turn-of-the-century Mexico in the countryside,” she describes. “I like jumping from one form of writing to the other, from book to book. I don’t like to do sequels or stay in a series, so that’s just me
being restless, and I also enjoy the challenge of approaching something new or different.”
Much of Moreno-Garcia’s portfolio involves an element of fantasy, horror and/ or the noir genre. She believes speculative fiction can offer a useful set of lenses with which to assess literature and its many narratives. Just as a painting of a street might provoke a viewer’s feelings differently than a photograph of the same street, fantasy opens up new avenues of interest.
WWF artistic director Rebecca Wood Barrett believes Moreno-Garcia will fit right
‘THE LONG VIEW’
Moreno-Garcia has been penning prose for nearly 20 years. She found her literary style in 2006 and began writing short stories in underground magazines and other small publications until her readership grew. Some of the Vancouverite’s more recent offerings like Mexican Gothic have gotten onto the New York Times bestseller list, but she’s not necessarily chasing accolades.
“If I had to go back to very small spaces and very small audiences, I would [still] like the act of writing and I hope people enjoy
“Mixing the known and unknown in our festival events creates these electric moments on stage and introduces audiences to new voices...”
- REBECCA WOOD BARRETT
into a festival striving to be diverse.
“Mixing the known and unknown in our festival events creates these electric moments on stage and introduces audiences to new voices they may not have noticed as quickly otherwise,” she says in a press release. “When we’re thinking about events and putting authors together, we look for connective tissues in the themes of their work and so often it results in something magical.
“I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me after an event and [told] me they’ve found a new-to-them favourite author because of something they heard at the festival.”
reading me,” remarks Moreno-Garcia. “You have to read widely to learn how to write. It’s not just the act of writing, but the act of reading and for writing careers: generally you have to take the long view. Longevity is a bit of a Darwinian exercise, staying in the lane, so to speak. It’s looking at the big picture rather than the short term.
“There’s places that I would not have been invited to, or projects that I would not have been asked to participate in when I had a smaller profile, so [my awards] just opened certain doors—but you have to start anew with every book. It’s not as if everything is assured forever, so it’s constantly working and
making it work again.”
Although Moreno-Garcia has never visited Whistler before, she’s attended the Vancouver Writers Fest and various American events many times. She finds it rewarding to meet groups of her peers who may not cross paths otherwise.
Her next major goal will be to break into the realm of graphic novels.
“It’s different from writing a prose novel,” Moreno-Garcia says. “You are writing something that is closer to a movie script, and you’re basically giving instructions to the artist to paint the picture. It’s a different way to establish a narrative, and I’m interested because basically I’ve never done it before.”
On Nov. 1 at 8 p.m., Moreno-Garcia will join moderator Jeanette Bruce at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler to discuss her career and work.
SHARED HUMANITY
Two of the WWF’s most prolific events will run on Halloween.
First up is “We Survived the Night” featuring Julian Brave NoiseCat. A member of the Lil’wat Nation, NoiseCat is a champion powwow dancer and the director of Sugarcane: an Oscar-nominated documentary unveiling the abuses of Canada’s residential school system. His debut memoir, also titled We Survived the Night, blends hard journalism with oral history, and he’ll discuss it on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. in the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC).
At 8 p.m. in the Fairmont on the same day, Juby and Zhang team up with Laugh Out LIVE! to put on “All Hallows Eve: Murder and Mayhem.” Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, enjoy beverages from the onsite
BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW Authors assembled at the 2024 Whistler Writers Festival.
PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE / COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER WRITERS FESTIVAL
cash bar and have their photos taken while local comedians Ira Pettle, Rebecca Mason and Julie Farr perform improv sketches based on Juby’s and Zhang’s books.
Juby will share insights about her latest work, Contemplation of a Crime featuring a Buddhist butler sleuth as protagonist. Meanwhile, Zhang’s thriller Julie Chan is Dead explores the dark side of social media.
“I write hopeful comedies about people struggling to find out where they fit. My books are all about discovering your purpose and your people. The journeys and the people who take them are often a little odd,” Juby says in an interview with WWF. “The act of creating a story or a painting or a piece of music supports the idea that we are more than just cogs in the machinery of late capitalism.
