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SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 ISSUE 33.39

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THE CHAINSAWS

IT’S ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE Whistler welcomes the UCI World Cup downhill mountain biking circuit from Sept. 25 to 27 for the first time ever

VOICES WITHOUT VOTES Can’t vote in Whistler’s election? Speak up anyway

WHAT A RACKET Council hopefuls face off at Northlands all-candidates meeting

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

It’s all downhill from here Whistler welcomes the UCI World Cup downhill mountain biking circuit from Sept. 25 to 27 for the first time ever. - By David Song

06 OPENING REMARKS Four years later, Whistler council’s legacy is one of real

10 VOICES WITHOUT VOTES Thousands of Whistler residents can’t vote in the

progress—and plenty of unfinished business, writes editor Braden Dupuis.

municipal election. Three community groups want to make sure candidates hear from them anyway.

08 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter-writers weigh in on B.C.’s snap

11 WHAT A RACKET Whistler council hopefuls talked all things Northlands at the

election call and how to help keep Whistler beautiful.

campaign’s first all-candidates meeting.

28 THE OUTSIDER Vince Shuley gets a brief taste of flying above the water (and plenty 38 GOLD STANDARD Fresh off his second straight world title, Jackson Goldstone of practice falling back into it).

returns to Whistler as a World Cup favourite on the trails where he grew up riding.

54 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST In which a professional pedestrian goes to Vietnam

44 SOUND INVESTMENT An $18,000 grant gives Whistler Secondary students new

and finds a lesson in its traffic: pick a path, commit, and keep moving.

instruments and a chance to form bands.

COVER Are we going to have another Rob Boyd moment!? - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art

Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com Editor BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@piquenewsmagazine.com Sales Manager KAIJA KNOX - kknox@lodestarmedia.ca

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Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, VINCE SHULEY, LESLIE ANTHONY,

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Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of Lodestar Media) The entire contents of Pique Newsmagazine are copyright 2026 by Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of Lodestar Media). No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the Publisher. In no event shall unsolicited material subject this publication to any claim or fees. Copyright in letters and other (unsolicited) materials submitted and accepted for publication remains with the author but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Letters to the Editor must contain the author’s name, address and daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 250 words. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Pique Newsmagazine is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact (edit@piquenewsmagazine.com). If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. ISSN #1206-2022 Subscriptions: $76.70/yr. within Canada, $136.60/yr. courier within Canada. $605.80/yr. courier to USA. GST included. GST Reg. #R139517908. Canadian Publications Mail Product. Sales Agreement #40016549.

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OPENING REMARKS

Mission Accomplished!(?) WHISTLER, LIKE MANY places, is a sucker for a familiar face. When voters went to the polls in 2022, they returned every incumbent—Mayor Jack Crompton, along with Councillors Arthur De Jong, Cathy Jewett, Jen Ford and Ralph Forsyth—while adding two “new” faces in Jeff Murl and Jessie Morden (new by nature of having never been elected before, but certainly familiar to voters in their own right). In fact, you’d have to go all the way back to the infamous election of 2011, in which

BY BRADEN DUPUIS the entire mayor and council lost their job, for the last time Whistler voters did not return every last incumbent to office. And so the 2022 election was again, as Pique described it at the time, a vote for experience and compatibility. And there was certainly plenty of experience to go around. More importantly, there was remarkable agreement about what all that experience ought to be used for. Looking back on the 2022 election, it was a campaign dominated by talk of housing, followed closely by transportation, climate action and the future of tourism. “This election was about housing,” Mayor Jack Crompton said after being sworn in. “Housing for Whistler workers will fill our work this term.” So—is it time to roll out the congratulatory Mission Accomplished banner?

HOME WORK

It was indeed a term mostly defined by work on housing—even if it’s a problem that will likely never be truly “solved.” The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) adopted a Housing Action Plan in 2023, pursued new funding, changed policy to encourage employee housing and infill, continued building at Cheakamus

Crossing and pushed ahead with plans for still more development on municipal land. Progress in Cheakamus is impressive, given where the neighbourhood’s Phase 2 plans sat back in 2022. Since 2019— halfway through the previous council’s term—745 new bed units of employee housing have been developed through the Whistler Development Corporation and the Whistler Housing Authority. At the same time, all that new housing—and new planned housing—is now causing grief for residents of Cheakamus. Either way, this was not a council that sat around wondering whether Whistler had a housing problem—but neither did it finish the job it set for itself. That’s not an indictment. Whistler’s combination of limited land, extreme real-estate values and a tourism economy hungry for workers makes this a perennial problem. Council promised acceleration, and it delivered on that, even if we’re a long way from an affordable housing utopia.

