Pique Newsmagazine 3244

Hair-raising Horror Stories

Spooky short-form fiction from Whistler and beyond (the grave). - By Katherine Fawcett, tobias c. van Veen, kate heskett, Alan Forsythe and David Song

06

OPENING

REMARKS

Whistler is full of creatures far scarier than anything lurking in the forest, writes editor Braden Dupuis.

08 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter-writers share thanks for another successful Fungus Among Us, and reflect on Whistler’s transition from resort to resilient.

22 RANGE ROVER Leslie Anthony shares lessons gleaned from another cross-country Canadian road trip.

58 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Tradition always begins somewhere, writes Liz McDonald—the trick is knowing why you’ve chosen to stand in line for it.

10 COMMUNITY BUILDERS A local coalition is working to make sure Whistler seniors don’t have to leave their homes behind as they age.

11 FIVE FOR FIFTY The Resort Municipality of Whistler will add five more names to its list of Freedom of the Municipality holders for its 50th anniversary.

42 AS IF IN A DREAM Five riders from Pemberton’s Dreamcatcher Meadows earned accolades at the BC Dressage Regionals last month.

46

CREATIVE CORRIDOR

Artist Stan Matwychuk discusses his new underground mural—one of the biggest in Whistler.

COVER The only thing that scares me is the slow passage of time. - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art

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Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, VINCE SHULEY, LESLIE ANTHONY, GLENDA BARTOSH, ANDREW MITCHELL, LISA RICHARDSON, LIZI MCLOUGHLIN, TOBIAS C. VAN VEEN

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT www.piquenewsmagazine.com

The real monsters of Whistler

SPOOKY SEASON IS ONCE again upon us, and this week’s Pique falls on the spookiest day of them all—All Hallow’s Eve.

Tonight the Village will come alive with costumed dance parties; Tapley’s Farm will again be swarmed by goblins, ghosts and ghouls.

But Whistler is full of creatures far scarier than anything lurking in the forest. They walk

BY BRADEN DUPUIS

among us every day, haunting lift lines, après patios, and municipal offices.

Some feed on attention, some on your wallet, and some on the faint memory of

This Halloween, we’re unmasking them— the real monsters of Whistler.

THE INFLUENCER ZOMBIE

Beware the walking clout chaser—turning above-average looks into solid gold.

It doesn’t crave brains, but content. You’ll spot it wandering the Village Stroll, in the bars and on the patios, or anywhere there is reflective glass, holding its phone aloft like a divining rod for engagement.

It only attacks when the lighting is perfect; can smell a ring light on Blackcomb from Whistler. It speaks in ancient proverbs, always pitching things like “collabs,” “brand alignment,” and teasing the eternally-pending “drop.”

It doesn’t follow the trends, it creates them, playing the algorithms with strategically hashtagged engagement bait. It interrupts your doomscrolling to ensnare you in its thirst trap when you least expect it.

Enter its code for a 15-per-cent discount on some useless product you don’t need or want.

THE BUDGET VAMPIRE

The Budget Vampire hides everywhere in Whistler. It is under your rental agreement, and infecting your grocery receipt. It lurks in the restaurants and parking lots; lures its prey with peer pressure and FOMO while constantly teasing the next vapid status symbol… the new skis, the freshest fashions.

You don’t see it, at first. You only feel its presence on your noticeably lighter wallet— but by then it’s far too late. Before you even know it’s happening, the Budget Vampire is feeding freely: $12 pints, $2,500 rooms in houses shared with seven others, $35 for a burger and fries.

Locals know its presence intimately; are resigned to its bank-account draining ways. The visitor is often caught unaware as the Budget Vampire sneaks up on them at checkout.

Listen closely on a dark October night and you may just hear its call: “That’s Whistler for ya.”

THE APRES GOBLIN

You’ll hear him before you see him—a highpitched “WOOO!” echoing down the Village Stroll at 5:03 p.m. The Après Goblin has emerged from

squeeze. Don’t make eye contact—it only encourages him. Before you know it you’re cornered, enduring tales of his most epic lines and that time he almost went pro.

You’ll know the end is near when you hear his final, fleeting plea: “You should totally come to Garf’s later.”

THE GHOST OF WINTERS PAST

You’ll meet the Ghost of Winters Past anywhere people still talk about “how it used to be,” which is everywhere. But usually at a barstool, sometimes in a lift line, and occasionally in your own reflection.

He appears during après each afternoon, but often only after the second pint, to remind you that nothing compares to “back in the day.” Back when the snow was deeper, the lines were shorter, the passes were cheaper, the corporate greed unthinkable. When the mountain spirit was still real, dammit.

Wrapped in a faded fleece and stories older than the seasons themselves, the Ghost drifts through conversations, dropping names like Citta’ and The Boot, scowling at any mention of Vail Resorts or Epic Passes.

You’ll recognize him by his faraway gaze

THE BUREAUCRACY MUMMY

The Bureaucracy Mummy lurks deep within the bowels of Whistler’s municipal hall, wrapped head-to-toe in red tape that’s been slowly accumulating since the 1980s. You’ll never see its face—just a slow, shuffling shape dragging binders through a desert of policy for policy’s sake.

It feeds on applications and signatures— development permits, business licenses, bylaws and NDAs. The more forms you submit, the stronger it grows.

Its lair smells faintly of burnt coffee and onerous process. Legend says it was once human… a planner perhaps, or maybe a former municipal councillor, who stared too long into the abyss of procedure until it became one with it.

Locals speak of those who’ve ventured inside seeking answers: homeowners, entrepreneurs, builders and desperate dreamers, blueprints in hand and no warning for what they’re about to witness. None return unchanged. They emerge pale, clutching official forms and muttering about “timeline extensions.”

You can hear it rustling on quiet afternoons, when the wind carries the

his daytime slumber, clutching a Gibbons Après Lager and scouring for the nearest open patio.

He’s easy to spot: raccoon eyes from his goggles, ski boots still on clunking awkwardly around the bar. His shirt is half unbuttoned, and he carries an aura of damp Fireball. His diet consists entirely of chicken wings and protein bars.

Beware his mating call: “You work here or what?” followed by a belch he can’t quite suppress in his mouth and a too-long shoulder

toward the peaks, as if trying to commune with the ghosts of his own knees. His hauntings always begin innocently: “remember when the Longhorn was still a dive?”

But soon the air grows crisp and cold as he offers his curse: “It’s just not the same anymore.”

He means well, but he cannot rest, bound eternally to compare, to reminisce, to warn the living that the Whistler they love will one day be theirs to mourn, too.

sound of another staff turnover. Some say it sleeps beneath the Official Community Plan, stirring only when someone dares suggest “streamlining” or making things more efficient.

The Bureaucracy Mummy cannot be killed. Only appeased. Offer it a report— preferably 30 pages or more, with attached schematics—and it may grant you a stamp. But beware: once marked “received,” your soul belongs to the system. n

This year’s Fungus Among Us ‘one of the best yet’

The recent fall rains helped make this year’s Fungus Among Us Mushroom Festival a huge success. In addition to help from the weather, the Whistler Naturalists could not have offered all the talks, walks, cooking show, and school presentations without immense help from many people and organizations, as well as the hundreds of local residents who participated.

We’d first like to thank the 24 mushroom experts from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island who again volunteered their time. Their collective expertise and knowledge was probably the most impressive we’ve ever assembled. This event would also not be possible without multi-year support from the Whistler Community Foundation and the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Community Enrichment Program. In addition, we’d like to single out Nesters for its incredible contributions, including most of the wild mushrooms for the cooking show.

The festival began last Thursday and Friday with two days of school presentations by our experts that reached more than

700 students and included most classes at Spring Creek, Ecole la Passerelle, and Myrtle Philip Schools, two classes at Whistler Secondary, and four classes from Xet’olacw Community School in Mount Currie.

The first presentation on Friday night was on the traditional and current uses of fungi in First Nations culture by Holly Bikadi (Lil’wat Nation), Leigh Joseph (Squamish Nation), and Andy MacKinnon. Next, Ann McCall and Elora Adamson spoke about the MycoMap project that uses DNA to help unravel mysteries in

fungus identification. These informative talks were followed by a hilarious and sometimes educational glimpse into Kevin Trim’s love of everything fungal.

On Saturday morning, more than 200 mushroom fans in 12 groups joined our experts for walks in various locations around the Whistler Valley. The event shifted at 12:30 to the cooking show in which Chef Bruce Worden from Milestones described ways to cook wild mushrooms, then served his creations to grateful participants. We

can’t thank Bruce enough for being an integral part of our event.

While people enjoyed Bruce’s cooking, the mushroom experts went into a frenzy of organizing and labelling at least 160 different species of fungi and slime molds. Then, after less than two hours, we welcomed hundreds of enthusiasts to the full display tables. After preliminary tallying of results, we expect at least 25 species will be added to the master list compiled by the Whistler Biodiversity Project, and bring the local total to well over 1,000.

Last but not least, thanks to Ashley Bordignon, Melanie Tardif, Sabrina Hinitz, Chloe Van Loon, Samantha Ray, and Matt Jackson for all their help behind the scenes that made this year’s Fungus Among Us one of the best yet.

Watch for next year’s Fungus Among Us, as always on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Bob Brett // On behalf of the Whistler Naturalists

Can Whistler transition from resort to resilient?

In an inspiring discussion organized by the Whistler Institute Thursday evening, Oct. 23, we heard three panelists—a global academic, mountain resort master planner and adventure-tourism entrepreneur— outline the ingredients of a resilient mountain town. Successful resilience to

pressures from climate change, economic disparity and geopolitical relations requires community. Whistler needs to “get off the growth model and make better use of the housing stock we already have.”

What was missing from the discussion was how community can be valued by politicians (municipal, provincial and federal) using our current economic model.

Whistler has produced many of Canada’s Olympians, and a significant portion of the B.C. economy, because of community volunteers (coaches, parents, mountain and village hosts etc.). These are community members not recognized by GDP, or tourism dollars, and these are the people burdened with increasing taxes partly due to an increased need for policing, facilities, maintenance, cleanup and rescue, that are associated with the attraction of a resort. Without a means to quantify the value of community on an economic scale, politicians can talk about the importance of human well-being but haven’t the tools to protect it.

In the same quagmire of inaction for the environment, as we see above for community, politicians can set targets (i.e., Official Community Plan, the Big Moves Strategy) but the only hope we have to sustain the

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

healthy environment on which we depend, is to set nature and wildlife on equal footing, so to speak, with corporations. Nature needs a legal voice—Colombia has done it. Why can’t Whistler?

Specifically, where tourism successfully supports the economy, community AND the environment—the original concept of sustainability—there is a recognition of two things that are lacking in Whistler: 1) limiting visitation/use of natural areas by a threshold of disturbance to the natural environment which is measured by continued functioning of the ecosystem processes (i.e., predator-prey systems, nutrient transfer, biodiversity, carbon and water cycling); and 2) a requirement for user fees so visitors appreciate the value of nature, and to fund restoration/recovery of the habitat as needed.

This is NOT consent for mayor, council or Resort Municipality of Whistler staff to point the finger out and say “not our mandate.” We need leadership from our municipal government to step outside of the system (UBCM, SLRD, provincial government) and set community well-being and a functioning natural ecosystem as their No. 1 responsibility.

Rhonda Millikin // 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.

8609Fores

NickDavies, Whistlerlocal andexperiencedfamilylawyer practisingacrossBCandYukon. Callat 604-602-9000 or visit www.macleanlaw.ca

MacleanLawisheadquartered inVancouverwithofficesacross BritishColumbia.

$3,400,000

Community effort underway to fund seniors’ needs study in Whistler

MAC AND WHISTLER ELDERS

BY LUKE FAULKS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

ENRICHMENT SOCIETY JOIN FORCES TO RAISE $12.5K, WHILE THE WHISTLER BLACKCOMB FOUNDATION KICKS IN $5K

WHISTLER’S OLDER ADULTS have spent decades building the resort’s community fabric. Now, a local coalition is working to make sure they don’t have to leave their homes behind as they age.

The Mature Action Community (MAC) and the Whistler Elders Enrichment (WEE) Society have launched a campaign to raise $12,500 to fund a professional study on seniors’ housing and recreation needs in Whistler. The study, to be carried out by Vancouver’s Lumina Services, will quantify the demand for independent and supportive housing and assess what “aging in place” can realistically look like in a resort town.

The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation (WBF) has contributed $5,000 toward the first two phases of the project—enough to get the work started this fall.

‘SO PEOPLE DON’T HAVE TO LEAVE THEIR COMMUNITY’

For longtime MAC volunteer Anne Townley, the project evolved from conversations that had been ongoing for years.

“There’s an increasing number of people that have been in our community for 30, 40, 50 years,” she said. “They’ve helped build the community,

but they get to a certain stage and they can’t manage in their own home anymore. If they can’t stay in their own home, and need more support, they have to leave our community.”

Townley said amenities for seniors in Whistler “aren’t here the way they are in other communities.” She added that nearby examples, including Squamish’s Westwinds facility and Villas Housing in Pemberton, show what’s possible.

But for Whistler, before any policy moves take place, she recognizes they need hard data on seniors’ needs in the resort municipality.

“As much as we think this is needed, we also need to do a study to give us numbers in order to say, ‘this is what actually is needed, and this is what would work,’” Townley said.

WHAT THE STUDY WILL DO

Under Lumina’s proposal, Phase 1 will gather demographic and market data, followed by focus groups with Whistler residents to learn what older adults actually want and need in Phase 2. Phase 3, if warranted by the findings in the first two phases, would evaluate financial feasibility and identify potential funding streams.

“The first part would be looking at all the demographics, the projected demographics, what is actually in the community,” Townley explained. “Then they’ll be doing focus groups to get a sense of what people living here think is needed and what they are personally looking for.”

Lumina, led by consultant Kate Mancer, has worked with municipalities from Bowen Island to Texada. Mancer wrote the book on building and operating seniors housing projects.

Townley expects the first two phases to

wrap by year-end 2025, with focus-group recruitment beginning “as soon as possible.”

Although organizers have secured roughly half of the initial budget, they need the remaining balance before the final report is delivered.

WHY THE PARTNERSHIP WITH WEE MATTERS

Because MAC lacks charitable status, Townley sought out the Whistler Elders Enrichment Society to serve as fiscal partner.

WEE president Wendy Barber said the society itself was created precisely to keep local fundraising dollars working for Whistler seniors.

“We were raising money for Alzheimer’s and never got any money back to Whistler,” Barber said. “So we decided to create our own society to keep the fundraising money in Whistler for Whistler seniors.”

WEE obtained charitable status earlier this year, enabling donors to receive tax receipts.

While MAC’s focus is on housing and supportive-living options, WEE is pushing for a permanent, accessible seniors’ centre— something Whistler currently lacks.

“We don’t have a permanent space for seniors to gather,” Barber said. “We go between the Racket Club, the library, Spruce Grove Field House … it can be difficult for people to remember where each activity is happening and to keep moving between spots. We need a permanent, safe, accessible space.”

Barber hopes the Lumina data will bolster the case for such a facility. She also stressed that Whistler’s seniors are integral to the resort’s

volunteer engine; they’re the mountain and village hosts, event volunteers and longtime locals who “keep the community running.”

“If they had to pay all those seniors for all their volunteer time, that’s a lot of money,” she said. “The least they could do is provide a space.”

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s $5,000 contribution will help launch the study immediately. Executive director Mei Madden said the Foundation has seen rising demand for seniors’ services across the Sea to Sky.

“We have definitely seen a lot more requests for seniors-support services [and] we felt that an independent study was definitely needed to help better understand what aging in place can truly look like here,” Madden said.

Statistics shared with the Foundation suggest residents aged 55 and over already represent roughly 25 per cent of Whistler’s population, a figure projected to rise to 33 per cent within five years, she added.

“It’s heartbreaking to think that due to a lack of local supports, many may be forced to move away,” Madden said.

“We believe it would be a significant loss to our community to lose not just their presence, but their living history.”

The need in Whistler reflects broader provincial trends.

The B.C. Office of the Seniors Advocate reports that 60 per cent of seniors entering long-term care had received no home support in the preceding 90 days, and that many

Five community leaders granted Freedom of the Municipality

LONGTIME VOLUNTEERS, CULTURAL LEADERS RECOGNIZED

BY LUKE FAULKS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

WHISTLER COUNCIL has named five new recipients of the Freedom of the Municipality— the resort’s highest civic honour—in recognition of their long-term contributions to community life, cultural understanding and mountain safety.

Mayor Jack Crompton announced the new honourees during the Oct. 21 council meeting, calling them “extremely well-deserving people” and noting the distinction marks Whistler’s 50th anniversary as a municipality.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to the Freedom of the Municipality,” Crompton said. “They are Steve Bayly, Allison Burns Joseph, Doug Forseth, John ‘Bushrat’ Hetherington and Alison Pascal.”

The Freedom of the Municipality (FOTM) is a ceremonial distinction reserved for individuals who have provided exceptional and enduring service to Whistler. Previous recipients have included early community builders, council members and Olympic organizers whose work shaped the resort’s evolution.

Steve Bayly is a longtime local housing advocate, builder and community volunteer. He was an active member of the board of the non-profit Whistler Valley Housing Society and served on the board of the Whistler 2020 Development Corporation. He was also the first executive director of the Whistler Housing Authority when it was formed as a municipal corporation in 1997.

Allison Burns Joseph has served as a cultural leader and mentor at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) since its opening in 2008. A member of the Squamish Nation, she has led human resources and cultural delivery at the centre, as well as its Indigenous Youth Ambassador program.

She is also a key figure in the revitalization of the Squamish language and wool-weaving

communities—especially rural or resortbased—lack accessible housing, home-care options or transportation links.

Whistler’s own Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan found that nearly 60 per cent of older residents said their homes were not accessible or would not allow them to age in place, and that supportive housing options were “scarce or difficult to access.” For many retirees on fixed incomes, high housing costs and limited service infrastructure make staying put unsustainable.