“Whether we write light comedies, sprawling histories or hauntingly elegiac poetic works, we are making an argument for our individual and shared humanity.”
Zhang believes “writing and reading is inherently political. When the world feels like it’s diving head first into a capitalist hellscape, writers participate in joyful resistance by continuing to organically engage in art, and for their words to be a form of happiness and escape for their readers.”
Clea Young, Eddy Boudel Tan and the still to-be-announced recipient of the Whistler Independent Book Award for non-fiction unite on Nov. 1 at 10:15 a.m. for “Camouflage and Connection,” a Fairmont panel about characters who hide themselves and those who seek deeper relationship with others.
Young is known for penning short stories about girls, women and relationships of all kinds. “When I encounter a collection of stories that approach familiar subject matter in an unexpected way, when I can taste an author’s love of language in their word choices, or when I’m walloped by a startling new voice, I’m inspired to keep writing,” she says. “I’m also extremely grateful for writer friends with whom I can commiserate when the writing is difficult and celebrate when it’s going well.”
“My work depicts a world much like our own: the heroes are flawed, truth is distorted, and there is as much hope as there is heartbreak,” explains Boudel Tan, author of
The Tiger and the Cosmonaut. “Writing helps me make sense of a world that can at times feel senseless, examining and illuminating elusive truths. While systems of power may try to suppress forms of resistance, what we put on the page can’t be easily erased. Once it exists, it can be discovered, pondered, discussed, used to provoke thought or action, and celebrated.”
Also on Nov. 1, Halle stops by the Fairmont at 1:30 p.m. to chat with moderator Alli Vail regarding “romantasy”, a hybrid subgenre full of morally ambiguous characters. Halle’s new novel, Realm of Thieves, is set in a world where dragons exist alongside humans in a more “realistic” way somewhat reminiscent of Jurassic Park.
Last but not least, the Sunday BookTalk and Breakfast is on with Evelyn Lau, Sarah Leavitt and Downing. Interested visitors are welcome at 11 a.m. in the Fairmont for
“[W]riting and reading is inherently political.”
- LIANN ZHANG
continental breakfast and a session with these three acclaimed Canadian writers.
Wood Barrett feels the 2025 WWF is going to have something for everyone, including children and families. Poetry, contemplative fiction, spicy romance, thought-provoking non-fiction and more… what’s not to like?
“We had such a wonderful opportunity to bring in some new genres and explore some new events this year,” says Wood Barrett. “With new dates this year, we really wanted to embrace Halloween and make it fun and thrilling for book lovers. It’s perfect for the time of year we’re having the festival.”
Visit whistlerwritersfest.com for details and tickets. n
WITCHING HOUR Silvia Moreno-Garcia appears at the Whistler Writers Festival in The Bewitching, a Night of Spellcraft and Suspense, moderated by Jeanette Bruce on Nov. 1
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER WRITERS FESTIVAL
ARTS SCENE
PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE
Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/local-events
WSS GRAD 2026 HAUNTED HOUSE
WHISTLER WINE WALK
The Whistler Wine Walk is back this fall with guided walking tours of Whistler’s bustling art gallery scene. Experience Whistler’s galleries in a fun and unique way, with local, regional and international artists. Enjoy a variety of interactive art experiences while sipping on B.C. wine at each stop. Get your tickets to this yearly sell-out experience now!
> Oct. 24, 6 p.m.
> Various locations
Caution: includes jump scares!
> Oct. 25 to 31, 7 to 9 p.m.
> Cougar Mountain
TEEN ART COLLECTIVE
BEING WHO YOU ARE: A CIRCLE OF DISCOVERY
Maeve Jones leads a wholehearted inquiry into the essence of self; into the heart of what is alive in each of us. Meet this rare opportunity to reflect and shine light through yourself. Using the Leela Therapy model of inquiry, Maeve shares a repeating question intended to pierce through illusions and expose a new possibility to simply be. Everyone is welcome, and there are no prerequisites to join.
> Oct. 24, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
> Yogacara Whistler
CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS: VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS FOLLOWED BY QUEEN VS. ABBA
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before. Discover the music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more under the gentle glow of candlelight in Whistler—and later that night, the music of Queen and ABBA.