WAITING FOR THE BUS

Ah, the forever promise, the eternal campaign pledge of every candidate since the beginning of time. Regional transit in the Sea to Sky. In 2022, the corridor’s white whale was hardly a fringe campaign wish— multiple successful candidates talked about it explicitly, calling for better connections throughout the Sea to Sky and pledging to complete the regional transit negotiations. On Sept. 22, the province and the Sea to Sky Regional Transit Committee announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate planning for developing interregional transit from Lílwat Nation to Metro Vancouver. That doesn’t change the fact that four years after the last municipal election, there is still no integrated regional transit system carrying people between Mount Currie, Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish and Vancouver. There has been movement on local transportation and active transportation, including new signage for the Valley Trail · 2301 – 4308 Main Street | 246 sq. ft. | $250,000 Fabulous stand-alone studio suite with access to the hotel’s indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, underground parking, concierge service and conference facilities. Owners also enjoy use of the pool and underground parking when not staying in the unit. · 1416 – 4308 Main Street | 231 sq. ft. | $230,000 Excellent investment opportunity featuring a convenient kitchenette, with access to the indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, fitness centre, concierge service, underground parking and conference facilities. Owners can also use the pool and underground parking when not staying in the unit.

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as more people tear up the trails on e-bikes. But on one of the clearest regional ambitions voiced during the campaign, we’re still waiting for the bus.

SMART ENOUGH?

We didn’t hear much about the Balance Model Initiative in this council’s term, after its 2022 projection of “unconstrained growth.” An RMOW webpage on the topic still says “an update is expected to be complete in late Q1 2024.” But Smart Tourism—one of council’s stated priorities for the term—didn’t fall completely out of focus, even if it’s difficult to gauge the progress here at the end of council’s term. There has been no shortage of thinking on the topic, at least. The Balance Model begat the Whistler Sessions, which begat Smart Tourism, which begat a Smart Tourism Committee, which helped produce a draft Smart Tourism Vision. But as the municipality itself explained during consultation, that vision was a starting point rather than a finished plan. And in 2026, the focus remains on developing a stewardship framework containing the actual policies and investments intended to put the vision into practice. Maybe that’s just how long serious destination planning takes. But after four years, it is also fair to wonder when planning for the future becomes the future.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

And then there’s the Northlands—a campaign talking point in 2022, now an election lightning rod here in 2026. The property loomed large during the 2022 campaign. Successful candidates imagined employee housing, recreation, childcare, health-care, seniors housing and other community benefits arising from one of the most consequential undeveloped parcels near the Village. Four years later, the project is still working its way through the rezoning process. The latest proposal contains 107 townhouses, 110 condos and up to 60 employee-housing units, but was sent back

to the negotiating table over a substantial gap between the RMOW’s estimated CAC value ($57.8 million) and the developer’s package ($37 million), among other issues. Again: complicated project. Private land. Huge consequences. Rushing it would hardly constitute good governance. But its unfinished state is emblematic of this term. There have been plans, strategies, committees, consultations, frameworks, studies and plans for more plans.

SAME PROBLEMS, DIFFERENT ELECTION

Municipal government is incremental at the best of times, and anyone promising to “solve” housing, transportation, climate change or the contradictions inherent in a tourism economy over one council term probably shouldn’t be trusted with the keys to municipal hall. At the same time, taxpayers have expectations for their government and what it delivers. In 2022, after looking back at the previous four years, I wrote that the next council would need to find longterm solutions on housing, affordability, labour, community well-being, sustainability and municipal finances. After another four-year term, the record is not one of inaction. Council advanced housing, invested in wildfire protection and climate initiatives and kept a complicated resort municipality functioning through inflation, labour shortages and escalating infrastructure costs. Its four strategic priorities—housing, climate action, community engagement and Smart Tourism—did not disappear into a filing cabinet after they were adopted. There were missteps, as with any government, and questions around the growth of municipal hall—the RMOW’s total payroll costs grew 48.4 per cent from 2020 to 2025, as repeatedly pointed out by Pique. But the overall record is of an experienced council making incremental progress against some very stubborn problems—and leaving many of those same problems for whoever sits around the table next. n

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR many municipal trash cans throughout town, and if not, just take it with you. 2. When you receive unwanted admail in your mailbox, what should you do with it? A. Throw it on the ground hoping someone will pick it up; B. Put it in the outgoing mail slot; C. Take it with you and put it in your recycling. Again, the answer is obvious. If you don’t want to receive this mail, simply tape a note on the door or inside your box stating “NO ADMAIL.” Let’s all be responsible and do the right thing—keep Whistler beautiful! Janet Brown // Whistler