Barber has seen that first-hand.

“Everybody thinks the seniors that live in Whistler are uber-wealthy, but they’re not,” she said. “Some of them might have big homes, but they pay huge taxes and now they’re on a fixed income. Even they’re getting pushed out financially and physically because they can’t keep up their big homes.”

traditions, having trained youth cultural ambassadors who welcome visitors to Whistler and major events across the region.

Doug Forseth, former president of the Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation and later senior executive at Whistler Blackcomb, was instrumental in the 1997 merger that unified the two mountains. He also helped lead the Peak 2 Peak Gondola project, completed in 2008, and served as Whistler Blackcomb’s liaison with the 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee.

Crompton described Forseth as “the glue that has kept us all pulling in the same direction.”

John Hetherington is the last surviving member of Whistler’s first municipal council, convened in 1975. Nicknamed “Bushrat,” Hetherington has also served the community through Whistler Search and Rescue and the Whistler Museum and Archives Society.

And Alison Pascal, longtime curator at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, was recognized for her work sharing the art, language and cultural knowledge of the Lil’wat and Squamish Nations.

Crompton praised Pascal’s “courage and generosity” in helping residents and visitors alike understand the “horrible history of colonization and the great strength of the Nations whose territory we call home.”

Crompton said council was inspired by the NFL’s centennial decision to expand its Hall of Fame, deciding to add five new names to Whistler’s own honour roll in recognition of the resort’s half-century mark.

“These are such deserving people,” he said. “It seemed fitting that we should add five for our 50th.”

Council will hold a formal celebration later this year to present the recipients with their scrolls and add their names to the Freedom of the Municipality wall in the council chamber.

Check in with Pique as we continue to roll out our Fifty Years of Freedom series, celebrating the resort’s FOTM holders from the last 50 years. n

NEXT STEPS

Townley said Lumina’s focus groups should begin in early December, with results expected by year-end. The data will be shared with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Vancouver Coastal Health and potential developers to explore next steps.

“Once we get the data, we can go back to Vancouver Coastal and the [Resort Municipality of Whistler] and say, ‘Here’s what this says,’” she said. “The first step is to gather the data to say, ‘This is what the needs are.’”

Donations can be made by e-transfer to WEE at whistlerelders@gmail.com. Donations above $20 will receive a tax receipt in return.

For Townley, the goal is simple.

“I would be really happy if a friend I knew really needed more supportive housing and they were able to stay in this community,” she said. “And not have to leave their community of a long time that they have helped build.” n

Comejoinusatour HauntedHouse atNesters.Everyonewelcome!

TapleysFarm

OurWhistlerHalloweenspirit isaliveandwellintheTapley’s Neighbourhood!

Residents decry tree-thinning, bin closures in Whistler neighbourhoods

COUNCIL DEFENDS MOVES AMID PUSHBACK FROM LOCALS

BY LUKE FAULKS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

said she shared residents’ concerns about the “visual impact” but called the cleanup of dead undergrowth and fallen trees “a relief.”

Fireworksstartat7:30. ProudlysupportedbyNestersMarketand theWhistlerFireDepartment.

Incelebrationofthe42ndanniversary ofthiscommunityevent,theTapley’s neighbourhoodiscallingonthegenerosity oftheWhistlercommunitytosupporttheir annual‘We ScareHunger’campaign. AllproceedswillbenefittheWhistler FoodBank,whichisoperatedbythe WhistlerCommunityServices. Mauriceisback!

We ScareHunger

(Just1 kmnorthofWhistlerVillage) nestersmarket.com

TWO SEASONAL POLICY issues reared their heads during an Oct. 21 council meeting, as the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) prepares for off-season savings and reducing the risk of wildfires.

Whistler residents are voicing frustration over wildfire fuel-thinning along Highway 99 in Emerald Estates and the seasonal closure of garbage bins in local parks. In both cases, council agreed to stay the course in an effort to balance safety, budget and community expectations.

Four Whistlerites wrote in to council after what they described as the “clear-cutting” of trees along the highway between Summer Lane and Emerald Drive. The effort involves removing small trees and underbrush to reduce wildfire fuels along Whistler’s primary evacuation route. RMOW staff previously told  Pique no mature trees will be cut down as part of the work.

Still, the cutting has instead left some homeowners feeling exposed.

“What was meant to be the removal of a few dead trees [has] turned into a clear-cut of healthy, mature forest,” wrote residents Chris Armstrong and Rhonda Wittman, adding “the green buffer is gone—and now homes are exposed to highway noise, traffic and safety risks.”

Another neighbour, Cathryn Zeglinski, called the work “frankly excessive,” arguing it contradicts the municipality’s own treeremoval policies.

“We have to seek municipal approval before we cut a single tree, and now you are cutting swaths of trees in the neighbourhood that does not want this done.”

And Emerald resident Erica Lawson said the forested barrier “has long provided a crucial buffer between our neighbourhood and the busy roadway,” adding that its loss “fundamentally changes the character and livability of this part of Emerald.”

She urged council to “reconsider the current clearing plan and assess whether the extent of removal is truly necessary.”

Councillors acknowledged the distress caused by the visual impact of the thinning but defended the practice as essential to community safety. RMOW general manager of climate action, planning and development services Dale Mikkelsen explained the work follows Whistler’s Fuel Management and FireSmart prescriptions.

“This is our standard protocol, [it’s] just the first location we’ve done on Highway 99,” Mikkelsen said. “The initial procedure does have some visual impacts that I think we can have empathy towards. But it’s a necessary practice to protect our primary safety and evacuation routes out of town.”

He added the municipality notifies residents before work begins and posts signage in affected areas, with “a couple of months of information present” in Emerald. The Emerald clearing, he noted, had originally been planned for last year but was delayed.

Councillor Jen Ford, who lives nearby,

Coun. Cathy Jewett, who sits on the Emergency Planning Committee, emphasized “how important it is to have this kind of defense for our evacuation routes.”

Mikkelsen confirmed the RMOW’s plan to continue selective thinning.

“We, along with the professional arborists and foresters, have identified the core areas that meet the conditions of needing fire-thinning,” he told council. “So you will see fire-thinning in selected areas, from Emerald, as we’re seeing it today, all the way through to Function [Junction].”

Meanwhile, councillors relayed concerns from residents over the closure of garbage bins across Whistler’s parks. The RMOW closes bins each Oct. 15. This year, 17 additional bins were shuttered, while 70 remain open around Whistler.

Resident Stephanie Worts wrote that shutting bins near Balsam Park ahead of Halloween was “very concerning,” noting the area’s popularity with families and pets.

Coun. Jessie Morden also raised the issue at the same meeting, saying she had “heard from the community” that overflowing waste risks bear encounters. She moved a motion directing staff to reopen three specific bins at Millar’s Pond, Rainbow Kids Park and Balsam Park to reduce risk and “settle animosity between [council] and the community.”

“We’ve heard from the community, we’ve heard from staff about budget constraints [and] I think just these three garbage cans would maybe settle that animosity,” Morden said, adding that staff deserved “grace” for trying to manage tight budgets.

The amendment ultimately failed.

Mayor Jack Crompton said he sympathized with residents’ frustrations but stressed the importance of community cooperation.

“I urge all of us to carry our own dog poo bags home and keep Whistler clean,” he said. Mikkelsen told council the bin closures were part of seasonal cost-saving measures after a “heavily used summer season” that put an extra strain on maintenance budgets.

“To make up for staff and budget hours, [we] had to choose places to reduce that budget through the end of 2025,” he said. He said staff will install clearer signage on closed bins, identifying alternate disposal sites “so somebody doesn’t waste their journey heading to that bin hoping for success.”

Coun. Ralph Forsyth acknowledged tension over closing the bins after the end of Whistler’s peak tourist season.

“Often we’re criticized for putting the guest ahead of the resident [and] now we’re sticking it to you guys who live here in the shoulder season,” he said. “I understand their frustration and where they’re coming from.” Still, he urged residents to “be good neighbours and be respectful” and avoid just leaving their waste on or near closed bins.

Council ultimately referred both matters to staff for review. Mikkelsen said wildfire mitigation work will continue along the Highway 99 corridor, while public works will monitor signage effectiveness through the fall. n

Wildflowers, waterlines and new trails: Meadow Park’s $3.7M facelift greenlit for 2026

UPGRADES TO SPLASH PARK, PLAYGROUND AND TRAIL ALIGNMENT AIM TO REFRESH 40-YEAR-OLD COMMUNITY HUB

BY LUKE FAULKS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE LONG-AWAITED rejuvenation of Meadow Park is officially moving forward, after Whistler council voted unanimously to award a $3.75-million construction contract on Oct. 21—nearly $2 million less than the project’s initial lowest bid.

The contract for Phase 1 of the Meadow Park Rejuvenation Project was awarded to Landesign Landscape Construction Ltd. following a round of post-tender negotiations that brought the lowest bid down from more than $5 million.

As the park nears its 40th birthday, staff report much of its core infrastructure—from the splash pad to underground water lines— has reached the end of its lifespan.

“Our last improvements were almost 20 years ago,” resort parks planner Lorne Russell told council. “We do require reinvestment to address failing infrastructure, particularly the water park infrastructure, as well as mainline water pipes and irrigation.”

The renewed park will include a larger splash pad, a redesigned playground, new water and irrigation systems, a bioswale (a vegetated, sloped channel) for stormwater filtration, a re-routed section of Valley Trail, and a new fenced dog area near the sports fields.

Construction is scheduled to begin in

April and finish by November 2026, with the splash park, playground, and trail sections closed for the duration of the work.

BREAKING DOWN THE $3.7 MILLION

When Councillor Arthur De Jong asked where the money would go, Russell estimated roughly one-third of the $3.75 million will fund the splash park and playground, another third will upgrade essential services such as water and electrical lines and the final third will fund landscaping improvements and earthworks.

The project remains comfortably within its $4.44-million construction budget, which also includes contingency and professional fees. The savings came after two rounds of negotiations with Landesign, the lowest bidder whose initial proposal came in at $5.09 million.

To bring the project back within budget, the RMOW reduced the scope in several areas, swapping rubber playground surfacing for engineered wood fibre, lowering concrete wall heights, eliminating costly coloured concrete, reusing site furniture and reducing the number of shade sails from three to one.

“We removed almost all of the perennial shrub planting and went to wildflower seed,” added Russell. “That has a double or triple effect: it uses less water, requires less soil depth and costs less money for the product.”

Coun. Jen Ford praised staff for the effort. “You sharpened the pencil so significantly and took the time it needed to get to the place where this is going to be a great project under budget,” she said. “That’s amazing. Keep it up.”

REALIGNING THE TRAIL

One of the biggest physical changes to the park will be the realignment of the Valley Trail, which currently cuts directly through the park and, as councillors noted, dangerously close to the public washrooms.

Coun. Cathy Jewett said she was relieved to see the new layout.

“One of the things that was always a concern at that park was the fact that the Valley Trail cut straight through it and right in front of the washroom,” she said. “Kids would run to the washroom from the water park, and there were a few close calls there.”

Coun. Ralph Forsyth echoed her comments, calling the realignment “a great improvement” for both cyclists and pedestrians.

“Many times I’ve come very slowly through there when I’m going home, because the little ones are racing around the place,” he said. “It’ll be good that we’re moved off.”

BEES?

While the move to wildflower planting saves

money and water, it also sparked an exchange about safety and bees.

Coun. Jessie Morden, who described herself as “definitely allergic to bees,” cautioned staff to consider the placement and type of flowers chosen.

“If we have an abundance of wildflowers there, it brings the wasps,” she said. “They’re already bad there, with the attractant of people picnicking. I would just hope that that is taken into consideration.”

Russell assured council there are options to be selective about species.

“There are certain wildflower species that are more attractive for pollinators than others,” he said, thanking Morden for the feedback.

Russell also confirmed that “virtually all” of the park’s mature trees will remain, except for two or three smaller ones. Coun. Jeff Murl, who said he spends many afternoons there with his kids, called that “great news,” and also expressed support to prepare future footings for two additional shade sails—allowing them to be added later without further disruption.

FULLY FUNDED BY THE PROVINCE

The entire project is funded through the Province of B.C.’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI),

PAGE 16 >>

Family of injured teen mountain biker sues Squamish-Lillooet Regional District for negligence in trail maintenance

THE PLAINTIFF, CAILEIGH KOPPANG, SUFFERED LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES DUE TO A CRASH NEAR PEMBERTON

BY DAVID SONG

WITH THEIR AVENUES for medical and financial recourse continuing to dwindle, the family of a seriously injured mountain biker is turning to the law.

Caileigh Koppang, who is now 16 years old, experienced a life-threatening crash on Oct. 17, 2024 while riding near Pemberton with her coach, Yoann Barelli. Caileigh, from North Vancouver, is now suing the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) by way of her father and litigation guardian Andrew “Andy” Koppang.

The family’s claim, filed Oct. 10 in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, alleges the SLRD failed to properly maintain the “Dead Fall” trail where Caileigh crashed “despite knowledge that it presented a significant risk of injury to mountain bikers.”

The accident inflicted several debilitating injuries upon Caileigh, including a dissected carotid artery, a traumatic brain injury, spinal damage resulting in quadriplegia and a severe diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Andrew and his wife Ashleigh spent nearly $400,000 to place their teenage daughter into a rehabilitation centre in Houston, Texas after discovering that Canada’s medical system does not offer programs to treat Disorders of Consciousness (DoC).

After six weeks in Houston, the Koppangs returned home to more large expenses: approximately $150,000 to renovate their home for accessibility and $60,000 for specialized equipment and a wheelchairaccessible van. Important ongoing private physiotherapy, speech-language pathology and occupational therapy support cost roughly $1,000 per week to go with $30 an hour for care aides.

The family says support from the government of British Columbia has been nominal: medical supplies and one rehab session per discipline per month via the provincial At Home Program (AHP), as well as one weekly session per discipline at the BC

Centre for Ability.

Caileigh remains unable to walk or talk as of this writing. She is fed via gastrostomy tube (G-tube), wheelchair-bound and incontinent— though she is aware of her surroundings and responsive to stimulus by way of limited facial expressions and restricted movement of her left arm and leg.

Due to the serious nature of her injuries and the prohibitively high cost of required medical attention, Caileigh is susceptible to future degenerative change and/or ailment.

Court documents allege the SLRD, as registered owner of the land where Caileigh’s incident took place, was responsible for maintaining the area’s trails and is vicariously liable for any potential negligence of SLRD employees and agents.

A spokesperson for the SLRD said it does not comment on matters before the courts. The Koppang family did not respond by press time.

None of the claims have been proven in court.

Visit gofundme.com/f/help-caileighkoppang-on-her-road-to-recovery to view the Koppang family’s GoFundMe page, which has raised nearly $114,000 to date. n

MEADOW PARK UPGRADES FROM PAGE 14

which allocates resort development grants via the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

“There are no municipal capital or operating budget implications with this project,” Russell confirmed. “Meadow Park is already maintained and funded by our park operations and will continue to do so.”

While excitement ran high around the council table, councillors acknowledged the full summer closure in 2026 will be an adjustment for families used to spending warm days at Meadow Park.

During construction, the splash pad and playground will be closed, along with the Valley Trail segment between Camino Drive and the washroom area, which will be detoured and signed. Parking in the ball-diamond lot will be reduced to accommodate contractor staging, though the washrooms and ball fields will remain open with minimal disruptions.

Forsyth predicted “angry letters” when the fences go up—but said the payoff will be worth it.

“People are going to be really pleased when they see the end result.” n

Jim Godfrey

JAN.

20, 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

IN THE FIRST 19 YEARS of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), eight people were awarded the Freedom of the RMOW. Given the challenges of starting a municipality and the hurdles Whistler encountered in its first two decades, it’s not surprising some people stood out.

But after Drew Meredith received the honour in 1994 it was 16 years before the next Freedom of the RMOW was bestowed, to the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer Jim Godfrey, in 2010. That decade-and-ahalf gap suggests a period of stable, steady progress in Whistler, which is probably true.

But the decisions and directions Jim steered the community through during his time at the RMOW have had huge, long-term impacts on Whistler and other resort towns.

Take the Resort Collaborative, for instance: 14 small, tourism-based municipalities across B.C. that receive millions of dollars annually through a funding formula based on a six-per-cent hotel tax specific to those communities. It was a years-long, exhaustivelyresearched process to win provincial approval for what is now known as RMI (Resort Municipality Initiative) funding. Jim led the charge on that.

“Led” is an amorphous phrase for an administrator. It is, after all, the politicians who are supposed to lead their communities and who make the decisions.

But part of an administrator’s role is framing issues, providing context to help councillors reach decisions. And,

particularly in the case of Whistler, that can mean working with organizations, governments and interest groups far beyond the local council.

“One of the things that intrigued me about (the Whistler administrator’s job) was you could see from the outside how important it was for the local government and the private sector to work together in order to ensure you were bringing a worldclass product to the world,” Jim says.

“I can remember even before the (job) advertisement came out thinking that that would be a pretty special place to work.”

When Jim landed in Whistler in 1996 the municipality was recovering from turmoil with its previous administrator.

As well, Mayor Ted Nebbeling was already MLA Ted Nebbeling and focused on provincial issues.

“When Jim arrived, the municipality had been through a lot,” says his successor, Bill Barratt. “He did the right things. He did not jump in and just try to be the city manager, as if he knew everything that was going on.”

“Process” might be one of the terms that define Jim. His career in municipal government was a process of experiences

and moving up the ladder, starting as a lifeguard in Burnaby. From there he became a program worker in North Vancouver, recreation director in Sparwood, head of Parks and Recreation in Maple Ridge, assistant administrator in the Township of Langley and then Langley’s administrator.

There was also a process leading to the creation of the RMI funding. Whistler had been talking to the provincial government about “financial tools,” additional sources of revenue to help pay for the infrastructure needed to support tourism. The province wasn’t responding.