Vallea Lumina becomes a world of magic and mystery with two thrilling experiences. Trick or Treat Family Edition is a fun, candy-filled adventure through an enchanted forest with glowing lights and friendly forest spirits where costumes are encouraged! Trail of Terror Scary Edition sees the forest turn eerie after dark. Strange voices, flickering lights, and unseen footsteps await those brave enough to follow the lost hikers’ path.
A safe, supportive space for teens to explore their thoughts and emotions through creative expression. Guided by a trained art therapist, classes encourage self-awareness, emotional growth and personal insight using a variety of art materials and techniques. Whether coping with anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, or simply seeking a creative outlet, this class empowers teens to use art as a tool for healing, growth, and self-discovery.
> Oct. 27, 4 p.m.
> Audain Art Museum
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Get ready for a wild Halloween with The Rocky Horror Picture Show presented by The People’s Film! A cult classic full of chaos, corsets and iconic songs. Dress up, join the fun and compete for best costume prizes. The night’s signature cocktail is the Dammit Janet— spiced rum, cranberry, soda, citrus, and a scarlet sugar rim.
> Oct. 29, 7 p.m.
> Maury Young Arts Centre
WSS GRAD 2026 PRESENTS HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE
Whistler Secondary School’s Class of 2026 is putting on a Haunted House fundraiser, with concessions and two phases of programming (5:30 p.m. for less scary, $5 per person for ages 12 and under; and 6:30 p.m. for full scare, $10 per person for ages 12 and up).
Concession available on site will include a bake sale and drinks. Please bring non-perishable food or cash donations to help local families in need.
All are welcome. Come support the WSS Grad Class of 2026 and enjoy a frightful night for a great cause!
> Oct. 30, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
> Whistler Secondary School
PHOTO
MUSEUM MUSINGS & ASTROLOGY
Lot 4749: the original Whistler Centre
BY REBECCA MACKAY
WITHIN THE LAST year, there was community input and discussion on the potential redevelopment of Creekside in the Lake Placid area. Though we have referred to the initial developments of Creekside, we have not spent much time talking about the west side of the highway.
After Whistler Mountain opened in 1966, the valley saw an increase in visitation, but there was a lack of accommodation and facilities to keep up with the growing popularity of skiing. There was also an Olympic dream in mind that was already denied due to lack of resources. While Capilano Highlands Ltd. and Green Lake Estates were looking at subdivisions away from the mountain, and Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. sought to expand its on-mountain facilities, another group looked across the gondola base to a lot for potential redevelopment.
In 1936, Russ Jordan purchased 160 acres and constructed Jordan’s Lodge, a summer getaway and fishing destination. The lodge welcomed several visitors, with many revisiting Alta Lake to purchase land to build their own place. Popularity declined by the 1960s. His son, Eugene, described the property in 1962 as a mess, with grass up to the knees, a half-submerged float, and dirty cabins. This was a far cry from the
carefully manicured design that Russ maintained at the peak of its summer tourism.
The property was designated as District Lot 4749. A group of people of varying professional backgrounds, which included Russ’ two sons, formed Garibaldi Recreation Ltd. They purchased the land for $45,000 in 1962. The intention was to build accommodations, parking facilities, and other amenities; or, if they felt other developers would be more successful, they would sell the property for more money. The group put some money towards improvements, but according to shareholder Peter Alder, interest started to wane and it was time to sell.
In 1966, Garibaldi Recreation Ltd. sold Lot 4749 to Olympic bid supporters John and Kathleen “Kay” Taylor for about $400,000. Through the Whistler Centre Ltd. and Whistler Housing Corporation, the Taylors and their associates were dedicated to developing the area, and coordinated their efforts with mountain operations and what was being developed at the base.