B.C. has fixed election dates for a reason Premier David Eby has every legal right to seek an early election but is totally ignoring conventions and traditions intended to ensure that elections are fair contests between competing parties. The opposition is in the middle of choosing a new leader, and this is his tactic? Kicking someone when they’re already down? This is conduct unbecoming of a leader. It is the same corrosive political free-forall we are seeing south of the border: that winning matters more than respecting the institutions and conventions of democracy. Our children are watching. They are the future voters of this province, and this is the example Premier Eby and anyone running for the NDP is setting for them. No money for regional transit, $91 million for an election. No money for keeping ERs open, $91 million for an election. No money for $10-a-day daycare, $91 million for an election. But fear not. Money for projects in B.C. is about to make a magical-like appearance. And then in six months, those promises will disappear like farts in the wind. $1,000 annual household relief package anyone?

Congrats, Pique

British Columbia has fixed election dates for a reason. The normal expectation is that governments will serve their mandate and that voters go to the polls on a predictable timetable. An early election is an exception to that norm, not simply another political tool available whenever circumstances appear favourable. Please ask yourself why this election was really called now, and whether the timing serves the public interest or simply the government’s political interests. Patrick Smyth // Whistler

Keep Whistler beautiful Here’s a fun multiple choice quiz: 1. When you’re on the trails and pick up your dog’s poop in a bag, what should you do with the bag? A. Hurl it into the woods so far that no one can see it; B. Leave it at the trailhead hoping someone else will pick it up; C. Take it with you and dispose of it properly. The answer is obvious—there are

In today’s world of global garbage information, we are significantly lucky to have a legitimate source (see Pique, Sept. 15, “Pique earns five Canadian Community Newsmedia Awards”). I have personally experienced the professional attitude of Braden Dupuis and his writing team in their pursuit of the most thorough information for our community. They often spend significantly more time on an article than their wage could allocate, which suggests to me they do it because they care about us. Having this talented team living amongst us deserves our support. Rhonda Millikin // Whistler n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Ineligible voters still need a voice in Whistler municipal elections, community groups say AWARE, WCSS AND WHISTLER MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY SAY CITIZENSHIP, AGE AND LANGUAGE SHOULDN’T SHUT RESIDENTS OUT OF LOCAL POLITICS

BY LUKE FAULKS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE who call Whistler home can’t cast a ballot in next month’s municipal election—but three local organizations say that shouldn’t keep them out of the conversation about the community’s future. AWARE Whistler, Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) and the Whistler Multicultural Society (WMS) are putting that idea at the centre of an Oct. 1 all-candidates meeting, inviting residents to question candidates whether they are eligible to vote or not. “Many people that live here and who contribute to the community are not eligible to vote,” said AWARE executive director Alison Jenkins, pointing to young people, temporary foreign workers and permanent residents who have not yet become citizens. “All these things like affordability, housing, transportation, services— these are all interconnected issues that affect everyone in Whistler regardless of whether they can cast a ballot,” she said. “We think it’s really important that they understand, and we want to communicate that they’re welcome in the conversation. “Come to the all-candidates meeting, talk to potential candidates,” Jenkins added. “Your voice still matters.”

VILLAGE VOICES An Oct. 1 all-candidates meeting will encourage voters and non-voters alike to question those seeking office. PHOTO BY NO_LIMIT_PICTURES / ISTOCK UNRELEASED / GETTY IMAGES

10 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

A SIZEABLE POPULATION WITHOUT A BALLOT

Statistics Canada’s 2021 census counted 2,995 Whistler residents who were not Canadian citizens at the time, meaning they would not have been eligible to vote in a municipal election on that basis alone. That figure does not include Canadian citizens under 18 or the entirety of Whistler’s more transient, seasonal population. WMS executive director Angela Bueno said the absence of a ballot does not mean residents cannot use an election campaign to demand answers

how to engage, or they feel powerless to engage,” she said. AWARE’s work with youth is partly about showing them they can still advocate for change, Jenkins said, whether that means talking to candidates and elected officials or taking action through their schools, friends and community. Similarly, WCSS executive director Jackie Dickinson said there are plenty of opportunities for people without a ballot to make themselves heard. She pointed to coffee conversations with elected officials, the “Borrow a Councillor” events and municipal budget engagement