So, Whistler council and senior staff went on a tour of U.S. resort towns to gather information for their case. Before the tour, staff developed a work book outlining a number of issues and then asked each resort how they addressed them.

“Strategic” is another word that defines Jim.

“It was very obvious, after going through the process, that their funding strategies were completely different from ours and gave them a tremendous advantage,” he says.

Canadian municipalities are restricted to taxing property; many American resort

towns can impose their own sales tax.

After the tour, the municipality and Tourism Whistler engaged KPMG to do an analysis of Whistler’s economic impact.

“One of the goals behind that was to determine how we contributed to the province, how important we were. And if they made a major investment in us, how could we grow their return,” Jim recalls.

“One of the things that came back from that study was that we were responsible for about 20 per cent of the tourism revenues in the province at that time. We were contributing over $1 million a day to senior levels of government.”

The KPMG document, and another that presented a competitive analysis of how Whistler was funded compared to its competitors, formed the basis of Whistler’s case for additional financial tools. The province then engaged its own consultants to verify Whistler’s reports.

That finally led to meaningful discussions with senior people in Victoria, where the talks broadened to include other resort municipalities. But by that time— the late 1990s—Whistler and Victoria were also talking about the 2010 Olympics.

“Financial tools were also one of the

key deliverables Whistler was looking for from a lasting legacy perspective, from being part of the Games,” Jim says.

“And as we moved further into the process the RMI funding emerged.”

The process—again—for Whistler’s participation in the Olympics was far more than simply weighing the pros and cons.

“With the Olympics, one of the things that was really important to Whistler was the guiding principles,” says Jim.

“We had heard rumours how the IOC can come in and override what a community wants and we wanted to make sure that the Games were a chance to accelerate our community plan, not somebody else’s plan. So we wanted to come up with some guiding principles that would guide our involvement and guide our partners’ involvement, before we would actually sign on.”

The guiding principles went through countless iterations with staff, council, residents, second-homeowners and businesses. The final version had support from about 80 per cent of the community, and 100 per cent of the Vancouver

for Whistler’s role as Olympic co-host. He held that position through 2010 and it’s no coincidence that during those five years Whistler was permitted to host medal ceremonies, include “Whistler” in the official names of the Nordic and sliding venues, and expand its municipal boundaries. A partial list of other Olympic benefits: more than $9 million to build Whistler Olympic Plaza; $3 million for upgrades to the conference centre; improvements to the Sea to Sky highway; and international awareness through the Games.

“The list of legacies that came from the Games was pretty phenomenal,” Jim says. “And when you compare it to the cost… RMI funding for one year would offset the cost we spent on the Games.”

The 2010 Olympics and the lasting legacies are the crowning achievements of Jim’s time in Whistler, but hardly the only ones. His term also saw the creation of the Whistler Housing Authority and the Whistler 2020 Development Corp. And development of the Whistler 2020 sustainability plan was an integrated

“In some businesses the three important things are location, location, location. In the business that I was involved in it was timing, timing, timing.’”

- JIM GODFREY

Organizing Committee.

Whistler’s guiding principles were incorporated into the multi-party agreement, signed off on by all levels of government, First Nations and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees. After 15 drafts the final meeting on the multi-party agreement was a conference call that began at 8 a.m. on a Sunday and concluded after 8 p.m.

“That’s where Jim has an incredibly detailed, bright mind. He made sure that Whistler was protected, Whistler had options,” recalls Barratt.

One of the principles Whistler incorporated into the agreement was “lasting legacies”—meaningful, long-term benefits to the community. Financial tools, in the form of RMI funding, were key. Another key was the land bank at Cheakamus Crossing, 300 acres (or 121 hectares) of Crown land gifted to Whistler for resident-restricted housing. That’s in addition to the athletes’ village being designed for and converted to residentrestricted housing following the Games.

This was all agreed prior to Vancouver and Whistler being awarded the Olympics in 2003.

In 2005, Jim’s title changed from Chief Administrative Officer to Executive Director of the 2010 Games, responsible

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planning process as comprehensive and far-reaching as the Olympic preparations.

“Everything that we did was a ‘we,’” he says. “It was a combination of nice leadership from council and great partners and some very talented staff. It was a great group to work with.”

And a time of opportunities.

“Things come together sometimes. In some businesses the three important things are location, location, location,” Jim says. “In the business that I was involved in it was timing, timing, timing.”

Barratt’s assessment is less modest: “He was the perfect person for the time, no doubt about it.”

After retiring from the municipality Jim served on the boards of the Whistler 2020 Development Corporation and the Whistler Sport Legacies Society. He now lives in Vancouver.

This is Part 9 in a 21-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

Poplar Grove Winery with Owner Tony Holler

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Lightning Rock Winery with Winemaker Sébastien Hotte

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 7:30 PM

Domaine Artema Winery with Martino Ciambrelli

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Residents call for pool, rink, safer trails in Pemberton’s pre-budget survey

MORE THAN 350 RESPONDENTS WEIGH IN AS VILLAGE PREPARES 2026-2030 FINANCIAL PLAN

BY LUKE FAULKS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

MORE THAN 350 Pemberton residents shared their views on everything from snowclearing to playgrounds and recreation facilities in this year’s Budget 2026 Check-In Survey, part of the Village’s early engagement for its upcoming 2026 budget season and fiveyear financial planning.

The results, discussed during an Oct. 21 council presentation by new chief financial officer Yun Ke (David) Ni and communications and engagement advisor Michelle Fernandes, will help shape the 2026-2030 plan.

“In my experience, working with community is most important part about the process,” Ni told council. “Because we have money here, we have numbers here, but we want to see what really community needs being really blueprinted into the numbers.”

STRONG TURNOUT AND NEW ENGAGEMENT FORMAT

Rather than a single long questionnaire, staff released five short “check-in” surveys, each focused on a single service area: parks and sport amenities, recreation services, snow removal, roads and sidewalks and the

Pemberton Regional Airport

A total of 359 responses were received— representing just over 10 per cent of the village’s population, a participation rate Fernandes called “pretty good” and “in the middle mark” for small Canadian municipalities, which hovers between five and 15 per cent of the population. Residents submitted 1,194 written comments.

And while specific population demographics weren’t collected during this year’s survey, it did break down responses by neighbourhood. The largest shares of respondents came from Aspen Fields and the Glen (23 per cent) and Tiyata, Creekside and Gateway (22 per cent).

PARKS AND RECREATION TOP THE LIST

Fernandes said maintenance and accessibility were recurring themes across every topic. In parks, residents praised Pemberton’s natural beauty but called for safety and amenity upgrades—particularly to the One Mile Lake boardwalk, which multiple respondents flagged as deteriorating and unsafe.

“It’s beautiful, but it’s becoming unsafe, and I’d love to see it repaired before someone gets hurt,” one respondent wrote.

Dog owners asked for more shade, water and seating, while families requested more playgrounds and splash areas.

“The Cottonwood park has absolutely no shade or adequate seating,” one participant commented in the staff summary.

Facilities such as Den Duyf Park and its

new amenity building drew strong praise while residents called for “better maintenance at the tennis courts, skatepark and Meadows field” and asked for improved lighting and parking access.

Calls for new infrastructure dominated the recreation services survey, where a pool and ice rink were cited as top priorities by dozens of participants. “Having to drive 30 minutes to Whistler isn’t good enough,” one resident said.

Respondents also described the fitness centre as overcrowded and undersized, with frequent calls for extended hours—“If the gym opened at 5 a.m. it would make such a difference for early risers,” one wrote.

Beyond sports, residents expressed enthusiasm for more community events like workshops and music festivals.

“There’s a strong sense of community vision here,” Fernandes told council. “People want to see public spaces that reflect Pemberton’s outdoor spirit and its growing population.”

SNOW REMOVAL CREWS PRAISED, COORDINATION URGED

In the snow removal survey, respondents described operations crews as “amazing, hardworking and responsive,” while identifying persistent challenges like driveway berms, icy sidewalks and inconsistent clearing on secondary routes.

Many supported better coordination between residents, businesses and the Village on sidewalk clearing and winter parking rules.

“People understand the complexity of winter operations, but they see opportunities to improve planning, equipment use and coordination,” Fernandes said.

Several residents praised recent improvements to winter trail maintenance, noting that plowing the Friendship Trail and Valley Loop Trail had made winter walking safer and more accessible.

On roads and sidewalks, feedback focused on potholes near the roundabout, missing or narrow sidewalks, and crosswalk safety at Portage Road, Cottonwood Street and near schools. Residents called for raised crossings, better lighting and expanded bike lanes.

“Kids shouldn’t have to walk on the road,” one respondent said.

Mayor Mike Richman noted the Pemberton Portage Road is not under the Village’s jurisdiction.

FLYOVER CATEGORY

Residents’ feedback on the Pemberton Regional Airport was comparatively limited but revealed a few consistent themes.

Many respondents said they appreciated the facility’s current function as a small, local amenity but questioned its broader community benefit. Several comments suggested improved noise management and better integration with surrounding land uses, while a smaller number saw the airport as an economic opportunity worth modest investment in upkeep and access improvements.

“There were also comments about unclear

Pemberton council pitches public info session as Urdal development proposal takes shape

RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT FLOODING, WILDLIFE CORRIDORS, AND COMMUNICATION GAPS AS THE VILLAGE CLARIFIES ITS ROLE

BY LUKE FAULKS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

PEMBERTON COUNCIL has voted to formally request that the developer behind an Urdal and Alder Drive subdivision host a public information session following months of concern from residents about the project.

The proposed development would add four new single-family lots on an extension to Willow Drive, along with three singlefamily and 17 fourplex lots on an Urdal Drive extension, according to the developer’s website. The proposal is still listed as “under initial review” on the Village’s development portal.

In the latest letters to council, Alder and Willow Drive homeowners said they felt left in the dark on the process. Resident Shannon Story, writing with her husband Steve Petrie, said residents aren’t opposed to more housing but want clarity.

“The residents of Alder Drive and Willow Drive just want open, clear communication on this development and how it is going to affect us,” she wrote. “We need answers about what is happening with the park, flood mitigation, how the wildlife corridor is being protected and details on the development and its timeline.”

COUNCIL SEEKS CLARITY AND DISTANCE

At its Oct. 21 meeting, councillors said they shared residents’ desire for information but emphasized that the Village has limited authority over the subdivision.

CAO Elizabeth Tracy told council the Village carries no liability for the subdivision and that professional assessments like environmental and geotechnical reports are guided by provincial frameworks.

signage, limited public awareness and questions about the airport’s value to taxpayers,” said Fernandes. “It’s clear there’s a need for improved communication about the airport, what the airport does and who it serves.”

BUDGET ’26

Ni outlined how staff are juggling rising costs and aging infrastructure as they prepare the draft budget. He cited ongoing “double-digit cost increases and additional surcharges” driven by geography and inflation, along with higher replacement costs for equipment such as fire trucks.

“We try our best to keep our costs as efficient as we can,” he said, noting that reserve projections and taxation decisions

“There’s no liability on the part of the Village,” she said, adding that “the property is zoned for subdivision in alignment with [the Official Community Plan (OCP)] and a subdivision that meets the bylaws of the Village and the requirements set out in the Land Title Act must be approved.”

Still, councillor Jennie Helmer said residents’ questions persist about drainage, wildlife corridors and how the project aligns with the OCP.

“We have had so many respectful requests and concerns from the community,” she said. “It’s about how we as council, with good governance, can help inform the community of what’s actually happening in their backyard.”

Mayor Mike Richman agreed, noting he had previously suggested the idea to the developer but hadn’t heard back.

“We are being asked to answer questions that we’re not equipped to ask,” he said. “Some of it is proprietary information that belongs to them that isn’t ours to share.”

Council discussion also underscored the fine line between informing residents and interfering in the subdivision process handled by the approving officer, a position that operates independently from council.

Tracy noted council could be liable if they were to “become involved” in the application process and the proposed development were to end up not moving forward.

“Every time we have a meeting, we’re getting closer and closer to crossing the line,” Coun. Ted Craddock added.

Still, the motion to formally request an information session passed.

Four days after the council meeting, the developer confirmed on social media that a public information session will take place in mid-November.

Check back with Pique as this story develops… n

must balance current service levels with future capital needs.

The 2026 budget cycle formally kicked off in September with internal preparation and departmental work plans. Staff are set to present a draft operating budget to council on Nov. 25, followed by revisions through early January and a final draft in late February or early March.

Public comment is slated for March 3, before council’s final budget approval on March 17. Council is slated to give first, second and third readings on April 14, with adoption in early May to meet the statutory deadline.

Ni encouraged residents to continue engaging with the process by attending budget meetings, emailing council and staff or joining a spring public budget information session next year. n

The long haul

I DROVE across Canada again this September. Whistler to Toronto to Quebec City, then back to Toronto, followed by some diddling around Southern Ontario on various assignments before returning west again—a total of some 10,750 kilometres. Yes, I was driving to connect a bunch of things I needed/wanted to do while

BY LESLIE ANTHONY

having the convenience of my own vehicle to do so, but as always, I also enjoyed every bit of

That’s the part most people who know about my many trips don’t get—some having done it once and, well, hated it in whole or in part (certainly the Prairies tend to get an undeserved bad rap while I have always found them fascinating to traverse). But I suppose in this world of eased global travel it’s a fair enough question to wonder why someone would want to spend four to seven days by themselves behind the wheel of a car on a route they could cover in four hours by airplane. I don’t have an all-encompassing answer, but I have plenty of smaller reasons why, having completed the journey by the end of September, I would have happily—had there been reason to do so—turned around and done it all again.

To begin, having first made “the crossing” with my brother and a couple of friends when I was 17, this way of seeing the country somehow got into my blood. Those were the days when the Trans-Canada was a frost-heaved, potholed, two-lane that went through every city instead of around it—no bypasses for Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Regina or Calgary—which really brought you into tune with these places that you inevitably stopped in. There was also a greater abundance of wildlife, enough that it was often like driving through a giant museum diorama. But even without that now it’s a trip I like to do every few years (I believe I passed the magic 20-crossing mark with this

North America), Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park, Manitoba’s Spirit Sands, or Ontario’s Georgian Bay (as noted in my last column). Undertaken periodically, these journeys are also opportunity to check the zeitgeist, view the march of infrastructure progress and/or decay (there’s much more of the latter), and remind oneself of the ineffability of time.

As I’ve noted here before, I’m very prepared on all fronts—food, camping gear, emergency supplies—but particularly for the driving aspect. I line up podcasts and hit the Whistler Library for a boxful of audio books (some concerned with work or research

Those were the days when the TransCanada was a frost-heaved, pot-holed, two-lane that went through every city instead of around it…

one) to remind myself of the improbability of this vast country and the things that continue to hold it together despite the tired narrative we’re fed of greater and greater divisiveness. Certainly, I’m never bored by the fascinating, geological and ecological transitions that can only be experienced at car-speeds—an almost time-lapse-like switch from mountain passes to valleys, Front Range to Prairie, flatland to forest, Precambrian highland to Great Lakes shoreline. Nor do I ever tire of side-trips to landscape-defining places like Alberta’s Head-Smashed-inBuffalo-Jump (the coolest name in all of

I might happen to be doing, others merely of interest, and of course a few trashy thrillers). Time flies when someone’s reading to you, or you’re learning something new, with music to fill the gaps. As I listen, I also embrace whatever geographic leitmotif happens to be unfolding outside the window as if Canada is an informative documentary that, though I may have seen it before, changes—sometimes slightly, other times radically—with weather and time of year. Whether I’m taking my time stopping or camping here and there for a week on the way east as I typically do, or hauling ass back west in a four-day rally, the outer world

always rivets my attention.

In this vein, the sometimes odd waypoints and constants of Canada’s major highways also offer comfort and connection—like the infamous parade of roadside GIANT objects: a rattlesnake (Okanagan, B.C.), a teepee (Medicine Hat, Alta.), a cowboy (also Alberta), Terry Fox Memorial (Thunder Bay, Ont.), a sasquatch (in Northern Ontario, go figure— and which has actually changed places over the years across a 200-kilometre stretch), a thermometer (White River, Ont.), a Canada goose (Wawa, Ont.), a nickel (Sudbury, Ont.), an apple (on the 401 in Colborne, Ont.). And then there’s the happy glut of CBC radio stations, where a range of familiar national programs still mix with regional and local voices; I acquaint myself with the dial position of local CBC affiliates, though I don’t rely on them as much for weather updates as I once did (smartphones with weather radar apps have really helped with planning and timing these drives). Likewise, I can’t overlook the convenience of a bazillion Tim Hortons franchises—a national connect-the-dots of coffee acquisition and deposition that I otherwise never patronize. Watching the ownership and clientele of these places morph over the years is a welcome lesson in shifting Canadian demographics.

And there’s also some trivial fun to be had on the road. I mean, before I started doing this on the regular I would have never known how many Jackfish Lakes or Pinetree Motels there were in Northern Ontario. And even if this isn’t the most useful thing in the world, it’s a point of fond connection.

Leslie Anthony is a Whistler-based author, editor, biologist and bon vivant who has never met a mountain he didn’t like. n

Expanding LNG will increase prices and pollution

HIGHER HOME HEATING PRICES . Pollution. Accelerating climate change. Water shortages. Indigenous rights violations. Who wants that? Apparently the obscenely profitable fossil fuel companies, and unimaginative, short-sighted governments banking on outdated ideas to shore up the economy.

A government is judged on the markers of our current economic system: job creation, economic growth, bearable tax and interest rates and provision of essential services. It must also focus on the three to five years until

of estimates in the project’s environmental assessment application.

With much of the infrastructure manufactured outside Canada, job creation also falls short. “LNG Canada manufactured steel modules offshore that accounted for somewhere between 50 and 76 per cent of the direct impact it claimed it would have on Canadian GDP during construction.”