The Taylors planned for hotels, shopping areas, clubhouses, a medical clinic, and singleand multi-family units. The first phase was to sell 150 lots to the public. All lots were surveyed and prepared for sale with telephone lines, BC Hydro electricity, water supply, and septic tanks. The first subdivision of 39 lots sold out by 1968, and several homes were constructed by 1971. Some of their original plan and structure of
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): I bet your upcoming night dreams will include marriages, mating dances, and sacramental unions. Even if you are not planning deeper mergers with trustworthy allies in your waking life, your subconscious mind is musing on such possibilities. I hope this horoscope inspires you to make such fantasies more conscious. What collaborations and blends would serve you well? Give your imagination permission to ponder new and exciting connections. Visualize yourself thriving amidst new connections.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In winemaking, malolactic fermentation softens a wine’s tart malic acid into gentler lactic acid. This process imparts a creamier and rounder mouthfeel, while preserving the wine’s structure. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to adopt this as your metaphor of power. See if you can refine your intensity without losing your integrity. Keep things interesting but soften the edges a bit. Introduce warmth and steadiness into provocative situations so they’re free of irritation and easier to engage with, but still enriching.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to practice the art of strategic disruption. One way to do it is to interrupt your patterns so they don’t calcify and obstruct you. Just for fun, you could eat breakfast for dinner. Take a different route to a familiar place. Talk to a person you would usually avoid. Say no when you’d normally say yes, or vice versa. Part of your brain loves efficiency, habits, and well-worn grooves. But grooves can become ruts. As a rousing spiritual experiment, you could do things differently for no reason except to prove to yourself that you can. Playful chaos can be a form of prayer. Messing with your standard approaches will unleash your creativity.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): In Shinto mythology, Ameno-Uzume is the goddess of mirth and revelry. In one story, she seduces the sun out of its hiding place by performing a
humorous and provocative dance. I am sending her over to your sphere right now in the hope that she will coax you out of your comfort zone of retreat, control, and self-protection. While I’m glad you have taken this break to recharge your spiritual batteries, I think it’s time to come out and play. You have done important work to nurture and process your deep feelings. Now we would love you to express what you’ve learned with freewheeling panache.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Ancient cultures in Sumeria, Egypt, and China used willow bark as a pain reliever. Many centuries later, in 1828, European scientists isolated the chemical salicin from the bark and used it to create aspirin. What had been a folk remedy became a widely used medicine all over the planet. Is there a metaphorically comparable development unfolding in your life? I think so. Something you’ve known or practiced could be evolving into its next form. The world may finally be ready to receive wisdom, a technique, or an insight you’ve used for a long time. Consider refining and upgrading it. Share it in ways that meet the present moment’s specific need.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In honour of your special needs right now, Virgo, I am coining a new English word: edge-ucation. It’s like “education” but with an extra edge. Though book-learning is included in its purview, it also requires you to seek out raw teaching in all possible ways: on the streets, the bedroom, the natural world, everywhere. To properly pursue your higher edge-ucation, you must hunt down provocative influences, thought-provoking adventures, and unfamiliar stimulation. Make the whole world your laboratory and classroom.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When I began writing horoscopes years ago, I had greater empathy with some of the signs than with others. But I worked hard to overcome this bias, and now I truly love and understand every tribe of the zodiac equally. I attribute this accomplishment to the fact that I have three Libra planets in my natal chart.
The Whistler Centre building in 1977 with the original paint job that suited the style of Vancouver architect, Wilfried Geppert. Geppert worked on various projects around Whistler, including St. Anton’s Village.
the west side of the highway looks as it is today. In recognition of the foundations laid, streets near Alpha Lake Village were named after them: Taylor Way and Kathleen Place. However, there were many changes that did not reflect the original plan.
At the entrance of the Whistler Centre area, the Whistler Housing Corporation had a small A-Frame cabin for its sales and display office. There were plans to expand into a larger building that also included a residence for the property manager, hotel reservations, and a
BREZSNY
They have propelled me to develop a warm, affectionate, fair-minded objectivity. I have a deeply honed capacity for seeing and liking people as they genuinely are, without imposing my expectations and projections onto them. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to tap into these qualities in yourself, dear Libra.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Many cultures regard obsidian as having protective powers against negative energy. This makes it popular for healing talismans. Obsidian mirrors have often been used to scry for visions and prophecies. Because obsidian is so sharp, ancient peoples incorporated it into tools used to hunt for food, like knives and arrowheads. In modern times, obsidian is used for its beauty in tabletops, tiles, and architectural components. Do you know how this precious substance is formed? It’s born in the shock between elements: molten lava meets water or cool air and hardens so quickly that crystals can’t form, trapping a mirror-dark clarity in volcanic glass. I propose we make it your symbolic power object in the coming months, Scorpio.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Medieval alchemists engaged in literal laboratory work as they attempted to create elixirs of immortality, concoct medicines to heal diseases, and metamorphose lead into gold. But the modern practice of alchemy is primarily a psychological effort to achieve awakening and enlightenment. In the early stages of the work, the seeker experiences the metaphorical “black sun.” It’s a dark radiance, the beginning of creative decay, that fuels the coming transformation. I suspect you now have the potential to call on this potent asset, Sagittarius. It’s wild, though. You must proceed with caution and discernment. What worn-out aspects of yourself are you ready to let rot, thereby fertilizing future growth?