“Come to the all-candidates meeting, talk to potential candidates. Your voice still matters.” - ALISON JENKINS

from those seeking office. “Even if they feel like they don’t have a voice by voting, they get to ask the questions and hopefully get transparency for how the policies are made in the future,” she said. Language can create another barrier, particularly when residents are trying to follow political discussions conducted largely in English. WMS plans to have volunteer interpreters available at the Oct. 1 meeting, although the languages offered had not yet been confirmed at the time of the interview. Jenkins said young people can face a different hurdle: “It’s not that they don’t care about the issues; they don’t know

sessions as examples open to everyone. “The way in which we’re seeing this engagement is really meeting people where they’re at and connecting with them, whether they’re eligible to vote this year or not,” Dickinson said. “I hope to see that continue for anybody that’s elected or running for council.” Dickinson said employers also have a responsibility to help workers take part in those conversations. WCSS has encouraged its own staff—including employees who are not eligible to vote— to attend community engagement events and make their voices heard. Jenkins said candidates themselves can be proactive, including by approaching

organizations that work with residents whose voices may otherwise be less prominent during election campaigns. “I think there’s an opportunity for candidates to proactively reach out to not just our three organizations, but there’s lots of organizations in Whistler that try to amplify the voices of maybe more marginalized communities,” she said.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

The Oct. 1 meeting runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Maury Young Arts Centre, with doors opening at 5 and formal proceedings beginning at 5:30. Attendees will have time to mingle with candidates before the meeting. Candidates will then make opening remarks before answering questions from each of the three host organizations, followed by a public question-andanswer period. Pizza will also be available for the first 50 attendees—something Dickinson said is intended to make it easier for people coming straight from work or heading elsewhere afterwards to participate. “It’s really nice if food isn’t a barrier, and they know they can come here,” she said, adding that sharing food can also spur conversations between residents and candidates before the formal meeting begins. Dickinson said residents without a ballot can also attend other all-candidates events and approach candidates as they campaign around the community. “We shouldn’t discount that because you can’t vote that you don’t have a voice in what’s happening,” she said, “because it does impact everyone.” Election day is Saturday, Oct. 17. n

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler candidates face off over future of Northlands, racket club THE FIRST ALL-CANDIDATES EVENT OF THE 2026 CAMPAIGN ZEROES IN ON WHAT WHISTLER LEADERS SHOULD DEMAND FROM BEEDIE

BY LUKE FAULKS ON A WARM SUNDAY afternoon at the Whistler Racket Club, roughly 50 Whistlerites gathered for the first allcandidates meeting of the 2026 municipal election campaign. The Sept. 20 event focused exclusively on the future of the Northlands site, where Beedie Living is seeking to replace existing zoning with a major residential and commercial development. Council sent the application back for further negotiations in July, with a sizeable gap remaining between the municipality’s target for community amenities and the value staff assigned to Beedie’s offer. “What we really want to know is what your opinion is on how we move forward,” organizer Ben Thomas told the candidates.

BIGGER, BETTER AND A NEW LOCATION?

After brief opening statements, candidates were divided among six tables and rotated through. Each table had a moderator posing a different question to candidates as they rotated. Residents could move freely about to hear from the candidates. Mayoral candidate Marco Zunino said indoor tennis and pickleball should continue in some form, but argued the decision should fit into a comprehensive community-spaces strategy looking at Whistler’s recreation and social infrastructure as a whole. That could include seniors’ facilities, childcare and other needs alongside racket sports. “I can see how much this facility means to a lot of people here tonight, and it’s obviously a big part of the community,” Zunino said. “So for sure, it should continue in some form. How that’s structured is an open question.” Lance Bright, also running for mayor, said he envisioned a larger facility, potentially two or three times the current size, with commercial uses such as weddings helping offset operating costs. “The problem we may run into by asking it to be more, we may get a facility that’s a lot more expensive,” he said. Bright was also open to moving it away from the Village, arguing a larger racket facility could become a tourist destination in its own right. Incumbent Mayor Jack Crompton struck a more cautious note, arguing candidates should not promise a particular building or location before Whistler knows what land is actually usable, what Beedie will contribute and what a future facility would cost to operate. “Big promises, I want to say to you, are big guesses,” he said. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for our community. But we need to make this decision in the

right way with the right information.” Crompton also said any publicly supported replacement should benefit more than racket-sport users, since its operating costs would ultimately be shouldered by the broader community. Brandon Smith’s preference is to retain racket-club use on the Northlands property and lean on the developer to deliver the replacement itself. “Cost is an issue, and Beedie is going to be able to build a facility at a much lower cost and a much faster and straight-line process than the municipality is going to be able to,” the fourth mayoral candidate said. Smith argued that approach could also reduce the municipality’s construction risk and help maintain continuity of play during redevelopment.