BY DAVID SUZUKI

That means “success” is often measured by illusory short-term gain. A quick but outdated and inefficient way to boost job creation and economic growth is to exploit and sell raw “resources,” mostly for export— especially through forestry, mining and fossil

This blinkered mindset has led to a growing push to expand production of fracked fossil gas (or liquefied “natural” gas, which is mostly the potent greenhouse gas methane), along with building infrastructure such as including British Columbia and Canada’s , often accept industry promises of money and jobs, and offer incentives including tax breaks, subsidies and infrastructure support.

Has industry lived up to its LNG promises? A David Suzuki Foundation report concludes that it hasn’t and isn’t likely to. “Running on Fumes: B.C. LNG’s Overhyped

As well, “nearly 90 per cent of the LNG export capacity that appears to be moving forward is majority owned by multinational conglomerates and foreign state-owned oil companies, meaning that profits will likely be exported rather than reinvested within B.C. or Canada, creating both a structural dependency on volatile foreign markets and a persistent drain of wealth.” LNG Canada is a joint venture between Shell, Petronas (Malaysian government), PetroChina (Chinese government), Mitsubishi Corporation (Japanese-owned) and Kogas (South Korean government).

How does this affect consumers? “There is mounting evidence from the U.S., Australia and, increasingly, B.C. that growth in LNG export capacity has a tendency to raise domestic gas prices,” the report states.

The  Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis says gas prices more than doubled in Australia once the LNG industry took off. Prices also rose in the United States. That’s because LNG can often be sold for more in foreign markets, which means more gets exported, driving up domestic prices. Using  Deloitte’s price increase estimate, the report finds the average residential gas bill in Vancouver could go up by $188.39 in 2026 and continue to rise as the industry grows.

Proponents flog the stale idea that fossil gas can replace coal to generate electricity, but that no longer holds up when renewables are a far cheaper option. Subsidized LNG, which

With much of the infrastructure manufactured outside Canada, job creation also falls short.

Promises, Risky Future and Public Costs” finds the fracked gas industry is plagued with many of the same issues and false promises as the mining industry: delays, under-delivery and tax regimes that undermine potential economic benefits.

Delays aren’t caused by red tape or regulation but by “investor decision-making and market conditions, a circumstance likely to worsen as a global supply glut deepens and decarbonization threatens the industry’s long-term outlook.”

The report finds tax policy changes have cut projected tax revenue in B.C. by 40 to 50 per cent for pipelines and LNG terminals. Additional incentives to lure more projects, including provincial sales tax exemptions, could wipe out most provincial gains. Municipal tax revenues are also not as promised: returns from LNG Canada’s construction period were just 25.8 per cent

our governments are going with, can delay or lock out more cost-effective and cleaner renewables.

Writer  Linda McQuaig hits on the likely reason for pushing fossil fuels: “The very thing that’s exciting about solar energy—its abundance and low cost—also makes it of little interest to investors. Sun (and wind) are so freely available all around us that it’s hard to hoard them and make big profits from them.”

The International Court of Justice has confirmed states are legally bound to prevent activities that worsen climate change. B.C. and Canada are violating that legal obligation and failing to protect the public interest.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington. Learn more at davidsuzuki.org. n

Pember tonCommunity Centre Saturday November15,2025 2:30 -4:30pm Hear fromthebuilderat3pm Snacks andref reshmentsavailable

Spookyshort-formfictionfromWhistlerandbeyond(thegrave) ByKatherineFawcett,tobiasc.vanVeen,kateheskett,AlanForsytheandDavidSong

IThe Sleep Leech

By Katherine Fawcett

n a foggy little town on the edge of a wild forest there lived a woman who was never, ever tired. Of course, she needed sleep, just like everyone else, but while others moaned and groaned about their exhaustion, she was a fountain of perkiness. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes twinkled both day and night. Townsfolk said she was an old woman— perhaps even mid-forties?—yet she seemed to be youthful and energetic no matter what. Like a cup of strong tea with legs.

When others drooped, this woman baked cupcakes. When others yawned, she sang merry tunes. When others became pale, drawn and groggy, she swept the steps in front of the library. No matter what, the woman was as fresh as today’s milk.

Naturally, everyone in the village despised her.

They shuffled about with bags under their eyes so heavy the skin folded over and collected grime on the undersides. They snapped at each other, drifted off during prayers, had little patience for silliness or inconvenience. They tried tinctures, spells and meditations to energize them during the day and give them more restful nights, but nothing worked. Their sleep was fitful and shallow, their dreams shredded like cabbage. Each morning they’d curse the daylight, for it felt as though they’d done nothing but toss and turn all night long. The streets were strewn with alarm clocks that people had tossed from their windows in frustration and bitterness.

Rumours arose like mushrooms after the rain. Some people swore the woman ate raw lamb liver. Others said she bathed in rooster’s blood. People wondered what type of pillow she slept on. Whether she had a young lover. Whether she took supplements.

When pressed, she simply shrugged and said that she was “blessed with good genes.” But everyone knew this to be a lie. They had known her mother. It was not a matter of genetics.

No, the truth was far more wicked. You see, at night this woman crept from home to home entering her neighbours’ bedrooms through unlocked doors and unlatched windows. As they snored, she’d lean over their pyjama-clad bodies, purse her lips, and suck. Not blood—oh no. This woman was no common vampire. She inhaled something just as vital, but much less gory: she inhaled their very sleep. Slurped it right out of their slack and stinking mouths. Sometimes she sucked too hard and had to suppress a little burp. Once, she got the hiccups from stealing the sleep straight out of a drunkard. She stole sleep from everyone. Men, women, the old, the young. No one escaped The Sleep Leech.

As she crept and sucked, sucked and crept, the woman became invigorated. Refreshed. So refreshed, in fact, that she didn’t need to lie down and rest at all. Sleep as most people know it was a waste of her time.

The villagers awoke cranky each morning, convinced the world was out to get them. The woman greeted each day as rosy as a peach. She smiled through all her good deeds and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt—things only the well-rested can pull off.

But eventually the woman became careless. She left footprints. She awakened dogs. A widow thought she saw the woman sneak out of her neighbour’s home late at night, and started gossiping.

People went from suspicious to convinced to vengeful. They called a secret meeting. Some people said the woman was a witch and should be banished from the village. Some said she should be thrown in jail, the key tossed into the ocean. They conspired and connived and finally hatched a plan that would thwart The Sleep Leech once and for all.

That night, people took great pains to have terrible sleeps on purpose. They drank coffee after dinner. They read scary stories to each other to induce nightmares. They initiated challenging conversations about finances with their spouses just before bedtime. They ate chocolate cake and jalapeno peppers and listened to loud music and late-night news and left all the lights on.

They did this night after night. It was stressful. Barely any work got done. But the people figured this was the only way to stop The Sleep Leech, and they were right.

The plan worked.

The woman was unable to creep from house to house gathering sleep, for no one even so much as laid down for a nap.

At first, the woman pretended everything was fine. But she wasn’t accustomed to not inhaling sleep from others, and she felt groggy for the first time ever. She did not like the feeling. She grew bitter. She snapped at neighbours. Her skin became wrinkly and her eyes lost their twinkle. The first time she yawned she panicked, fearing her own mouth would swallow her entire face. No longer did she make cupcakes or sing merry tunes. The library steps went unswept. The truth is, she didn’t do anything at all. She was a newcomer to insomnia, and simply didn’t know how to handle it.

In time, things went back to something close to normal, but by then the villagers had fallen into bad habits they couldn’t break. They liked their coffee and their cake and their loud music. They were addicted to scary stories, loud music and news shows. Sometimes it was well past midnight before the lights went off and people stopped arguing with one another. It’s true that they barely slept, but at least when they finally did crawl under the covers, they didn’t have to worry about The Sleep Leech.

As for the woman, she considered going to back to stealing sleep, but it felt too risky. She knew there was no way she could get away with it. She aged quickly, snarled most of the time, cried for no good reason, and blamed others for things that did not please her. Soon, she became just as cranky and pale and miserable as the rest of the villagers.

But you know, in a foggy little town on the edge of a wild forest, there’s a certain comfort to be had when everyone feels exactly the same way.

Katherine Fawcett is a Squamish-based author, teacher and musician. Her latest books are  The Swan Suit and  The Little Washer of Sorrows. Read more at katherinefawcett.com.

Coffee Cult By tobias c.van Veen

Coffee. Brian’s first thought was of coffee. Sweet, sweet coffee. He opened his eyes, and gazed over at the longdormant espresso machine. It beckoned at him. He had saved up so long for this thing, back in the woke daze… But then reality came flooding back in.

There was no coffee.

And not just at home. There was barely coffee anywhere. About a year ago, Brian had used up most of his CanaCrypto asking the Make-it-Great AI if he could get coffee, and MiG said that if he kept his head down, he might have enough social credit to apply for coffee in about a year’s time.

So today was a special day. Today was the day that, after an entire year spent saying nothing, thinking little, he could finally sip some sweet, delicious, coffee.

Brian stumbled out of bed, like he did every day since the Great Proclamation. As he dressed, the Palantir Pod began its daily jabber. More price increases, said the smiling people from down south. Apparently we need to pay more for the Dome. So, the mandatory harvesting will begin.

“Harvesting?” Brian muttered to himself, brushing his teeth with the last smidgen of paste in a long-expired tube. But he didn’t pay much attention. Never have, never will, he thought. The government is always the government.

Shoes on, and Brian trudged around the corner to the Make-it-Great Food Dispensary.

Along the way the air became thick and brown. Brian wished he still had that COVID mask. But face diapers had been banned after becoming a Great State, along with vaccines and public doctors and painkillers. It was healthier to breath the brown air and to pay to live in pain, MiG said.

So he took a deep breath of the foul air.

Deep breaths. Head down. Keep walking. Don’t look.

Don’t look at the burned houses. Don’t look at where the proud neighbours used to live. Publishers of the local paper, they were. Don’t look at what’s hanging, blackened, in the trees. Distracted, as if by thought, Brian’s mind went back to the talk he attended celebrating the Great State. (We all went. We had to.)

“If you block the building of AI,” said the Great Avatar, “you will bring about the apocalypse!” What a crazy talk, Brian thought. Unbelievable that so many in the audience thought the opposite. If it wasn’t for MiG today, how would we survive? After all, it had helped him earn his coffee.

Plus, MiG had helped weed out the maples. They were hard to spot. At the Great talk, it took the temperature of everyone in the room. If you got heated, or as one crazed maple put it (still clutching his passport!), thought MiG was “the infernal creation, Moloch itself,” then it knew! Genius.

With half the town gone camping, it meant more coffee for Brian anyways.

Suddenly he felt a cold hand on his arm. Lost in thought, he had reached the Depot and strayed too close to the Blac-Mascs. One spoke through its ventilator, its movements stiff.

“Need to see ID,” it said.

Cold beads of sweat trickled down Brian’s back.

Trying not to look, he opened his mouth wide, staring straight up at the brown sky as it

InLovingMemoryOf

CAROLANNFEVANG

December8,1960 -October22,2025

OurbeautifulCarolhasslippedawa

y.

BorninOttawaandverysoonafter,relocatedtoTahsisonthewildWest Coast,whereshethrived.Anotherpromotionalpostingforherfathertook Carol’sfamilytothewesterncommunityofColwoodonsouthern VancouverIsland,whereshe metMike,theloveofherlife,andtogether theymovedtoWhistler.

Embracingthemountainsandreturningoftentotheocean,Caroland Mikes’loveoflife(andhappyblackLabs)wastrulyfromSeatoSky.

“YouBeautifulSoul”

Beatpeace. Youleavethisearthasyoulivedlife, As abeautifulsoul.

Ashininglightforusall. Youarelovedandareinourhearts, Whereyourlightwillalwaysshine.

Carol will be dearlymissedbyhermanyfriendsandloving family

Inlieuof

o

noflifewillbeheldSaturday,Novem from2-5pmattheNitaLakeLodge.

Acelebration donationsto n. mber15,2025

flowers,thefamilywouldwelcomed theBCChildren’sHospitalFoundation

TheResortMunicipalityofWhistler(RMOW)willbe adjustingthepH levelsin SouthWhistler’s water system to meetupdatedHealthCanadaguidelinesand reduce corrosionofpipes,fixtures,andfittings.

Whistler’s drinking wateris already safe andmeetshighstandards. Thischangewillfurtherenhance waterqualityusing sodium hydroxide—a commonlyused compound.

IncreasingthepH to a target rangeof 7.6 to 7.8willmake the water less corrosive.Thesechangesare scheduled to take placein late Novemberor earlyDecember.

If yourbusinessoperations rely on water—suchas breweriesor foodproduction—please preparenow for thepHchange.

ResortMunicipalityofWhistler whistler.ca

ScantheQR code fordetails

Disappearing act

By Kate Heskett

scanned his branded throat. What a great invention, Brian thought, as he tried to distract himself from the eight-foottall cyborg with pincers for hands and bludgeons for boots. At least you never have to worry about losing your ID.

He didn’t dare glance at the eyes. He had done that once. Two black pits in the midst of all that stretched flesh and twisted metal. Flickers of consciousness in the searing, endless pain. Apparently the metal fusion was all done pure, without painkillers. At first the Great State was like the old ICE, paying bounties for bodies. Now the rumour was they just used the bodies, reanimated by AI. Whatever the case, unemployment went to zero. And they were so… perfect.

“You may pass,” it said.

Whew, he carelessly thought. Into the Depot he went.

The coffee sat behind a glass case. One glorious cup of brown beans.

Brian stared. He salivated. He wanted that coffee so bad he was willing to sell his soul for it.

But then he saw the banana.

Wow, he thought. No kidding. A banana. Worth at least two coffees. Staring at that long, yellow shaft, he could just imagine eating it now—slowly peeling back the skin, letting his tongue extend and lick the soft, velvety banana, as it slipped, slowly, between his lips.

But he only had enough for coffee.

His thought had strayed. Again.

At the check-out, the coffee was carefully removed from the glass case and put into a special container.

He couldn’t believe it. Out the door he went.

Head down, don’t look. Head down, don’t— He looked.

And the black pits stared right back at him.

“Brian, you are charged and convicted with Thinking,” said the two Blac-Mascs in unison. Wait—no, he had been so careful. Not to look, not to think. But then he thought. Again. The neighbours, the maples, the banana— “wait,” he said, “my coffee…”

The process was brutal, on the spot, and not that swift.

Pincers grabbed his legs and arms. Searing pain as the microsaws cut into his flesh. Bone was broken and the marrow extracted. Blood was suctioned away for storage. Needles pierced through his eye sockets, obliterating his irises.

Black pits remained.

He realized the screaming was his own, at least until the pincers reached in, scraped away his vocal chords, and stapled the ventilator to his mangled face.

As what was left of Brian’s brain began to shut down, part of his mind long thought gone—a spark of sacred life still refusing to die—had one final, illegitimate, thought.

This was Moloch. This. The Great Evil, the Machine Devil. At the Great talk—they were right— they had done it to themselves—all to serve this bloated, ugly, sweaty mass of evil known as…

Brian’s eyes, fading to black, glanced down at the spilled cannister. Then he lost his last thought. For good.

He never tasted the coffee.

He had no need to, after they removed his tongue.

tobias c. van Veen is still holding out hope that the American Dream doesn’t become our living nightmare.

Houdini yawned and stretched out his front paws, trying to locate the sun. He’d been dreaming of hiding between the pots of frost-bitten tomatoes, crouching in the shadows, biding his time, watching that noisy squirrel get closer and closer, then pouncing, its frozen terror between his jaws. HD blinked his eyes open to another stupid, boring day stuck inside the house. He arched his back towards the ceiling, fur bristling against the October cold, and took three languid steps towards a fading patch of sun. Flopping onto his side, he ran his raspy pink tongue through the thickening fur on his belly. Why won’t anyone let me out?! How much longer do I have to stay imprisoned in this batshit boring hellhole!

Sound! Movement! Someone coming! Opportunity approaches! Slowly, surely, the door handle turns, but instead of the usual impertinent human leg blocking all egress, a gap beckons. Not Mom: a small human has granted blessed freedom!

In a flash, HD is through the front door and bounding down the driveway towards where he last saw that sqauirrel. He picks up the scent at the base of a large hemlock and sprays the tree to reclaim his territory. HD’s pupils widen, and his heart quickens. Predator-brain switched to “hunt,” he crouch-runs along the fence line. The scent draws him across the drive and onto the front lawn and… Everything goes blindingly white, followed instantly by a massive crash of thunder. Houdini leaps into the air as a giant human head with long, pointy fangs suddenly rears, hovering in the air above.

“Ha ha ha ha haaaa,” the hollow-man bellows. “Welcome to my lair. Nothing good you’ll find in there.” He swirls his cape around his head and disappears.

What IS this? HD circles the no-longer-thundering black orb. This didn’t used to be here. It does NOT belong! He slowly extends a paw towards the intruder, claws out, bats it two times on the head, then ninja-jumps backwards through the air to avoid a counterattack. The ball doesn’t move. HD approaches cautiously, smacks harder, this time knocking it to the ground. He turns his back, daring it to stalk him, but it doesn’t move. Circling back for a sniff, his ears are instead drawn towards a familiar, crinkly sound.

Food?

Witch-Mom pours the last of the candy boxes into the cauldron. Her new wig is splendid: thick black hair down to her waist, with strands of sparkling tinsel woven in. HD follows the noise and sees a strange, hairy beast standing over a large black pot, head back and cackling into the sky, no doubt calling for backup to protect its giant food bowl. He lowers his hungry belly to the ground and, using the grass for cover, inches closer.

The beast turns its back. He makes his move, launching straight up and into the cauldron. He’s in! But the ground is slippery and won’t stay still. He tries to stand, fails and sinks lower. He tries to jump out, but he slips on the crinkly plastic and topples the whole thing over onto the grass.

The beast yelps and jumps out of the way. “Cat!”