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In Japan, shakkei refers to the practice of “borrowed scenery.” The idea is to create a garden so that surrounding features become part of its
tourist information centre. The design was by architect Asbjørn Gåthe, who also designed the Skier’s Chapel. According to Garibaldi’s Whistler News, construction was slated for spring of 1968, though it did not pan out. Gåthe’s designs for a four-unit building and 12-unit building along the highway did contribute to the Centre and are still standing today.
The entrance instead made way for a new gas station, Union 76 (now called Co-op), which opened in 1970 and was operated by Rich Naylor. The service station expanded in 1972 to include two brand new shops. Bonnie Naylor operated The Store, which was boasted as Whistler’s first delicatessen, and sold takeout foods, magazines, medicines, milk, bread, and other staples. Christine and Leo Verstraete of Chamonix Resources Ltd. opened a french ski shop, Le Magasin Du Ski, which competed with Jim McConkey’s ski shop.
Across from Union 76, nestled on the corner of Highway 99 and Lake Placid Road, the sales office remained until a new dedicated business centre opened in the fall of 1974. The aptly named Whistler Centre Building had three storeys and a basement to allow for several businesses to occupy. It served as the only commercial office space prior to the Whistler Village being constructed.
Check back next week as we dive into the various businesses that called the Whistler Centre Building home. n
expansive context: distant mountains, an expanse of sky, or a nearby body of water. The artistry lies in allowing the horizon to merge gracefully with what’s close at hand. I recommend this approach to you, Capricorn. Frame your current project with a backdrop that enlarges it. Partner with places, influences, or long-view purposes that augment your meaning and enhance your beauty. Align your personal actions with a vast story so they send even more potent ripples out into the world.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Computer scientist Radia Perlman is the “Mother of the Internet.” She invented the Spanning Tree Protocol, a component that’s essential for the flow of online data. Despite her work’s splashy importance, hardly anyone knows of her. With that in mind, I remind you: Some revolutions unfold with little fanfare; positive transformations may be inconspicuous. How does that relate to you? I suspect the next beautiful or useful thing you contribute may also be veiled and underestimated, at least at first. And yet it may ultimately generate a shift more significant than you can now imagine. My advice is to trust the long game. You’re doing good work, though its recognition may be late in arriving.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The mystical Persian poet Hafez wrote, “Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I’d like to see you living in better conditions.” Picture that shabby room, Pisces: cramped, dim, damp. Now imagine you have resolved to never again live in such a place. In fact, sometime soon you will move, metaphorically speaking, into a spacious, high-ceilinged place with wide windows and skylights, fresh air flooding through. I believe life will conspire on your behalf if you initiate this bold move. You now have extra power to exorcize at least some of your angsts and embrace liberating joy.
Homework: Is it important to distinguish what you need from what you want? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.
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JOBOPPORTUNITIES AT SSHS
HealthProgram
ClinicalServicesManager
Providesleadership of acomprehensive range ofnursing programswithin community andpublic health
CommunityHealthNurse
Providecaretoadultmembers(19+),being responsibleoffullscopenursing care to avariety ofclients, constantlypromotinghealthand wellnesseducation,andaligning careoutof community
Home &Community Care Nurse
Providecaretoadult communitymembers(19+), being responsibleforfullscopenursing care to homecareclientsandmemberswithchronic diseases,constantlypromotinghealthand wellness education,andaligning careoutof community
Child &FamilyServices
FamilyPreservationWorker
SupportsSSHSfamiliesthroughculturally sensitiveprogramsandservices,promoting children’ssafetyand qualityoflife. This role coordinatesresourcestoenhancefamilyunity, empowering familiesasprimarycaregivers
Jordans Principle
JordansPrincipleAdministrativeAssistant
Providesadministrativesupport to theJordan’s PrincipleServiceCoordinator, Service Coordination delivery,andsupportcommunity building activities asneeded.Disseminate informationtothepublicand to serviceproviders and community-basedprofessionalstopromote Jordan’sPrinciple and reduceservicebarriers for IndigenouschildreninBC.