CANDIDATES PITCH MULTIUSE RECREATION

Among council candidates, there was broad support for retaining at least the recreation Whistler has now, although the details varied widely. Cathy Jewett resisted prescribing the final building herself, instead suggesting a citizens’ assembly bringing together residents with different needs and perspectives. “It’s impossible to please everyone,” she said, “But [we need] an idea that’s brought from residents to figure out what’s the best way to do this.” Jessie Morden said she wants a broader indoor recreation centre, pointing to amenities Whistler had when she was growing up in Whistler and the limited options families have during poor weather. “There’s nothing to do when it rains. There’s nothing to do with our kids when they don’t want to go skiing,” she said. Recreation should be combined with an all-weather tourism draw capable of generating revenue and helping offset operating costs, said Jeff Murl, adding that could mean looking beyond the Northlands contribution itself for provincial or tourism funding. “It becomes a facility that serves many purposes, and it becomes something that’s bigger than just the budget we’ve talked about,” he said. Meanwhile, Ivan Otto similarly floated indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and other sports, with senior levels of government or sporting organizations potentially helping pay for it. “Whistler is [an] amazing place [where] world-class athletes grow up,” he said. “Let’s involve [Sport Canada, so] we can get money and develop [a space] for our athletes.” Mandy Rousseau proposed a phased multi-purpose recreation centre that could eventually include racket sports, community rooms, a seniors’ centre

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NEWS WHISTLER << FROM PAGE 11 and daycare. Building it incrementally, she said, could “spread out the costs” while relieving pressure on Meadow Park Sports Centre. Robin Brown, speaking by video, argued the developer should build and deliver the replacement facility rather than simply provide money toward an off-site project. “I will work tirelessly to end our 30-year wait for a facility commensurate with this town,” he said. The eventual design should emerge from a more intensive communityplanning exercise, said Claire Ruddy, pointing to citizen assemblies and participatory budgeting as tools that could help residents weigh competing ideas against their costs. “That’s where you start getting into trade-offs,” she said, “and you start bringing up some really interesting conversations about what people are willing to let go of in order to move forward.” For her part, Dawn Titus said she would prefer to keep the racket club at Northlands. “I believe very strongly that this amazing facility should remain right here, and I think that can be done,” she said. “I think we can achieve a win-win with Beedie.” Titus later said the municipality should negotiate for as much value as possible while examining private operation of the eventual facility.

IN THE RUNNING Jack Crompton addresses the crowd at at the Whistler Racket Club on Sept. 20. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER RACKET CLUB

Eduardo Vazquez-Vela made a fiscal argument. A larger building may be desirable, he said, but recreation has to compete with aging municipal infrastructure and other demands. “It’s not a decision to say yes, no,” he said. “I think it’s a really long process and really dedicated study we have to make before the final decision.” Nicole Baudisch backed preserving at least the existing courts while designing flexible rooms around them, pointing to seniors and other groups that could use space when they are not participating in racket sports. “I just think it’s important to have open spaces where it can be multiple use,” she said. Any new racket facility should be better than the current one, said John Blok, though he questioned trying to squeeze

Open House

every community need under one roof. “If you’re starting from zero and it’s got to last the next 50 years, it’s got to be a lot better,” he said. Blok said neighbourhoods like Cheakamus Crossing may instead warrant their own community spaces. He also put racket recreation at the front of the amenity discussion, saying it should take priority over directing all of the CAC toward housing. Michael Burnett said the existing recreation should be replaced, but argued residents—not council candidates— should dictate the details. “If I had a vision for what the racket club should be, that would give you a good reason to mistrust me,” he said. “The community needs to decide what this place should look like ... The community needs to decide where they want to have it.”

Meanwhile, Arthur De Jong said Whistler should plan on a much broader scale as warmer winters put pressure on the resort’s traditional business model. He floated possibilities ranging from seniors’ space to gyms and entertainment uses, but said cost and access have to guide the eventual decision. “How can we economically make this work?” he said. “Because what we’re really challenged with here is delivering on this and not putting more weight on our taxpayers.” Jen Ford said Whistler has needs throughout the valley and warned against spreading available money so thinly that none are properly addressed. She could see daycare, community-meeting space and recreation fitting together in a larger project. “We need to be reasonable, but we also need to dream a little bigger,” she said. Ralph Forsyth, who emphasized that he was the councillor who originally called for no loss of racket-sport capacity, sees the project as an opportunity for something substantially larger. “We need another Meadow Park at least that size,” he said, pointing to pressure on existing recreation facilities as Whistler grows. Forsyth also favours having a developer or another outside party construct the facility rather than putting the municipality in charge of the build. Tina Pashumati James and Raul Bautista were absent from the event. Read the full story online. n

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n o r t h l a n d s re s i d e n c e s . c o m 4365 Northlands Boulevard, Whistler 604 932 7670 Ma arketing materials are for information only & do not constitute an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made by way of Disclosure Statement. 4365 North hlands Limited Partn nership (developer) reserve es the right to modify or make changes without notice. E.&O.E.