HD runs down the side of the house and hides against the base of a tree. He starts to groom the fur on his chest, tries to calm his beating heart, but something cold brushes against his back. The tree is moving. WRONG! HD looks up at a hideous smiling cat face. NOT TREE, HUGE CAT LEG. Eyes preternaturally bright, fangs out, tilting its head from side to side, sizing him up for a meal. HD presses his body into the ground, flattens his ears, summons all his courage and hisses as mightily as his little lungs can manage. The ginormous black cat continues to glower at him. He could easily swallow HD whole. ESCAPE!

HD bolts wildly, colliding with a noisy wind-thing and tumbling headfirst as a tremendous HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS erupts from the monster-cat. Upright but panicked, he runs straight through a giant sticky cobweb. Desperate for a place to hide, the yard he knew is nowhere to be found. He smacks into a headstone, causing a skeleton to rise from its grave, shaking its rattly arms towards him. An evil howl sets his fur on end and sends him skittering further into the dark. What is this hellish place? A hand reaches up from the ground, tries to grab his paw, launching him into the air.

MEOOOWWWWWWWWEEEEEWWWWWWWLL!!!!!

He lands inside a strange wooden box, the size of a small human. Funny-smelling and cold, but the wood is solid under his toes, and the terrible screams and howls are not as gutpenetrating. Exhausted, HD presses himself into a corner and curls into a tight ball, wrapping his tail around his eyes to block out the painful lights.

Mom calls and calls, but Houdini is nowhere to be found. The cauldron has been righted, the blow-up cat reinflated, but what’s a witch without her favourite familiar? Looking out across the backyard, she notices a few of the headstones have fallen over on the way to the open casket.

“Now if I were a disappearing cat…”

Mom reaches into the casket. Tucked up against the far corner, her hand brushes over a

small ball of fluff.

Houdini yowls in fear. Just when he thought he was safe… “Come here, you silly cat.”

She pulls Houdini into a tight hug, and he nuzzles his face into the familiar scent of her wool sweater. Inside, Mom holds him with one arm and grabs a packet of his favourite food, chicken and liver pâté. She strokes his back gently as he gobbles down the meal, wraps him in his favourite fleece blanket, and places him softly into his bed on top of the dryer. She even turns it on, despite being empty, as she knows he finds it soothing.

Houdini is almost asleep when the latch on the laundry door clicks shut, a sound that used to signal his imprisonment. But snuggled up, belly full and dryer vibrating beneath him, he drifts off to sleep, warm, safe and happy to be inside.

kate heskett is an award-winning poet, writer and canoe guide. Their work has appeared in Pique and The Lupine Review, and features in the upcoming anthology Awfully Hilarious: Pillow Talk This piece was produced with additional batshit from Dad.

is true—we’re ferocious and stubborn as hell. Which, as it turns out, is a pretty good thing for all involved.

Now, I’m not a big fan of Halloween. Most dogs aren’t, and come the end of October I usually make myself pretty scarce. lucky for you humans I do, because in the grey afternoon of that Oct. 31, watching from the porch stairs, I started to notice a lot of strange goings on. More than that, it was the smells I was picking up that really got me thinking. I saw people still moving, but smelled death—and that just didn’t add up. How can you be dead, and still walking around? Then it clicked. They were zombies. So now, you’re thinking, what does a Jack Russell Terrier know about zombies?

Well, a lot, I’ll have you know. See, ol’ Rev. Jack Russell created our breed, not for hunting foxes, as popular lore goes, but for hunting zombies, which in the 1820s were endemic in England. So yeah, hunting the undead is in our blood, so to speak.

However, this was going to be a big job. I figured I was going to need some help, and I knew just the dog for the job.

My buddy Zyro is just a puppy, but he’s no dummy, being part Aussie Sheppard. He’s also full of energy, which was good, as nipping this zombie apocalypse thing in the bud was going to be no easy task.

I trotted over to his house and found him on his front lawn chasing his tail.

Dogs vs. The Zombie Apocalypse

By Alan Forsythe

So I guess before I tell you my little story about all this crazy stuff that happened last Halloween, I should get the formalities out of the way. My name is Hemi, I’m a Jack Russell Terrier and let me just say, everything you’ve heard about Jack Russell Terriers

“Hey Zyro, we got a big problem,” I told him.

“Hi Hemi!” He bounced around, unable to keep still. “Problem, what sort of problem?”

“It’s the undead, Zyro. People are turning into zombies.”

“Zombies?”

“Yes, zombies, and if this spreads any further you can forget about walks, treats, all of it. It’ll just be brain-munching zombies everywhere.”

“Whoa, that’s bad.”

“You better believe it’s bad.” I explained zombies in more detail to Zyro, and he understood the gravity of the situation and what we needed to do.

“So we have to smash their heads in—how are we going to do that?”

“I figure we find some zombies, bark at them till they follow us, we lead them to a cliff somewhere, jump away at the last second, and let gravity do the rest.”

“You mean they’ll just walk off the cliff and smash their heads in?”

“Yeah, why not?”

“I don’t know Hemi, it seems too easy.”

“Hey, if it works, it works. Don’t overthink it.”

We were presented with our first test pretty quickly as Zyro’s family had already been zombiefied, and actually almost caught us by surprise.

“How did you not notice they were zombies?” I asked, once we were clear of them, and I’d caught my breath.

“They left a lot of food out. I didn’t stop to question it.”

Anyway, Zyro’s lovely family of three, now all zombies, had to be disposed of. Luckily they lived in Alpine on the side of a steep hill, so there was a cliff handy. We set to barking at them, and chase us they did. The cliff had a tiny ledge just below the edge of it, so we let them get right to us, then leaped down to the ledge.

The mother and father went tumbling right over, hitting the ground 20 feet below head first, their skulls popping like cherries.

The daughter, however, didn’t quite get there, and was still staggering around above us, groaning about brains.

“Damn, if we can’t lure her over, Zyro, we’re stuck here.”

“I know just what to do.” So Zyro barked his head off, and when he finally got the attention of the daughter, he wagged his tail and looked “cute.” I thought, what a waste of time, but sure enough, she went for him, and went tum bling down after her parents.

Zyro turned to me. “Even zombie humans can’t resist a cute puppy.”

He was certainly right about that. “I feel a little bad though, they were nice.”

“Forget it kid, once they turn zombie, they’re already dead.” With that his tail started wagging again.

“We did pretty good didn’t we?”

“Don’t get cocky, we got a whole lotta zombies left to kill.”

It was starting to get dark, and we tried to warn some of the oblivious kids who had set out trick-or-treating, but they just ignored us.

“We need to get moving Zyro, or all these kids are going to end up zombified.”

It was frustrating to have so many kids not heed our warnings. We watched a few of them ring doorbells expecting treats, only to have their brains eaten by zombies.

Luckily a bunch of other dogs in the neighbourhood had also become aware of the growing zombie danger.

“Hello there, are you guys chasing zombies? If so we’d like to offer our assistance.” This was from Doug, a polite and enthusiastic Golden Retriever leading a pack of dogs. We told them our plan and got to work.

Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. We spent that All Hallow’s Eve luring zombies to their deaths, but that’s what a bunch of determined dogs can do.

So, did we get any recognition for it, even an extra treat or two?

Nope, not on your life. But that’s not why we did it. We’re dogs—if we don’t keep the world safe from the undead, who will?

Born and raised on the North Shore, Alan Forsythe has been skiing Whistler since he was 10, and writing fiction for almost as long. You can find his collection of short stories and novels on amazon.ca.

All Hallows’ War, Part 3: Enter the Knight-Walker

By David Song

The Knight-Walker rushed into battle, narrowly sidestepping an outstretched paw the size of a car tire. He raised Excalibur and thrust forward, aiming for Canaan’s heart, but the lycanthrope stopped and pivoted with a level of agility not befitting his massive size. Excalibur’s razor-sharp tip grazed his flank and drew blood, but failed to strike the devastating blow its wielder had intended.

Canaan could regenerate most injuries within seconds. He did not get poisoned by silver, unlike most monsters, and Excalibur was one of a few mythical armaments that could inflict lasting wounds upon him. Therefore, every hit mattered.

Even so, the lycan alpha was tremendously resilient. He moved and attacked at close to full speed despite being impaled by the Knight-Walker during the opening moments of their bout. Putting him down for good would require Herculean effort.

Canaan pounced, his body tensing and blasting forward like a coiled spring, but Excalibur morphed from a halberd into a large tower shield in the Knight-Walker’s hands. Then Canaan barrelled into that shield with the force of a freight train in motion, driving his foe back several metres. Yet the Knight-Walker maintained his footing, thanks to the strength granted him by his ebony suit of Adamant Armour.

That’s when his ally, a young vampire dressed in a human military uniform, leaped onto Canaan’s back. It was Astrid Gunnarsdóttir, who wasted no time sinking her fangs into the giant wolf’s neck. Canaan flailed about, throwing her off, but he’d been distracted for a beat too long.

Excalibur transformed back into a halberd, and the Knight-Walker plunged its spearhead directly into Canaan’s heart. The lycanthrope howled in pain as the Knight-Walker twisted his weapon, pressing it deeper into the vital organ. If he could hold Canaan here, Astrid could go for his brain and…

Something struck the Knight-Walker from the side, throwing him to the ground. He felt his breastplate crack as he absorbed the momentum by rolling, then lifted his head to seek out his assailant.

Scarlet eyes, a curvaceous figure and long hair that couldn’t seem to decide if it wanted to be blonde or red. He’d been hunting this particular quarry not so long ago.

“Greetings, traitor,” the woman hissed. “Did you miss me?”

Her hands were enveloped in a translucent field of shimmering dark energy, which she’d

evidently just fired on him with. Adamant Armour, for all its utility, had an inherent design flaw: it could be deteriorated by vampire venom, lycanthrope saliva and the black magic possessed by some vampires like Mariah, who stood before him.

Astrid rushed to the Knight-Walker’s side and laid a hand on his pauldron. “You OK?”

He nodded and stood, reaching out his hand to recall Excalibur. The polearm removed itself from Canaan’s chest and flew back into his grasp.

Canaan—infuriatingly—still breathed. His exceptional physiology kept him alive even though his heart had been demolished by a legendary arm of yore. At least he remained slumped on the ground for the time being.

Before the Knight-Walker could press his offensive, 20 werewolves leaped to the defence of their alpha. Mariah fell in next to them, her red lips breaking into a grin as she realized her side’s numerical advantage.

The Knight-Walker surveyed the situation. Violence raged as human troops—their lines broken by Canaan’s initial assault—struggled to protect their neighbourhood from monsters. That left him and Astrid against Mariah and the lycans forming a protective half-circle around their master.

Under normal circumstances, the Knight-Walker could prevail… but he had Astrid to look out for. The girl had some fighting skill, but she was too inexperienced to be left alone against a numerically superior enemy unit.

Furthermore, Astrid was the daughter of Gunnar Jonsson, High Protector of the Vigilante Order. The Knight-Walker needed to keep her alive at all costs, which would force him to fight defensively.

“Any last words?” Mariah taunted as she and the lycans began to advance.

The Knight-Walker wished he had access to all of Excalibur’s transformations, like his old mentor once did. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case: for him the weapon would only turn into a halberd, a shield and its traditional sword form.

At that moment, a distinctive roaring noise caused the Knight-Walker to glance to the rear. His supernatural eyes beheld two angular silhouettes approaching at breakneck velocity.

Human fighter jets.

Mariah and her group evidently heard it too, for they stopped in their tracks to look skyward. The strike aircraft proceeded to uncage a volley of missiles—no doubt full of tungsten-silver shrapnel.

Grabbing Astrid by the waist, the Knight-Walker leaped 100 metres into the nearest building. His eyes noticed a beat-up sign that read Dusty’s before they crashed through a plate-glass window on the top floor. Then the Knight-Walker instinctively pressed his larger body down on top of hers, using his Armour to shield her.

The blast wave struck, pummeling them both as it obliterated the structure’s exterior walls. He didn’t feel much heat, and Astrid was resistant to temperature variations even unarmoured… but the shrapnel would kill her if it struck a vital organ. The Knight-Walker gritted his teeth as thousands of metal fragments bounced off his protected back and legs.

He lay on top of her for several moments, expecting more detonations. That didn’t happen, so he tentatively raised his head to look. The jets were already a long way off, and judging by their flight path they didn’t seem to be coming around for an immediate re-attack.

Taking their place were several military helicopters arriving to reinforce the beleaguered human garrison. Well-armed gunships circled overhead, dispatching monsters with automatic cannon fire as utility transports hovered to disembark sections of soldiers via fast-rope.

Most of the lycanthropes now lay dead and burned, but Mariah was nowhere to be seen. Concerningly enough, neither was Canaan. How had he managed to escape the airstrike in his wounded state?

“Um,” said Astrid. “Thanks for saving me, but can you get off now?”

The Knight-Walker stood and clasped Astrid’s hand to pull her upright—just as spotlights illuminated the remnants of Dusty’s. A gunship trained its weaponry on them, and Excalibur formed into a shield as the Knight-Walker prepared to defend.

“Blackjack Two-One, hold your fire! Hold fire!”

That command had come from one of the troops at ground level. He stood over seven feet tall, with broad shoulders and a tremendously robust physique that was obvious even beneath some type of cutting-edge body armour. He was dark-skinned, wearing his facial hair in a short black beard.

The soldier carried in both hands a modified heavy machine gun linked to an ammunition backpack. No normal human could have wielded such a firearm, but he wasn’t normal—and the Knight-Walker recognized him.

It was the one-percenter he’d saved from Mariah and three other vampires in the forest just hours ago.

The man spoke again in a booming voice. “Listen up, Knight-Walker! I am Lieutenant Vernon Davis of the Canadian Special Forces. You saved my life, so here’s the deal: you’re gonna drop your weapon and take that helmet off. My boys and I will take you and Blonde Chick into custody, and you’re gonna tell me exactly who you are. Make a false move, and Blackjack TwoOne here—”, he pointed at the gunship, “—will turn both of you into fine red mist. Copy?”

Astrid slowly raised her hands. “We hear you. Please, we mean you no harm! Let’s all just calm down and talk!” She kicked the Knight-Walker in his armoured shin, as if to say: Hurry up and play along.

The Knight-Walker sighed. He didn’t fully trust humans, but unlike Blood Pact marauders they could be reasonable… sometimes.

His fingers opened and Excalibur dropped from his grasp. Then, at his mental command, the helmet encapsulating his head retracted back into the armour.

David Song is a reporter for Pique Newsmagazine, covering sports and arts.

Part 1: piquenewsmagazine.com/local-news/tales-of-fright-and-delight-7747220

Part 2: piquenewsmagazine.com/cover-stories/tales-of-fright-and-delight-9705615 n

Stinky’s Last Call ....

Thank you to every person that came through the door.

To the locals that supported me and kept us going - even through Covid.

To staff, past and present that helped me build my dream

To my Mom

To my family for believing in me Love: Stinky and Rasta

Join us for the Whistler Seniors Expo!

Presented by

The Senior Expo is an event for the community to connect, learn, and support local seniors.

Saturday Nov 1, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Myrtle Philip Community School 6195 Lorimer Road, Whistler

FREE ADMISSION

Scan the QR code to get tickets now!

Mark your calendar and bring a friend

Discover a vibrant array of exhibitors showcasing products and services tailored for seniors. During our breakout sessions, professionals will offer interesting and timely information. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore, learn, and have fun!

SILVER SPONSOR:

What to eat to promote a healthy heart

A healthy heart is essential to maintaining your active, independent and vibrant lifestyle as you get older. But did you know that nearly half of the average Canadian’s calories come from foods that are detrimental to your heart health?

Instead of choosing ultra-processed foods containing poor-quality fats, high sugar and excessive salt, try these nutrition tips to help you keep your heart healthy.

FOCUS ON FIBRE

Fibre helps slow down sugar absorption and contributes to lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Aim to “eat the rainbow” at every meal by including a variety of veg etables, fruits, whole grains and legumes.

REPLACE SATURATED AND TRANS FATS

Swap saturated and trans fats for healthier options like olive oil and avocado. You should also include foods like freshly ground flax seeds, chia seeds and natural nut butters. These healthy fats help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of arterial plaque buildup.

GET ENOUGH LEAN PROTEIN

Incorporate skinless poul try, beans and lentils into your diet as heartfriendly choices. Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are especially beneficial due to their omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

Lastly, make sure to stay hydrated and limit sugary drinks and alcohol. Talk to a dietician-nutritionist for personalized rec ommendations.

ways to Stay Active in Whistler After 50

Want to stay healthy and vibrant for as long as possible?

By choosing to visit or live in Whistler you’re already making a commitment to staying healthy, as the lifestyle here is all about being active. We know that in addition to eating well and getting lots of sleep, staying active is essential.

If you’re over 50 and looking for activities that fit your dynamic lifestyle and the unique Whistler environment, consider these options.

SWIMMING IN AN ALPINE

LAKE Meadow Park offers yearround swimming with its excellent indoor pool facilities, but during the summer enjoy the freedom of open water swimming in Lost or

Alta Lake. This low-impact activity is perfect for improving your cardiovascular health and muscular endurance.

GENTLE GYMNASTICS Activities like yoga, Pilates, tai chi and Qigong improve muscle tone and balance while reducing stress. Whistler has several studios and privatehome instructors who offer this service, along with the Meadow Park calendar offerings.

WALKING. EVERYWHERE. A daily stroll is an accessible and easy way to include exercise in your daily routine. Whistler’s Valley Trail and extensive trail network are perfect for getting around by foot. Walking— ideally outdoors—increases your heart rate and helps maintain bone density as you age. Use crampons

GROWSHERE YOURGIFT

When youleaveagiftin yourwill, youareplanting aseedforthe community youlove. Future generationswillbenefitandtend to thisplace and yourcause—forever!

Want to see yourgiftmake adifference,now?Kickstart yourlegacy fund, today.

or traction devices when it gets wintery to ensure stability.