Early ChildhoodDevelopment
ECDProgram Coordinator
TheECD Coordinatoroverseesquality programming in N’Quatqua,Skatin,and Samahquam, includingEarlyChildhood DevelopmentDrop-ins, Playgroups,andlicensed childcare. They supportchildrenaged0-6and theirfamiliesusingastrengths-basedapproach, managing programplanning,staffing,resources, recordkeeping,andreporting.
Administration
Bookkeeper
TheBookkeeperwillplayacrucial role in managing thefinancial recordsandtransactions forSSHS,ensuring precision,compliance, and overallfinancial stability. This detail-oriented individualwill be motivated to assist our accounting team in maintaining accuratefinancial recordsandhandling daily bookkeeping tasks.
ABOUTUS
SSHSis anon-profitIndigenous HealthOrganizationdedicated to improvingthehealthand wellbeingofIndigenous communities.Ourorganization providesculturallyappropriate healthcare services,programs andinitiatives to supportthe holistichealthofIndigenous individualsand families.
SSHS teammemberstravel fromourofficeinMountCurrie, BCinto thecommunities,often drivingalong aForestService Road foruptotwo hoursor beinghelicopteredin. This ensuresthatSSHSmembersfromnewborns to Eldershave access to thehealthand wellnesssupports at theirhealth stations,orhealthspace,intheir home communities.
Love agoodchallenge?Passionateabout theplaceyoucallhome?TourismWhistler islookingforcommunity-loving,mountainappreciating,environment-respecting individualstojoinourteam.
THE FALL can be a tough time. As an unending barrage of monsoon rain floods the coast and the last specks of evening light disappear, life can, for some, fall to pieces. We now have a fancy name for it—Seasonal Affective Disorder (yep, SAD)—which though cute, does not quite capture the doldrums of
BY TOBIAS C. VAN VEEN
living just north enough to watch the days descend into darkness. For me it’s a familiar feeling, a kind of mental and physical sluggishness, where I feel more humid than human, like a damp mushroom drowning from the grey skies above.
Although the Canadian Mental Health Association says only about three per cent of Canadians experience crippling seasonal depression, another 15 per cent of us get it bad enough to disrupt our well-being. I suspect this number is a tad higher here on the Wet Coast, and down in the valley, perhaps greater again, at least until we clamber up high enough to catch the sun.
Until then, it’s the off-season. Past Thanksgiving and before opening day, the mountain bike trails become too slick, yet there isn’t snow enough to ski—that’s when the burning frustration builds, an anger often without outlet, searing the soul inside.
I call this surviving the shoulder season, and it can be damn hard to deal with.
The doldrums first hit me hard at UBC in the ’90s, wading through my first semester in raver pants that sucked up all the water. In Whistler, I found the darkening fall pushed me into a kind of perennial anxiety over pending snowfall. But it’s not just the weather that brings on the downers. Whistler already has depressing challenges—overpriced necessities, housing shortages, a transient workforce—that can feel all the more insurmountable during the fall. Pressures and
bills mount. Add in other factors that, though personal to each of us, are universal in their scope, and it can be a bitch of a time indeed.
Let’s start with our bashed bodies. I find physical pain often gets worse in wet weather. It certainly doesn’t help that, according to StatsCan, some 19 per cent of Canadians experience chronic pain. And in this valley?
So many of us sport savage injuries. Stuffed with metal, scarred with stitches, we celebrate over beers our hard-earned wounds, even if we grimace later in sleepless agony. Yet the injury is not all—the greater irony is that in this town, while the battle scars remain, the people we got them with often do not.