12 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

NEWS WHISTLER

Eduardo Vazquez-Vela wants ‘to sit at the table’ as Whistler approaches ‘an inflection point’ THE FIRST-TIME COUNCIL CANDIDATE CITES NORTHLANDS REDEVELOPMENT AND PRUDENT HOUSING DECISIONS AS KEY TO HIS PLATFORM

BY DAVID SONG EDUARDO VAZQUEZ-VELA boasts quite

the resume, and he wants to put it to use running for a spot on the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) council. Raised in Mexico, the 56-year-old is a law school alum who completed his postgraduate studies in political science and public administration in France. He then worked for the Mexican state government as principal secretary to the governor, followed by a stint as an advisor for the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Vazquez-Vela still sits on the boards of three Mexican companies, but he and his wife have lived in Whistler for 16 years. He runs a local destination management agency called Euphoria Travel, is employed by Whistler Blackcomb (WB) as a ski instructor and once sat on the Whistler Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) board. “I think Whistler’s coming to an inflection point where very important decisions are to be made very soon,”

Vazquez-Vela opined. “We’re going to surpass 15,000 people living here, so we will have to face increased costs like the new RCMP funding. Transportation costs are going higher and higher every time, we need to face wildfires. We have an OCP revision coming soon. “So I want to sit at the table. I want to be there to ask the right questions and bring my experience in the public and the private sector to these decisions. Especially looking for transparency: I think council needs to be more open-door.” Despite his career background, Vazquez-Vela admits he doesn’t know everything—and he feels that good leaders don’t need to know everything. Instead they should surround themselves with more intelligent and experienced people while carefully considering a balance of informed perspectives.

CUTTING THROUGH RED TAPE

When asked to specify elements of his platform, Vazquez-Vela mentioned the proposed 4500 Northlands Boulevard redevelopment. He believes it ought to be approached holistically, and that developer Beedie Living should be

EXPERIENCE MATTERS. ESPECIALLY NOW.

IN THE RUNNING Eduardo Vazquez-Vela. PHOTO COURTESY OF EDUARDO VAZQUEZ-VELA

responsible for ensuring Whistler Racket Club members retain continuity of play. Vazquez-Vela also posited that, while more housing is needed, keeping said residential units affordable and considering their location is equally important. “I don’t agree on affecting protected parks or recreational areas to build more housing,” he said. “I think we need to build more housing, we need to make it

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more affordable, but not saturate areas like Cheakamus. We need to go through the rules of how the [Whistler Housing Authority] calculates cost for rentals. That’s probably the most important one in terms of affordability for people to access housing. “And this connects to also the red tape that we need to go through in order to get a permit. It’s so complicated, there’s so many requirements that increase the cost of building. We need to cut the red tape … the municipality should be out there trying to bring more investment, more development, and paving the path to that. We shouldn’t be putting more and more complicated processes in and making things more expensive. We should be using modern tools like AI to make that processing streamlined.” Furthermore, Vazquez-Vela urges councillors to lobby the provincial government for increased funding and actively look for traffic solutions— particularly on Highway 99—as expected population increases threaten to create further strain on the vital thoroughfare. Reach out to Vazquez-Vela at evazquezvela@me.com or 604-935-7725. Voters head to the polls Oct. 17. n

C: 604.935.7913 | E: DaveB@wrec.com

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NEWS WHISTLER

Jen Ford seeks fourth Whistler council term, pitching experience and a ‘steady hand’ THE THREE-TERM COUNCILLOR SAYS HOUSING, REGIONAL TRANSIT AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS REMAIN UNFINISHED BUSINESS

BY LUKE FAULKS AFTER 12 YEARS on Whistler council, Jen Ford knows what another four years would ask of her. “You never want to stay too long— you don’t want to be the last to leave the party,” she said. “But I’m really pleased with the work that we’ve done, and I feel like I continue to bring that steady hand and [be] ready for whatever comes next.” That sense of continuity and unfinished business sits at the centre of Ford’s campaign for a fourth term on council. Ford was first elected to Whistler council in 2014. She currently chairs both the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and Whistler Housing Authority, and has served as president of the Union of BC Municipalities. She studied political science at York University and completed a graduate certificate in change management from Royal Roads University in 2022. Her campaign is largely based around experience: more employee housing, continued work toward regional transit, stronger emergency preparedness and, as Ford puts it, a realistic understanding of what local government can actually accomplish.