GYM TRAINING Whistler’s fitness centers, including the Meadow Park Sports Centre, offer well-equipped gyms with programs that include weight bearing activities. Gym training can help preserve muscle mass and boost your cardiovascular health, getting you ready for Whistler advetures. Several classes are low impact for challenged knees and hips.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Crosscountry skiing is easy on the joints and an excellent cardiovascular activity, both classic and skate. Whistler Olympic Park and Lost Lake offer a variety of trails for all skill levels, and lessons are available to help you get started if you’ve never tried it before.

CYCLING Whether you ride your own bike, rent a cruiser, or try an electric-assisted bike, cycling on the flat surface of the Valley Trail is an excellent way to strengthen your heart and legs. An added

perk: a climate friendly mode of transportation within the Valley.

PLAY A ROUND OF PICKLEBALL

Pickleball’s popularity in North America has exploded, and Whistler is no exception. The Whistler Racket Club welcomes beginners and seasoned players alike.. Pickleball helps improve endurance and

agility while providing a fun way to socialize and meet new people who share your passion for an active lifestyle. Don’t forget to warm up before stepping onto the court!

Making time for regular exercise after the age of 50 is vital for your fitness and overall well-being. Whistler’s the perfect home or destination to fit an active lifestyle..

Edited with files from Newspaper Toolbox

PRESENTERS

DAVID SWEENEY

CFP®, CIM® Senior Wealth Advisor, Sweeney Bride Strategic Wealth Advisory

Dave Sweeney is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth and co-founder of the Sweeney Bride Strategic Wealth Advisory team. With over 35 years experience in the industry Dave holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) designations and is also Insurance licensed.

CLAIRE MOZES

CEO, Whistler Community Foundation

Claire brings a wealth of experience centered in local nonprofits to Whistler Community Foundation. Claire works from a positive, solution focused perspective and is driven to find ways to balance community needs with available resources. Like most people in Whistler her passions include getting outside and enjoying the mountains, lakes and trails alongside her friends and family.

• Compassionateend-of-lifecareattheHospiceand incommunity

• Supportforfamiliesfacinglife-limitingillness

• Grief&lossprograms

• Clinicalcounselling seatoskyhospicesociety.ca

Contact info@seatoskyhospicesociety.ca 604-892-6051ext.5 Toaskaboutsupport,volunteeringortodonate:

VENUE MAP

SPEAKER

LAW ENFORCEMENT

WARNS OF UPTICK IN FRAUD AND SCAMS

AGAINST LOCAL SENIORS

Vulnerable populations such as newcomers and the elderly have been targeted

WILL JOHNSON

If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Earlier this year, law enforcement held an information session for Squamish seniors, educating them on the wide variety of scams currently being used against vulnerable populations. And though there are a multitude of fraudulent schemes out there, safeguarding yourself is relatively simple, according to the RCMP’s media spokesperson Const. Kelly Wu.

“We were finding during Christmas and tax season, there is an increase in scams and fraudulent activity happening, so we took it upon ourselves to put on a presentation and take it out to the public, so hopefully they can protect themselves from this happening in the future,” she said.

Here are some of the scams for seniors to look out for in Squamish.

SUBSCRIPTION SCAMS

It seems fine at first, but then the products you paid for stop coming.

“One of the big ones is subscription traps. A product comes out that you want, like skin cream or something like that, and you put money down for a monthly delivery, and then suddenly you’re not getting it,” said Wu.

Sometimes the scammers seem to be coming from big companies like Amazon, but then they claim to have

trouble delivering.

“People will receive a message, someone posing as Amazon, for example, saying their package can’t be delivered unless you pay a certain amount. It might seem completely legitimate,” she said.

These sorts of requests aren’t made by legitimate retailers, and if you receive them, you should report it.

“This is why it’s important that before you sign up for anything, you investigate it first before handing over any information about your identity or paying money.”

FAKE CONTRACTORS

They say they want to help, and they want to deal in cash.

Maybe you get a knock on your door one day, and a contractor tells you that you need work on your roof—and they can do it for cheap. They tell you that they’ll give you a special deal, but you have to pay in cash up front. Then, when it comes time to do the actual work, they disappear.

According to Simone Lis, CEO of the Better Business Bureau, you should never agree to under-the-table offers like this.

“When you hear they want you to pay cash, that’s a red flag, and you should walk away. Do your research, get their business card and check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see their history. You should always be paying tax,” she said.

“At the Better Business Bureau, we have a long history. We’ve been around since 1912 across North America and since 1939 locally.”

The BBB creates profiles for businesses that detail how long they’ve been in operation and whether they’ve ever received complaints and issues a rating. If they meet their standards, they grant them an accreditation seal that is displayed on their website.

If you can’t find the business on their website, or if you learn they have previous infractions, then it’s time to walk away.

PHISHING SCAMS

All it takes is a conversation.

Canadian seniors, in general, are a polite and friendly lot, which is why they might stay on the phone or chat in person longer than they should. Some may even be suspicious they’re talking to a scammer, but will let them keep talking out of sheer curiosity.

“Don’t do it. Don’t be afraid to say no, and don’t be afraid to be aggressive.

Once you’re having a conversation with a scammer, that’s their world, and they can easily get information from you,” said Lis.

This is called a phishing scam, and the information they’re trying to glean from you is multifaceted. They can gather it in a variety of ways—in person, over the phone, by email or over the internet through social media. Once they have your credit card details or banking information, they’ve won, and you will feel the financial repercussions.

Sometimes they’re trying to steal your money, other times your identity.

“You may get an email from your bank saying there’s money waiting from CRA, and it preys on fear to make you respond very quickly,” said Lis.

“Banks don’t actually communicate in this way, so if you get an email or text like this, don’t respond. In Richmond and North Vancouver, we heard they’d issued an alert saying something’s wrong with your banking information, and they were coming to collect your bank card to see what’s going on. In one scenario, an older

Canadian lost $23,000.”

EMERGENCY SCAMS

It’s a nightmare nobody wants to experience.

With the rising use of AI, it’s becoming easier for scammers to emulate somebody’s voice. If they can get access to a loved one’s voice, they can then fake an emergency call saying they’ve been kidnapped and demanding ransom.

“What happens is a parent or grandparent gets a call from who they believe is their child or grandchild, saying they’ve been kidnapped, and you have to pay money to get their child released. That is one method that does happen,” said Wu.

“That’s scary for anybody to get that call, and the easiest way to verify is to call the cell phone of that person to verify it’s them and call the RCMP right away.”

Five Dreamcatcher Meadows riders earn accolades at BC Dressage Regionals

ARCHER GIRODO, 12, NAMED OVERALL TRAINING LEVEL CHAMPION

BY DAVID SONG

LANGLEY’S THUNDERBIRD Show

Park bore witness to all kinds of Sea to Sky success between Sept. 26 and 28, with five Dreamcatcher Meadows riders earning ribbons at the BC Dressage Regional Championships.

Archer Girodo delivered an eye-opening performance when she, at just 12 years old, won the Training Level event with the highest score among juniors, adults and open division equestrians alike. Ballerina DMV, Archer’s horse (owned by the Dreammaster Foundation) is older than her at 17, but they proved to be a splendid duo by also triumphing in the Equitation category. Furthermore, Archer became Training Reserve champ with her mare Wishingstar DMV.

Not to be overshadowed, Archer’s elder sister Ariel became a two-time Reserve Champion. The 15-year-old rode her own gelding, Whittaker DMV, in the Second Level contest and coach John Dingle’s D-Trix DMV at Third Level.

Emily Burt, 16, united with Dancing DMV (a mare owned by Dreamcatcher co-founder Jill Giese) to win Second Level outright. She also teamed up with her horse, Lancelot DMV, to finish third overall in Third Level.

“I’ve been riding Dancing since [we were both] pretty young, so just seeing how far both of us have come … made me step back and look at it,” Burt said about her efforts. “Same with Lancelot: he’s been a staple of my journey so far. I just love that horse because he’s such a good teammate. He’s always trying to please me no matter what I ask him.

“Seeing how we’ve changed over the last year has really been rewarding for me because I just know that he’s feeling more confident in himself,

INTO THE ARENA

Dressage presents athletes with a unique challenge: their bond with one or more nonhuman teammates. Some horses, like Lancelot, are fairly reserved and need intentional encouragement to pick up new skills. Others such as Dancing are hot-headed and thus must be reined in (pun intended). Burt enjoys the process of figuring out what buttons she needs to push for a successful result with each.

She has learned that the rider must

“I’ve been riding Dancing since [we were both] pretty young, so just seeing how far both of us have come ... made me step back and look at it.”

- EMILY BURT

and I’m feeling more confident as a rider.”

Thirteen-year-old Sabina Kraut and Whistler DMV occupied the runner-up hole in Equitation and third in Training Level.

Yeva Wescott, the youngest of all local riders at eight years of age, managed a successful debut event astride Rio by becoming Reserve Champion in the Walk/Trot class.

Dingle and fellow Dreamcatcher staff member Jamie Lee Atkinson coached each of the aforementioned athletes save Wescott.

be comfortable releasing control sometimes and allowing her mount to contribute to their partnership. Mistakes will happen and need to be taken in stride.

Burt is proud of all her fellow Dreamcatcher equestrians, but finds Archer’s effort particularly noteworthy.

“She had only been training on [Ballerina] for a couple months, and that horse is really John [Dingle’s] everything,” Burt remarked. “Watching a younger rider do so well with

such an advanced horse is just impressive to see, because the more advanced the horse … you have to be so on point with what you’re asking, otherwise they won’t do it.

“Usually younger riders are a lot less confident going into the competition ring. They’re very closed off, they don’t take up the arena space, whereas Sabina and Archer both are very confident. They know what they have to do to get good results … they’re also very fair with each other. They get each other’s horses ready if they need to.”

Young Wescott also flashed her potential, improving throughout the competition as she digested feedback from judges, coaches and older athletes.

None of it would’ve happened without the guidance of Dingle and Lee Atkinson, though Burt also has her own mother Ingrid Szoghy to thank.

“He does everything. No one would be where they are without John,” said Burt. “He understands every horse that he has at the farm and what they need, and he knows how to explain stuff in different ways to different people. John builds stuff, he runs the competitions, he does all the planning.

“I work with Jamie quite often, especially over summer. She’s really good with the younger kids like Sabina, Archer and Yeva—she has a lot of patience for them. Jamie knows how to make [contests] a positive experience, but keeping them safe and keeping them attentive. My mom was a major help through my journey too.”

Marcus Goguen, Wei Tien Ho, Lochlan

Harvey officially named to 2026 Freeride World Tour roster

GOGUEN IS ONE OF FOUR RETURNING CHAMPIONS; HARVEY DEBUTS AS ROOKIE

BY DAVID SONG

THE UPCOMING Freeride World Tour (FWT) athlete lineup has officially been unveiled (sans wildcards), and some familiar names are right in the mix.

Marcus Goguen is the reigning overall men’s ski champ, and he’ll try to defend his throne against a battery of formidable rivals. Valentin Rainer and Kristofer Turdell are two of the biggest threats to his dominion, while Toby Rafford, Martin Bender and Virgile Didier look to grab their fair share of medals after each managing breakout seasons last year.

“Marcus Goguen claimed the 2025 Freeride World Tour Champion title after a dominant season, taking wins at the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro and the Georgia Pro,” reads the FWT’s website.

“The 2023 Junior World Champion made waves early with a standout debut at Kicking Horse and a win at the 2024 YETI Xtreme Verbier. Growing up in B.C., Marcus split his time between skis and bikes, a former Canadian DH team member, Junior Crankworx Whistler Air DH winner, and U21 Enduro World Cup top-5 finisher.”

Not to be overlooked is Wei Tien Ho. After breaking into the 2025 FWT as a wildcard entrant, he turned heads with a surprise victory at the campaign finale Yeti Xtreme Verbier and is no doubt hungry for more success.

The FWT describes Ho as “a dedicated enduro rider turned freeride skier who continues to make waves on the Tour. After claiming back-to-back Canadian National

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Enduro Champion titles in 2022 and 2023, he capped off the 2025 Freeride World Tour season in style with a victory at the Xtreme Verbier—a huge milestone in his competitive journey.”

Also joining the tour as a rookie this year is Whistler’s Lochlan Harvey.

“After finishing 3rd overall in the 2025 Americas Challenger Series, he earned his spot on the Freeride World Tour, marking the start of an exciting new chapter,” reads the FWT’s website. “Lochlan approaches every competition with a clear mindset—trust his instincts, ski his own way, and enjoy every moment. With a strong trick game and a style rooted in flow and precision, he’s ready to make his mark on the world stage.”

Among female skiers, two-time Olympic moguls medallist Justine Dufour-Lapointe seeks a third straight FWT overall crown. In order to do so, she’ll need to overcome Astrid Cheylus, Jenna Keller, Lena Kohler and various other promising talents.

The entire male snowboarding field, including Canada’s Jonathan Penfield, is looking to upset Victor de Le Rue. So far none have succeeded, because the French savant is in position to go for an unheard-of fifth straight FWT title.

Noémie Equy dominated last year, but hasn’t yet won in Val Thorens. She’ll attempt to do so this season with fellow women’s boarders Natalie Allport, Sarah Bacher, Mia Jones et al. standing in her way.

A total of 19 new riders, including 18 rookies, have made it onto the roster across all four divisions.

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Spooky rituals for the dead keep our spirits alive

HALLOWEEN SURPRISES US WITH RICHES THAT HAVEN’T BEEN LOST OVER TIME

WE’VE ALREADY FLITTED through at least a couple of delightful weeks filled with unexpected gnarly old skeletons and floating ghosties roiling and broiling in storefronts and golden-leafed front yards in a prelude to the ultimate eve: Halloween. Now the official night of the macabre is just around the corner for many around the world—the night the souls of all the dead come to Earth and wander our streets and byways.

My favourite night of the year.

People say it’s because I’m a Scorpio that I’ve always been fascinated by death, or at least been constantly aware of it. Maybe there’s something to that, for even when I was knee-high to a giant pumpkin I realized, my gosh, as soon as

BY GLENDA BARTOSH

we’re born we know we’re all going to die, or at least those around us do when we’re still in such a primary state. But maybe we humans do have some kind of pre-language, DNA-centric awareness of death even in our most infantile moments. Either way, acknowledging death can enrich the precious days of life.

But I have better, more personal excuses. First, I was supposed to have been born on Halloween! Imagine the wild and wooly possibilities, especially when you find out as a kid. From my tiny world view I was so mad I popped out two days early and missed celebrating my day on a day celebrating witches and goblins. It’s the only time, family and friends continue to half-jokingly remind me,

OVER TRICKS Whistler kids have Halloween good with the annual Tapley’s Farm trickor-treat extravaganza.

I’ve ever been early for anything in my life.

My other excuses? Half of my roots are Irish, and the foundations for what we now celebrate as Halloween lie squarely in the Celtic, or Irish/Scottish, domain. Oct. 31 marks the eve of All Hallows or All Saints Day.

I mean, for heaven’s sake, just look at the name alone, originally spelled Hallowe’en—a contraction of All Hallows Eve or Even, which itself was contracted to “e’en” as an Old English form of “evening.” For it was traditionally Nov. 1 when members of the Christian church, with which my family was only peripherally engaged, celebrate all saints—both known and unknown.

The latter proposition is by far the more interesting, don’t you think? For even if we

drama of the same name written in the 1800s by Adam Mickiewicz, who many considered Poland’s finest national poet. He also hugely influenced Ukrainian and Russian literature.

Which brings us to Ukraine, where traditionally the dead were honoured on Vele’s Night, also Oct. 31, and so named for the ancient Slavic god of the underworld, Veles. But who can bear to imagine how many souls of the dead walk the streets of Ukraine—or Russia—these days.

The tradition of families gathering in graveyards to honour all the ancestors who have gone before us has many expressions around the world. One of the finest I witnessed was Japan’s Obon Festival. The dates vary, but it usually happens in the muggy month of

The tradition of families gathering in graveyards to honour all the ancestors who have gone before us has many expressions around the world.

aren’t avowed Christians who believe in an afterlife—and who’s to say it’s impossible?— we at least have science behind dear Albert “e=mc2” Einstein’s proof that energy cannot be created or destroyed. All of which begs the question, where does the energy that animates all living creatures go once living bodies give up the ghost, so to speak?

As I leave you with these macaberesque ideas (and that is a real word), let me add that the other side of my family is Polish all the way. There, in a typically Eastern European tradition, feasting and celebrations of ancestors took place in graveyards on the same e’en of what was once called Forefather’s Day. Later, it became known as Dziady, after a famously popular poetic

August, and I was lucky enough to experience it soon after I sold the Whistler Question and set out for Asia for years. I was hungry for some otherness beyond Whistler’s borders, much as Paul and Jane Burrows were after they sold the newspaper to me.

How lovely to bring food and drink and other offerings, along with blankets to sit on at the gravesides of loved ones as you honour them with stories and attention. We should do that back home, I thought. Meanwhile, high on the mountainside outside of Kyoto, the “big letter” or character bonfires symbolizing Daimonji were lit to burn into the night sky like fiery spirits.

Closer to home, we’re more familiar with the way Latin Americans, especially from

Mexico, similarly honour their ancestors. In graveyards and beyond, people mark Day of The Dead (Dia de los Muertos) which can expand into several days around Hallowe’en, and even morph into something playful or dramatic. I’ve been lucky to share in that, too, in real time with Mexican friends and neighbours when I lived in San Diego and Arizona. Strings of golden marigolds and eerie white plaster skulls in flickering candlelight, with offerings of food and mementos for beloved lost souls, much like the offerings in Buddhist temples in Thailand and beyond. All of it a dance with death with no borders.

And that brings us to the very idea of the macabre, which has taken on a whole new meaning in our world beyond Halloween.

My very old, very heavy Unabridged Oxford Dictionary has more than 4,000 pages, each with four microfilmed originals—that’s some 16,000 dictionarypages of words in the English language, and how many do we use today? It attributes the first use of “macabre” to poet Jean le Fèvres’ 1376 Respit de la Mort , where he describes “la danse macabre”—-the dance of death. That metaphor is so rich, it’s been the basis for all kinds of art forms, from Egyptian papyruses to Medieval art and drama.