Physical pain can do many things, including triggering negative emotions that can be tough to process. It’s harder when our support networks are not as robust as we would like. What can go unspoken is the mental exhaustion of living in a town where friendships often feel plucked from a rotating cast of characters, and where very few stay long enough to settle.
Such loneliness is statistically worse for men, many of whom do not form as many close friendships as women. According to the
joining a dirty dodgeball team—you gotta find something sweaty and stick to it. This is also a decent way to find someone to slip ‘n’ slide with, too. (Relationship drama aside, finding a bouncy bedmate is not a bad way to spend lengthy autumn nights.)
Overall, the best remedy is to GTFO—Get The Fuck Outside. Everyone knows to ditch the unsocial media. I tend to agree with Jon Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, who writes that “life online causes spiritual degradation.” Stop swiping and doomscrolling. Get out of the house and off the screen—because that festering irritability is a clear sign of the doldrums.
I often find the best antidote to internal anguish is to submit yourself—willingly—to external suffering. Pick something awful to suffer at, and get at it. Boulder until your arms burn, squat until you split. Whatever it takes to trigger those happy feelings of elation and reward. Remember the mountains are still here during the off-season, and their majesty awaits, especially for those who train.
Speaking of being here—so many of us live here precisely because the monotony of office block existence just isn’t for us. We’ve sacrificed stability and salary for makin’ it
Whistler is a place of great beauty, but it can also be a lonely place where few seem to have much going on beneath the surface.
Mental Health Commission of Canada, some 75 per cent of annual suicides are men, with Indigenous and intersectional minorities at even higher risk. This is why you might see a few more moustaches around in November, which is when the Movember Mental Health Institute focuses its global campaign around suicide prevention and mental health. The timing comes as no surprise for those of us dwelling in the dark: T.S. Eliot aside, November really is the cruelest month.
So how to survive the shoulder season?
Keeping on the move is key. Hitting the gym, swinging hard (at the tennis club),
work in a town where a good number of our visitors are multi-millionaires visiting vacation homes. This, however, can make the entire experience of living here something of an unwanted insight into rising inequality— which brings me to one particularly potent anti-depressant in a democracy, which is to damn well do something about it.
Seeing our visitors flaunt six-figure incomes can make the situation tough to stomach. While in the city such anger sees outlets in organized action, in Whistler, there often seems to be a damper on public protest. That’s not to say we don’t try to make our
voices heard. Think of volunteering for the likes of Protect Our Winters, AWARE, or the food bank. Quite simply, doing good makes you feel good. Moreover, volunteering can afford you with some sweet connections (see note about slip ‘n’ sliding, above).
For me, depression isn’t just internal drama or the misfiring of neurons, though it’s all this, too (which is why a visit to the doctor is always a good idea). We all have our reasons. What it feels like to me is burning despair against a world gone wacko. How many of us secretly rage against the dying of the light?
If you’re not upset, crazy, or laughing mad at the state of things, as we face climate collapse and techbro totalitarianism—well, then you’re probably following good advice and hiding from the headlines. I get it; it’s easier in Tiny Town to duck and cover from the ninth circle of hell. But that only lasts so long before the need to vent reaches its boiling point. So it’s important to recognize that depression can also be an entirely justified reaction to an unjustifiable state of affairs.
Still, therapy is a good thing, if only because it keeps you sharp enough to cut through the bullshit and not fly to pieces doing so. There are mental toolkits available now that can provide much-needed breathing space, combining meditative techniques with inner insights. And you won’t be alone: the Whistler Community Services Society has seen a 90-per-cent increase in demand for counselling since 2023. Me, I’ve tied into the sharp end of Vajryana Buddhism, on the bumpy road to growing big heart and big mind. Embracing a daily bout of meditation has cracked open a sliver of awareness that (mostly) keeps me from wielding sharper semantics in public.
It can be hard to survive in a town where it feels like everyone else is living life like it’s their best vacation. I feel you. Whistler is a place of great beauty, but it can also be a lonely place where few seem to have much going on beneath the surface. Know that if you’re feeling that, you’re not alone, either.
Tobias thanks the mountains and his counselling, medicinal, and meditation mentors for his relative sanity. Check out the Whistler Community Services Society for all kinds of helpful programs at mywcss.org. n