Outside government, Ford is a founding member of the Whistler 360 Health Collaborative and spends her spare time biking, skiing and in the mountains. Among the work Ford points to from her time in office is the expansion of employee housing in Cheakamus Crossing. She recalled walking the undeveloped site with former Whistler councillor and 2020 Development Corporation director Duane Jackson years before hundreds of homes were built there. “It was just an empty nothing,” she said. “We walked for miles around what is now [hundreds of] new homes. So I’m pretty happy about that. It wasn’t easy.” At the same time, Ford acknowledged newer employee housing does not meet every household’s definition of affordability. Looking ahead, she said Whistler needs multiple approaches rather than another single neighbourhood carrying most of the burden. “I mean, we need it all,” Ford said, pointing to small-scale infill, municipal lands and the potential longterm redevelopment of aging Whistler Housing Authority properties. But she is cautious about framing housing supply as an open-ended mandate to keep growing. “There’s a lot of parts of the

IN THE RUNNING Jen Ford. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEN FORD

community [where] we feel like we’re kind of big enough,” she said. “Does Whistler want to be Squamish?” Ford said council also heard clearly from Cheakamus residents frustrated by years of construction and increasing density. Future projects there, she said, need to account for that fatigue while the municipality examines opportunities elsewhere. Ford said one of the advantages of her experience is knowing who to call when Whistler needs action from senior governments, whether on housing, regional transit or emergency response. Transportation is one area where Ford said years of regional advocacy are getting closer to producing results.

“Education is what got us here, and education is what will get us out.” — The Honourable Murray Sinclair

Take action and be part of the journey, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website: www.nctr.ca

16 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

She supports a regional transit system running through the Sea to Sky corridor, but said it has to be practical enough for commuters to actually use. “My focus is on commuters—people who live and work and breathe this tourism engine that is the Sea to Sky corridor,” she said. “However we can facilitate easier transfers and travel.” That could include measures allowing buses to bypass congestion, she said, while recognizing Highway 99 will likely retain physical choke points. Ford said the goal should be a seamless regional system without folding Whistler’s extensive local transit network into the same funding pot. If voters give her another four years, Ford said she is less interested in pointing to one promised legacy than maintaining the approach she has developed over three terms. “I’ve learned. I’ve studied both my mistakes and my successes,” she said. “I feel like I continue to bring that steady hand and [be] ready for whatever comes next. “If anyone were to look back over my career, I hope that they say I was consistent and dependable. So if that’s how they feel in four years, then I feel like I’ve done my job.” Read the full story online. n

NEWS WHISTLER

Jessie Morden seeks second Whistler council term with focus on housing, families and managing growth THE BORN-AND-RAISED WHISTLERITE SAYS HER FIRST TERM HELPED HER FIND HER VOICE AND SHARPENED HER FOCUS

BY LUKE FAULKS JESSIE MORDEN initially struggled with

the idea of running for re-election to Whistler’s council. Now, the born-and-raised Whistlerite is asking voters for another four years, campaigning on housing, affordability and managing growth without losing the character of the community she grew up in. “I feel like we’ve done a lot of really good work at the last part of this term, and I started to find my voice on council.” she said. “So that was easy to make that decision after making some really important decisions that were good for the community.” Those decisions include advancing employee housing and ownership options, expanding public engagement, advocating for higher daycare wages and bringing accessibility and inclusion considerations into municipal planning. During her first term, Morden served with organizations and committees including the Whistler Housing Authority, Arts Whistler, Whistler Animals Galore,

18 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Whistler Community Services Society, the Whistler Public Library, the municipality’s Accessibility and Inclusion Committee and its Housing and Strategy Committee. She said the experience has given her a deeper appreciation for how municipal government works, and how long it can take for a new councillor to become comfortable pushing ideas forward. “It takes so much time to learn this job and to get your footing and to gain your confidence in this,” she said. “I just want to continue that work.” Morden is proud of the employee housing delivered over the past four years and wants council to keep expanding where the municipality builds. “I’ve pushed hard on expanding housing forward [and] trying to move out of [Cheakamus],” she said. “I’ve been pushing for more ownership as well.” Morden wants the municipality to look beyond Cheakamus Crossing for future development, pointing particularly to municipal lands in Alpine because of their proximity to schools, daycare, groceries and transit. In Cheakamus, Morden wants residents to drive discussions around