Sometimes in our flat, post-digital era it feels like the most macabre thing of all is how the richness and depth of being human is being lost to AI slop and our disconnecting obsessions. We are well and truly ghosting ourselves.

But there’s one sign of hope: We still love embracing real, 3-D pumpkins, and bother to show our kids they can dress up in otherworldly outfits and have fun connecting with strangers on one night of the year ironically devoted to the dead.

Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist who especially liked dressing up as a black cat or witch for Halloween. n

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POOLHOURS

Stan Matwychuk paints Crystal Lodge mural

THE ARTWORK IS BELIEVED TO BE ONE OF WHISTLER’S BIGGEST MURALS

BY DAVID SONG

IF YOU’VE VISITED the Crystal Lodge parkade recently, you’ll know that it’s gotten a makeover.

Several of the structure’s pillars and walls now sport an eye-catching depiction of mountains, forests and clouds. According to Andrew Weir, operations director at the Crystal, it is one of Whistler’s largest murals. The talent behind it? None other than longtime local Stan Matwychuk.

A veteran artist and jack of many trades, Matwychuk resided in Whistler for eight years and has now been in Squamish for 15 and counting. He’s a marine craft operator, medic and licensed real-estate agent, but some will know him best for his art. Not one to limit himself to small projects, he enjoys murals and the community dialogue they can generate.

Matwychuk once worked in hospitality

and served with the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (BIA), so the Crystal parkade initiative turned out to be a good fit for him.

“There’s a real creative volume of competition and I really wanted to put my voice in the community,” he says. “I had no

in the community, our head office asked me to improve the guest parking experience at Crystal Lodge. Roughly 20 per cent of my project budget went not to concrete or signage, but to beautifying the parkade itself. In the past we’ve collaborated with several Vancouverbased artists, yet for this project we felt it was

“There’s a real creative volume of competition and I really wanted to put my voice in the community.”

- STAN MATWYCHUK

idea that the corridor under there, from the Beacon Pub over to the Crystal, underneath the Spaghetti Factory and over to lululemon is all a staff corridor. It became a way of meeting people, but also understanding this is a working environment that people cohabitate in every day. I was quite impressed with the opportunity to share and uplift the space because it was a very utilitarian grey area.”

Weir remarks in an email to Pique: “As part of Burrard Group’s commitment to reinvesting

essential to feature a Sea to Sky artist whose work has a lasting local impact.”

A WELCOMING GATEWAY

Matwychuk’s inspiration for the parkade mural was Whistler’s natural environment, understanding that the reason why most come to town is to seek adventure. His usual tools of the trade are typically acrylic paint and spraypaint, which he married to the Burrard

Group’s custom green Alpine Shadow palette.

The Squamolian describes his experience working with Crystal staff as “flawless” and lauded them for maintaining dialogue, collaboratively solving problems and granting him a reasonable level of creative freedom.

“The mural transforms a purely functional space into a welcoming gateway for guests and locals alike, and celebrates our core values: local, team play, respect, progressive, and fun & friendly,” says Weir.

Matwychuk was also impressed by the Crystal as a facility, saying: “They’ve got a really progressive art selection within the hotel. If you’re able to walk through, they’ve really curated it quite nicely. I really enjoy just seeing the local art within the place because it’s such a hub around businesses. There’s a real value in taking back public space for creativity. It says that you kind of own the creativity and the voice there, and it’s a way of sharing that value with people who might not see it.

“[I love] large-scale projects, as big as I can do them, and I try to incorporate a community dialogue, some message or relaying ideas that the community holds dear. I’d welcome working with the Crystal Lodge again for sure. The [parkade mural] is open-air, free to visit. You can check it out whenever you like.”  n

The Bookshelf: Contemplation of a Crime by Susan Juby

BY LIBBY MCKEEVER

IF YOU’VE READ SUSAN Juby’s fiction, you’ll understand that she is a master of the clever line, the delicious plot twist, of endearing characters, and is very, very funny. The third in Juby’s Helen Thorpe series, Contemplation of a Crime, does not disappoint. We are taken on a fun, and at times, intense mystery ride with Helen, a former Buddhist novate turned butler and now amateur sleuth.

Helen’s employers, the Levines, are also practicing Buddhists. When asked to help their son David in his role as the acting director of Close Encounters for Global Healing, they’re keen to assist. Although the attendees of the week-long retreat hold vastly disparate opinions on both societal and political topics, the goal is to nurture understanding and investigate the root of each other’s beliefs. A graduate himself, David asks his father to stand in as a “token rich person,” the wealthy, multi-auto dealership owner, Scooter Bruin, a role Levine takes on with gusto. The attentive, ever-present Helen’s calm is severely tested when Mrs. Levine asks Helen to accompany her husband. In doing so, Helen must forego her holiday with her butler friends, Gavin and Murray.

When David argues with the replacement chef, Bobbi-Lyn, a chain-smoking woman in her 60s, about why there is meat stock in the vegetarian stew, she replies, “Makes it taste better. There’s no cows in it.” As the plot unfolds, we understand Bobbi-Lyn’s attendance is deliberate, and she plays an important role.

With more staff absent, Helen’s mindfulness training is put to the test when asked to act as the

OFF THE SHELF Catch Susan Juby at the Whistler Writers Festival on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. More info and tickets available at whistlerwritersfest.com.

IMAGE SUBMITTED

as it becomes apparent that each participant has come with their own agenda. Just as Helen realizes it will take all her skills to maintain order, she is unable to find Mr. Levine and David. Her phone vibrates with the worst possible news, “—Helen, I don’t want to alarm you, but it appears that we have been kidnapped.” The next message lights up her screen. “—Dad, we have definitely been kidnapped. Please just give Helen the instructions.”

Once again, Juby seamlessly weaves her passion for current social issues into both the plot and character motivations. She describes herself as “an unskilled but earnest practitioner of Buddhism,” and this knowledge is delightfully imbued in her characters and

again, Juby seamlessly weaves

“spiritual person.” But when David announces the housekeepers are also no-shows, “Helen felt her disappointment lift and her resistance fall away. ‘Yes, I will act as a spiritual advisor for the course. And will you allow me to make a phone call? I may have an idea that will help with … everything.’” Helen calls upon her two steadfast friends, Murray and Gavin, and Nigel, a recent graduate of Butler School, who is a somewhat bumbling but lovable ally.

As Juby introduces the attendees in their own voices, we become invested in a successful outcome for them all. The attendees include: a major player in the Canadian trucker movement; an environmental activist, whose crusade has her planning violent action; a hapless, almost accidental member of a neo-Nazi group; an 18-year-old accused of online harassment, who has no respect for anyone, including himself; and a self-absorbed social influencer/consumer who is dissociated from the real world.

Tension builds amongst the participants

settings. Readers will appreciate the slow drip of tension in Contemplation of a Crime, as the mystery builds, and satisfyingly, the hints of a typical whodunnit are nowhere to be found.

Susan Juby is the author of  Contemplation of a Crime, the latest in the bestselling Helen Thorpe mystery series. A Leacock Medal winner, Juby’s books have earned international acclaim.  Alice, I Think was adapted for TV. She teaches creative writing at Vancouver Island University. Juby appears at All Hallows Eve: Murder and Mayhem With Laugh Out LIVE!, Susan Juby and Liann Zhang on Oct. 31. Juby will also be teaching WORKSHOP 7, Create Your (Crime) Fighter on Nov. 1. Tickets available at whistlerwritersfest.com.

The Bookshelf is presented by the Whistler Writing Society, hosts of the Whistler Writers Festival. Libby McKeever is a retired youth librarian who is an avid reader and writer of both fiction and creative non-fiction. n

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HO RS T RU ED IG ER KA LLN ISCHKI ES

age83, passed away peacefully at the North Shore Hospiceon August 25,2025. He will be sadly miss ed by his spouse, Rosemary Kallnischkies.

Horstloved skiing, andoften saidhe wanted to be apartoftheunemployment insurance ski team whenhe gotolder.

A celebrationof life will take placeon Blackcomb MountaininWhistlerinthe Spring of2026.

In lieuofflowers,donations can be made to the SalvationArmy in remembranceof Horst.

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

TAPLEY’S HALLOWEEN

41ST ANNUAL HALLOWEEN IN TAPLEY’S NEIGHBOURHOOD

Tapley’s neighbourhood is the heart of Halloween festivities, celebrating 41 years of spooky traditions in Whistler. Local residents go to great lengths to create a scary and magical atmosphere in their neighbourhood, welcoming upwards of 1,000 children for trick-or-treating. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at 7:30 p.m.!

> Oct. 31, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

> Whistler Cay

ALTA LAKE BIRD WALK

Join the Whistler Naturalists on the first Saturday of the month for a walk to Rainbow Park. Open to anyone interested in learning about birds and contributing as a citizen scientist. Connect with experienced birders who are happy to share their knowledge. More information at whistlernaturalists.ca/birding.

>  Nov. 1 at 8 a.m.

> Meet at the bottom of Lorimer Rd. by the catholic church.

> Free

WHISTLER SENIORS’ EXPO

The expo is a great opportunity to explore businesses and services that cater to the senior community. Vendors will be on-site representing a variety of categories, including: Health and wellness; finance; recreation and travel; home and community services. In addition to the vendor showcase, the event will feature two guest speakers who will share valuable insights and resources tailored to seniors and their families.

> Nov. 1, 1 to 4 p.m.

> Myrtle Philip Community School

MAKING CONNECTIONS DEMENTIA FRIENDLY SOCIAL CLUB

Supported by a federal grant and organized by the Whistler Mature Action Community, a weekly program of 45 minutes of gentle fitness followed by stimulating activities such as card games and music therapy, and socializing over a light lunch. The program was designed to improve physical fitness, delay cognitive decline and build friendships and support networks. We provide a welcoming stress-free environment for those whose lives have become isolated by dementia. Join us for fun, fun, fun. There is no fee but we require registration at whistlermac.org/making-connections. Donations welcome.

> Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

> Catholic Church of Whistler

BARBED CHOIR

Do you love to sing? Do you love meeting new people?

Do you like all types of rock music, new and old?

Head on down to sing with Barbed Choir—Whistler’s rock choir. Meetings are drop-in, no registration or experience necessary.

> Nov. 5, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

> Whistler Public Library

LAUGH OUT LIVE! WOMENONLY IMPROV

There’s something magical that happens when women come together to play. This five-week improv workshop is a joyful, confidence-boosting experience designed for women who want to reconnect with their playful side, strengthen their communication skills, and rediscover the power of laughter! Whether you’re curious about improv as an art form or as a tool for life, this workshop is for you.

Nov. 5, 5:15 to 7 p.m. Westin Resort & Spa

PROTECTING WILDLIFE: GRIZZLIES, COUGARS & WOLVES WORKSHOP

Independent wildlife researcher Michael Allen leads a workshop on grizzlies, cougars and other at-risk species, exploring their behaviour, habitat needs, and the challenges they face. With decades of research in the Sea to Sky Corridor, Michael offers a unique, science-based perspective on their vital role in healthy ecosystems.

> Nov. 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

> Whistler Public Library

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB FALL COMMUNITY DINNER

Join us every Thursday evening until Nov.13 for a warm, welcoming space where you can enjoy a nutritious, delicious, and affordable meal.

After a successful spring launch, Whistler Blackcomb is thrilled to bring back our Community Dinners for the fall season! Hosted at Merlin’s, these Thursday evening gatherings offer a cozy space to enjoy a warm, nutritious meal for just $10 per person. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to town, everyone is welcome— come share a meal and connect with your community during the slower season.

> Thursdays from Oct. 16 to Nov. 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

> Merlin’s > $10 per person

MUSEUM MUSINGS & ASTROLOGY

2102 Lake Placid Road: the Southside Diner

BY REBECCA MACKAY

AFTER IT OPENED in 1974, the Whistler Centre Building saw several changes in tenants and its appearance over the next three decades, until it found stability with the iconic Southside Diner.

The first business to occupy the building was Le Magasin Du Ski, which moved across the way (from Union 76 station) to increase its capacity. The extra square footage separated the store’s retail and rental space between the first floor and the basement. The shop was later taken over by Dave Kirk and Val Jazic, who renamed it to Whistler Creek Ski Shop, as apparently the French name confused patrons.

In October 1975, MacGregor Pacific Realty (which later morphed into the Whistler Real Estate Company) moved into the office space on the second floor, but was soon removed in about 1977 and Capilano Highlands moved in. Drew Meredith (of MacGregor Pacific) recalls the removal was justified as they were in arrears on rent.

Other occupants in the building included Rozell Construction Ltd, Garibaldi Blasting Ltd, The Insurance Shop (Jim Elliott Insurance Agencies), Harry Bullen’s “Mountain Hair,” Norman Minus & Co. Accountants, Syd Young Travel Unlimited, Whistler Office Services, the Whistler Question, and more.

When Whistler Village was constructed

in the 1980s, traffic began to decrease in Creekside. Several occupants opted to move to the new hub of Whistler. The top floors and basement stayed as they were, but the ground floor changed and was revamped for the Rainbow Deli, a butcher shop previously located at the Gulf Station, where Tim Hortons is located today. The grand opening was on Nov. 26, 1983, complete with free hot dogs.

The Rainbow Deli is better known as the beloved Southside Delicatessen and the name changed sometime in 1986. Owned by Cal Schacter and Herschel Miedzygorski, the Southside Deli was instantly a hot spot for locals, and became world-famous, with actors, musicians, and pro athletes enjoying the affordable food options. The Deli also easily integrated into the community, sponsoring

Free Will Astrology

ARIES (March 21-April 19): On the outskirts of a village in Ghana, a healer gathers plants only when the moon says yes. She speaks the names of each leaf aloud, as if to ask permission, and never picks more than needed. She trusts that each herb has its own wisdom that she can learn from. I invite you to emulate her approach, Aries. Now is a good time to search for resources you need to heal and thrive. The best approach is to be receptive to what life brings you, and approach with reverence and gratitude. Halloween costume suggestion: herbalist, traditional healer, sacred botanist.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A well-cut ship’s sail is not a flat sheet. It has a gentle curve that the sailmaker crafts stitch-by-stitch so the wind will catch and convert invisible pressure into forward motion. Too taut, and the cloth flaps, wasting energy; too loose, and power dissipates. The miracle lies in geometry tuned to an unseen current. I invite you to be inspired by this approach, Taurus. Build curvature into your plans so that optimism isn’t an afterthought but a structural feature. Calibrate your approaches to natural processes so movement arises from alignment rather than brute effort. Make sure your progress is fuelled by what you love and trust. Halloween costume suggestion: Wear a sail.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): All of us can benefit from regular phases of purification: periods when we dedicate ourselves to cleansing, shedding, and simplifying. During these intense times of self-healing, we might check our integrity levels to see if they remain high. We can atone for mistakes, scrub away messy karma, and dismantle wasteful habits. Here’s another essential practice: disconnecting ourselves from influences that lower our energy and demean our soul. The coming weeks will be a perfect time to engage in these therapeutic pleasures, Gemini. Halloween costume suggestion: purifier, rejuvenator, cleanser, refiner.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Deep in the Pacific Ocean,

events and fundraisers, such as the Fireman’s Ball and the Cheakamus Challenge.

For a time the Deli shared the space with another restaurant. German Chef, Uli Schnur, moved to British Columbia as Umberto Menghi’s corporate chef. In 1992, he decided to open his own restaurant, Uli’s Flipside. He took over the Southside Deli at night, offering family- and budget-friendly madefrom-scratch food until 1 a.m. This operation arrangement continued until the early 2000s, even expanding to other locations around Whistler before the business officially closed.

Underneath, the Deli/Flipside primarily held businesses dedicated to recreation. Backroads Whistler used the space in 1985 before moving to Mons. Two years later, Tim Mallone, who also owned Pumphouse

WEEK OF OCTOBER 31 BY ROB BREZSNY

male humpback whales sing the longest, slowest, most intricate love songs ever. Their bass tones are loud and strong, sometimes travelling for miles before reaching their intended recipients. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to compose and unleash your own ultimate love songs, Cancerian. Your emotional intelligence is peaking, and your passionate intensity is extra refined and attractive. Meditate on the specific nature of the gifts you want to offer and receive in return. Halloween costume suggestion: singer of love songs.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Between 1680 and 1725, Italy’s Antonio Stradivari and his family made legendary violins that are highly valued today. They selected alpine spruce trees and Balkan maple, seasoned the wood for years, and laid varnish in painstaking layers that produced sublime resonance. Their genius craftsmanship can be summed up as the cumulative magic of meticulousness over time. I recommend their approach to you, Leo. Be in service to the long game. Commune with people, tools, and commitments that age well. Act on the theory that beautiful tone is perfected in layers. Halloween costume suggestion: a fine craftsperson.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Trained women dancers in Rajasthan, India, perform the ancient art of bhavai. As folk music plays, they balance on the dull edge of a sword and hold up to 20 clay pots on their head. They sway with elegance and artistry, demonstrating an ultimate embodiment of “grace under pressure.” I don’t foresee challenges as demanding as that for you, Virgo. But I suspect you will have the poise and focus to accomplish the metaphorical equivalents of such a feat. Halloween costume suggestion: regal acrobat or nimble dancer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 1968, researchers at Stanford conducted the “marshmallow test.” Children were offered a single sweet treat immediately. But if they didn’t quickly gobble down the marshmallow, thus postponing their

gratification, they were awarded with two candies later. The kids who held out for the double reward didn’t do so by sheer willpower alone. Rather, they found clever ways to distract themselves to make the wait more bearable: making up games, focusing their attention elsewhere, and adjusting their surroundings. I advise you to learn from their approach, Libra. Cultivate forbearance and poise without dimming your passion. Harness small triumphs of willpower into generating big, long-term gains. Diligent, focused effort invested now will almost certainly lead to satisfying outcomes. So please prioritize incremental, systematic grunt work over stunts and adrenaline. Halloween costume trick: carry two marshmallows.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the late 18th century, Balloonomania came to Paris. Large crowds gathered to watch inventors and impresarios send hot air balloons into the sky. Spectators were astonished, fearful, and filled with wonder. Some wept, and some fainted. I suspect you’re due for your own exhilarating lift-off, Scorpio—a surge of inspiration that may bewilder a few witnesses but will delight those with open minds. Halloween costume prop: wings.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t be too shocked by my unusual list of raw materials that might soon turn out to be valuable: grime, muck, scuzz, scum, slop, bilge, slime, and glop. Amazingly, this stuff may conceal treasures or could be converted into unexpected building materials. So I dare you to dive in and explore the disguised bounty. Proceed on the assumption that you will find things you can use when you distrust first impressions and probe beneath surfaces. Halloween costume suggestions: sacred janitor, recycling wizard, garbage genius.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the tidepools of America’s Pacific Northwest lives the ochre starfish, a keystone species that keeps mussel populations in check. Remove the starfish, and the ecosystem collapses into imbalance. Let’s make this creature your power symbol,

Fitness Centre (later known as Whistler Creek Athletic Club), opened up the Southside Bike Shop. In the 1990s, the space saw Whistler’s first skateboard shop, Attitude at Altitude, clothing store Board of Authority, and World Pro High Performance Sport & Ski. Board of Authority recently returned to Whistler in the winter of 2023, opening a location in Village North. In the same decade, the Deli owners bought the building and converted the upper floors into the Southside Lodge.

After nearly 20 years of service, the Southside Deli shut down in 2003. There was a quick attempt to turn the space into an oyster bar, the Screaming Oyster; however, in the spring of 2004, the Deli was reborn into the Southside Diner, with similar operations. The business expanded by opening a laundromat in the basement after the Nesters Laundromat closed in 2008, which is still the only coinoperated laundry around.

The original closure of the Southside Deli was celebrated as part of the Whistler Museum project, Vanishing Places, an effort to recognize places in town that have been lost to time. Thankfully, the spirit and history of the Southside Deli has continued through the Southside Diner.

Whistler is expected to change and grow, and it is important for us to recognize our history and reflect on how far we have come. We are proud to write weekly stories for our community, and are excited to share more about what history you can see around the valley. n

Capricorn. The visible effect of your presence may not be flashy or vivid, but you will hold a stabilizing role in a group, project, or relationship. Your quiet influence can keep things harmonious. Your gift is not to dominate the scene, but to keep the whole system alive and diverse. Halloween costume suggestion: ochre starfish (tinyurl. com/OchreStarfish).

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): For hundreds of years, the Blackfoot people of North America built buffalo jumps. These were steep cliffs where herds of bison could be guided and driven over the edge during a hunt. It required elaborate cooperation. Scouts tracked the herd, decoys lured them toward the drop, and prep teams waited below to process the meat, hides, and bones for the whole community’s sustenance. I hope you will engage in smaller versions of this project. Now is an excellent time to initiate, inspire, and foster shared efforts. Make it a high priority to work with allies you trust. Halloween costume suggestions: shepherd, sheep dog, cowboy, vaquero.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the ancient Greek world, oracles spoke in riddles. This was not because they were coy, but because they understood that truth often arrives obliquely. Directness is overrated when the soul is in motion. Mythic modes of perception don’t obey the laws of logic. In this spirit, Pisces, I invite you to make riddles and ambiguities be your allies. A dream, an overheard conversation, or a misheard lyric may contain an enigmatic but pithy code. You should be alert for messages that arrive sideways and upside down. Tilt your head. Read between the flames. You’ll understand when your heart recognizes what your mind can’t name. Halloween costume suggestion: oracle or fortune-teller.

Homework: This Halloween, maybe pretend to be your secret self. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.

Ourteamofpeopleis whatsetsusapartfromotherbuilders.As wecontinue to growasthe leaderinluxury projectsinWhistler,ourteamneeds to expand withus.

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We promotefrom withinandarelooking to strengthenouramazingteam.Opportunitiesfor advancementinto managementpositionsalwaysexistfortheright candidates.Don’t missout onbeingable to build withtheteamthatbuildsthe mostsignificantprojectsinWhistler.

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Areyoupassionateaboutqualityconstructionandreadytogrowyour careerin adynamic, award-winningcompany?TMBuilders, aleader inhigh-endresidentialandcommercialconstructioninWhistler,is lookingfor:

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Labourer $20-28:Assistskilledtradespeopleon-site,maintainsafeandefficientjobsites, andgainhands-onconstructionexperience.

•Friendlyandapproachablepersonalitywith adesiretolearnasmuchasyoucanabout construction

Apprentice $25-$35:Startyourjourneytobecoming aRedSealCarpenter,working alongsideexperiencedmentorsanddevelopingyourcraft.

•Registeredwith arecognizedprovincialtrainingauthority

•Demonstratedknowledgeofconstructionpracticesandoperationoftools

•Abilitytoworksafelyandeffectivelywithminimalsupervision

•Musthavebasiccarpentrytools,toolbelt,properfootwear

Carpenter $35-$50:Bringyourskillstohigh-endprojects,focusingonprecision,quality, andcraftsmanship.

•3+yearsofexperienceworkingas acarpenter

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GroupFitnessClasses

Friday

I7:30-8:30a.m.StrengthinPlay–Anna Saturday I10:30-11:30a.m.Zumba–Jane Monday F6-7p.m.SPIN–Courtney

Tuesday

I5:30-6:30a.m.TRXMixer–M-A Wednesday

F6:00-7:00p.m.SPIN–Courtney

Thursday

F5:15-6:15p.m. Yoga:CoreFusion–Heidi

ÚlÍusCommunityCentre

•Custodian/EventsHost($17.85-$20.90perhour)

•HumanResourcesGeneralist($57,330.00to$64,610.00peryear)

•AdministrativeAssistant($38,038.00to$53,599.00peryear)

Child&FamilyServices

•AssistantDirector,Child&FamilyServices($93,475.00to $101,556.00peryear)

Lil’watHealth&Healing+PqusnalhcwHealthCentre

•HealthProjectManager($57,330.00to$64,610.00peryear)

•HealingProgramManager($57,330.00to$64,610.00peryear)

•CommunityHealthNurse($41.42to52.81perhour)+$2.15 hourlypremium)

•Registered/LicensedPracticalNurse-HomeCare($32.84to $45.03perhour+$2.15hourlypremium)

•LicensedPracticalNurse(LPN)-ChronicDisease($32.84to $37.81perhour+$2.15hourlypremium)

CommunityProgram

•EarlyChildhoodEducator-Infant Toddler($24.00-$29.45/hr basedonexperience+thispositioniseligibleforwagetopup)

Xet’òlacwCommunitySchool

•LanguageResource WorkerorLanguage Teacher($46,683to $109,520peryear)

•PE Teacher($60,015.00to$109,520.00peryear)

Ts’zilLearningCentre

•IndigenousSupport Worker($38,038.00to$53,599.00peryear)

•EmploymentPlacementSpecialist– WorkBC($38,038.00to $53,599.00peryear)

Pleasevisitourcareerpageformoreinformation:https://lilwat.ca/careers/

BUILDINGOURCOMMUNITY

EmployeeHealth&WellnessPlanavailable

HEAVYEQUIPMENTOPERATOR– Minimum 5yearsor5,000hoursoperatingexperience onexcavator. Full-time,Monday –Friday.$33-$46perhour.

CRUSHING &EARTHWORKSMANAGER– Musthaveexperiencewithmobilecrushingplantandheavy civilconstruction.$33-$46perhour.

CONSTRUCTIONLABOURER– Greatopportunitytolear non-the-job.Staminaforphysically demandingworkandperseverancetobraveinclementweather required. Previousexperiencepreferredbutnot required. Trainingprovided.$28-$33perhour.

PIPELAYER –Minimum 5yearsexperienceincivilconstruction. Full-time,Monday –Friday.$33-$43perhour.

TRUCKDRIVER –BCDLClass 1orClass 3withairbrakesrequired.Manualtransmission. 2yearsexperiencepreferred.$35-$41.50perhour.

PROJECTMANAGER– Minimum10yearsexperiencepreferred.CivilEngineeringdegreeor CivilTechnologydiplomapreferred.FullTime,$90,000to$125,000peryeardependingon experienceandqualification.

PROJECTCOORDINATOR– Minimum2 yearsexperiencepreferred.$29-$40perhour.

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.

SSHSoffersa competitive benefitsandemployment packageforfull-time staff Allpositions requireon-site availability

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.

APPLYNOW

Applybysendingyourresume andcoverletterviaemail: Julia.schneider@sshs.ca

View thefulljobpostingson ourwebsite: sshs.ca/careers/

constructioncompan y. Applicantsshouldbeprofessionalandsafety-minded, with a commitmenttocontributing positiv elytoou r teamenvironment.

We areseekingaqualifiedindividualforthefollowing position:

HeavyDutyRedSeal TechnicianorApprentice Heavy Duty TechnicianorShopHelper

*Competitivewages,extendedhealthbenefits(after3 months)

PleaseEmailresumeto: info@whistlerexcavations.com

2025-2026 PEMBERTON GUIDE on stands now!

ApplicantsmustpossessaNursingdiplomaordegree, currentpracticingregistrationwithBCNU,a class5 driver’slicenseanda clearcriminalrecordcheck, includingvulnerablesector. Formoredetailsonthejob,orto applyvisit www.lilwat.ca/careers

Foranyquestionsemail: hr@lilwat.ca

CAREEROPPORTUNITIES

Love agoodchallenge?Passionate abouttheplaceyoucallhome? Tourism Whistlerislooking forcommunity-loving, mountain-appreciating,environmentrespectingpeopletojoinourteam.Come collaboratewithus. We’rehiring forthe followingopportunities:

•Specialist,Email Marketing (Full Time, Year Round).Startingsalary rangeis$55,000 -$59,000annually.

•Manager,DataMarketing &Analytics (Full Time,Contract).Startingsalary rangeis$60,000 -$68,000annually.

WhatWeOffer:

•Fortnightscheduledesignedto enhance work-life balance

•Comprehensivebenefitspackage

•Whistler-basedwith ahybrid approachthatbalancesbothin-office and remote work

•A funandsupportiveteam environment

•Commitmenttoemployee well-being, health,andsafety TO VIEWOURCAREEROPPORTUNITIES, AND TO APPLY, VISITUSONLINE AT: WHISTLER.COM/CAREERS.

WhereSkwxwú7meshandLílwat7úl culturesmeet, growandareshared.

PEOPLEOPER ATIONSCOORDINATOR

Part-Time —3 days/week

SALES MANAGER

WeddingsandCorporate

Wearelooking foracaring,organizedteammemberwhobrings strongadministrationskillsand apassion forsupportingothersat theSquamishLil’watCulturalCentreinWhistler.

This roleblendsHuman Resourcessupport,cultural connection,and operational coordination —helpingensureeachteammember feels welcomed,informed,andset up forsuccess.

Weoffer:

•Extendedhealthbenefits

•RRSPmatching

•WhistlerBlackcombseason passorwellnessspendingaccount

•Training &educationallowance

•Asupportive team rootedinIndigenouscultureand community

JOBPOSTING:

Community Health Nurse

Salary: $90000-110000

PositionOverview: providecaretoadult communitymembers(19+) of three(3) remoteFirstNationcommunities by beingresponsible forfull scopenursingcare to avariety of clients,constantly promotinghealthand wellnesseducation,andaligningcare outofcommunity

Qualifications:

•Current practicingregistrationas aRegisteredNursewiththeBC College of NursesandMidwives (BCCNM)

•Current CPRcoursefor Health Care Providers(HCP)

Dutiesinclude:

•Providecare forclientswith acute,chronic,palliative,mental health,andsubstanceuseneeds.

•Deliverdirectcare,care management,andnavigation support.

Learnmoreandapplyat slcc.ca/careers

Startingat$25/hour, 25/hour, basedonexperience.

Learnmore andapplyatarnmoreandappl slcc.ca/careers

CA rVe Ou T ANEW

CAR eerpAT h

CAREEROPPORTUNITIES

Love agoodchallenge?Passionate abouttheplaceyoucallhome?Tourism Whistlerislooking forcommunity-loving, mountain-appreciating,environmentrespectingpeopletojoinourteam.Come collaboratewithus. We’rehiring forthe followingopportunities:

•Specialist,Web Marketing &Sales (Full Time,Contract).Startingsalary rangeis$55,000 -$59,000annually.

•Manager,Sales Operations (Full Time,Contract).Startingsalary range is$60,000 -$68,000annually

WhatWeOffer:

•Fortnightscheduledesignedto enhance work-life balance

•Comprehensivebenefitspackage

•A funandsupportiveteam environment

•Commitmenttoemployee well-being, health,andsafety TO VIEWOURCAREEROPPORTUNITIES, ANDTOAPPLY, VISITUSONLINE AT: WHISTLER.COM/CAREERS.

•Completionofspecialtynursing certificate/certifiedpractice (BCCNM) asapplicableand two(2) years' recent,related publichealthnursing experience includingexperiencerelatedto thepopulationapplicabletothe joboranequivalentcombination of education,trainingand experience

•Collaboratewithclients, families, andhealthcareteamsto establishrealistic wellnessgoals.

•Utilize knowledgeof: Diseasemanagementand self-managementsupport, Community resources,Public healthnursingtheory,practices, andprocedures, Assesssafety andriskinhomesettings

Special:

Seefulljobposting: sshs.ca/careers/

Applybysending your resume andcoverletterto: julia.schneider@sshs.ca

•Thispositionisrequirestravelto indigenouscommunitiesserved by SSHS,accessedbyForest ServiceRoad

•SSHSoffers acompetitive benefitsandemployment packagetofulltimeemployees

The spooky loss of cultural traditions

THE WOMAN on the intercom garbles my flight number, calling out boarding groups. Without fail, nearly the entire waiting area stands up, clutching passports and bags, ready to shuffle forward for the next 20 minutes. It’s 9 a.m. on Oct. 16.

I stay seated.

I used to join the line out of habit—worried

BY LIZ MCDONALD

emcdonald@piquenewsmagazine.com

I’d somehow miss my chance to board my discount flight. That changed when I travelled with someone who flew often. “You’re just switching from sitting in line to standing in line,” he said.

He was right. I wasn’t acting out of necessity. I was acting out of habit.

That realization changed how I travel— and lately, how I think about holidays, too.

Many holidays in Western culture feel like that boarding line: something we do because everyone else is doing it, not because we understand why.

Christmas, for many, is no longer about faith, but about a jolly man in red. Thanksgiving, once framed as a feast of peace between settlers and Indigenous peoples, is built on a colonial myth that conveniently skips over the violence that built this country.

Both are state-sanctioned holidays designed to bring people together, but often stripped of deeper meaning. As Canada works to reconcile its past and present harms, it’s worth questioning which traditions we still hold—and why.

For people who grew up in communities with strong cultural or religious identities— Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Filipino, Indigenous—ritual and meaning often come naturally. For others, the loss of ancestral traditions can leave a hollow space where ceremony used to be.

As I grow older, I feel that absence more sharply: the yearning for gatherings that root us in something timeless, where community and reflection matter more than consumerism or convenience.

rediscover what ceremony and tradition could look like in my life, and what I want to pass forward.

Canada’s federal holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, even Canada Day—are embedded in a colonial timeline. They offer rest, but rarely reflection. Yet as a diverse nation, we have the freedom—and perhaps the responsibility— to look further back, beyond the colonial blip that is Canada, to find celebrations that honour our shared humanity, our ancestors, and the natural world.

That can be awkward. Stepping into a cultural or spiritual practice that isn’t your own—or rediscovering one you’ve lost—can feel uncertain or even performative. But that discomfort is far better than the emptiness of having no traditions at all.

Many holidays in Western culture feel like that boarding line: something we do because everyone else is doing it, not because we understand why.

As I sit at my gate, ticket in hand for a flight to Mexico City, I’m thinking about that loss of meaning—and what it feels like to search for it again.

I’m travelling to witness Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. I’m curious to see how a culture can hold grief and joy at once, transforming death into connection, memory, and art.

It feels right to seek that out. I’m trying to find my own way back to meaning—to

For me, that question surfaces every October, when Halloween decorations appear.

Halloween is far older than its plastic pumpkins and haunted house parties suggest. Its origins trace back to Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Samhain was a liminal time—when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to be thin. Bonfires were lit, offerings left for ancestors, and people donned costumes to ward off

restless spirits. My blend of Irish, English and Scottish ancestors likely took part in the tradition.

Over centuries, it morphed into a secular celebration in North America, shaped by Irish and Scottish immigrants and later commercialized into the candy-fuelled spectacle we know today.

In contrast, Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) in Mexico and other parts of Latin America kept its spiritual grounding. Rooted in pre-Columbian Indigenous beliefs and later fused with Catholicism, it is a joyful celebration of life and remembrance. Families build ofrendas—altars decorated with marigolds, candles, food, and photos—to welcome the spirits of loved ones back home for a night of music, laughter, and love.

Rather than fearing death, Día de los Muertos teaches that memory keeps us alive— and that community is sustained through ritual. It’s not a spectacle, but a renewal of connection.

That’s what I hope to witness. Maybe even to feel.

Maybe that’s the lesson for all of us sitting at the boarding gate of cultural confusion. We don’t have to line up for the same celebrations just because everyone else is doing it. We can stay seated for a moment and ask, “Why am I celebrating this? What am I honouring?”

Finding or creating rituals that connect you to your ancestors—or to the place you now call home—doesn’t have to be perfect or performative. It can be as simple as lighting a candle for a loved one, gathering friends for a seasonal meal, or walking in nature to mark the turning of the year.

Tradition, after all, begins somewhere. The trick is knowing why you’ve chosen to stand in line for it. n

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