IN THE RUNNING Jessie Morden. PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSIE MORDEN

additional amenities, which she said could include a café, small grocery store or dedicated daycare space. On the proposed Northlands redevelopment, Morden said she wants community benefits delivered earlier in the project rather than concentrated in its final phases. She would also like recreation to be a major part of any amenity package. “The seniors need a place, youth

need more space and opportunities to do things,” she said, adding she would favour a community facility that could serve a range of demographics rather than one specific group. Morden is the daughter of former Whistler mayor and four-time councillor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. She grew up in the resort before spending several years away in Fort St. John, eventually deciding Whistler was where she wanted to build her life. After returning, she became involved with a range of community organizations and worked locally as a paralegal before making her first run for council in 2022. Asked how she would measure success at the end of another term, Morden returned to whether people can still make a life in Whistler. “If I can see my friends who have families here still in the same place 30 years from now in Whistler, then I think that is a measure of success for me,” she said. “If families are thriving, friends are thriving, and we are seeing local businesses still here, I think that would be a measure of success.” Read the full story online. n

2026 General Local Elections

Notice of Election by Voting for SLRD Electoral Area A & D An election by voting will be held to elect two Directors of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (“SLRD”). The candidates for each office are: SLRD Electoral Area A - One (1) to be Elected

SLRD Electoral Area D - One (1) to be Elected

COURCHESNE

John

Gold Bridge, BC

BELL

Cameron

Furry Creek, BC

GETAZ

Simon

Pemberton, BC

DE JONG

Paula

Upper Squamish, BC

Voting Dates and Places

Elector Registration

Advance and General Voting Opportunities: Qualified electors of the SLRD may vote at the following locations between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:

There is no pre-registration process. Qualified electors must register at the time of voting by completing an application form available at the voting place and making a declaration that you meet the following requirements:

SLRD Electoral Area A

All Electors Must: be 18 years of age or older on general voting day, October 17, 2026; and be a Canadian citizen; and a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; and not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law.

Wednesday, October 7 (Advance Voting) Monday, October 12 (Advance Voting) Saturday, October 17 (General Voting)

Gold Bridge Community Club 699 Gun Lake Rd., Gold Bridge, BC District of Lillooet REC Centre 930 Main St., Lillooet, BC Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Office 1350 Aster St., Pemberton, BC Gold Bridge Community Club 699 Gun Lake Rd., Gold Bridge, BC District of Lillooet REC Centre 930 Main St., Lillooet, BC

SLRD Electoral Area D Wednesday, October 7 (Advance Voting)

Saturday, October 10 (Advance Voting) Tuesday, October 13 (Special Voting) 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, October 17 (General Voting)

Britannia Beach Fire Hall 360 Copper Dr., Britannia Beach, BC Whistler Public Library 4329 Main St., Whistler, BC Garibaldi Fire Hall 192 Retta Lake Rd., Whistler, BC Totem Hall 1380 Stawamus Rd., Squamish, BC Squamish General Hospital 38140 Behrner Dr., Squamish, BC (for eligible patients & staff) Britannia Beach Fire Hall 360 Copper Dr., Britannia Beach, BC Myrtle Phillip Community School 6195 Lorimer Rd., Whistler, BC Brennan Park 1009 Centennial Way, Squamish, BC

Mail Ballot Voting: Qualified electors wishing to vote by mail may apply online at SLRD.bc.ca/voter-information or, contact the SLRD Election Office at election@slrd.bc.ca or 604-894-6371. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Completed mail ballot packages must be received by the Chief Election Officer by the applicable deadline in order to be counted. Return instructions and deadlines are included with each mail ballot package. Learn more and apply online, visit SLRD.bc.ca/voter-information.

Resident Electors Must Also: be a resident of the electoral area on the day of registration. Non-Resident Property Electors Must Also: be a registered owner of real property in the electoral area for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration. Additional Rules for Non-Resident Property Electors: Property owners must be individuals and not hold the property on behalf of a corporation or trust. Where property has more than one owner, only one owner may register as the Non-Resident Property Elector, with written consent of the majority of owners. (Please contact the SLRD in advance to obtain the required consent form. The form must be signed by a majority of the property owners. Unsigned or incomplete consent forms cannot be accepted). In addition, in order to register at time of voting: Resident Electors must produce two (2) pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). The identification must prove both residency and identity. Non-Resident Property Electors must produce two (2) pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the majority of the property owners. Types of Documents that will be accepted as identification: For identification, the following classes of documents will be accepted: Driver’s Licence or BC identification card; BC Services card (with or without photo); a document, issued by the government of Canada, that certifies that the applicant is registered as an Indian under the Indian Act (Canada); Citizenship or membership card issued by a first nation; Citizenship card issued by Métis Nation British Columbia; Owner’s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licence issued by ICBC; BC CareCard or BC Gold CareCard; Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security Request for Continued Assistance Form SDES8; Social Insurance Number card; Citizenship Card issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada; property tax notice; credit card or debit card; or utility bill (electricity, natural gas, water, telephone, cable). Election officials must accept the listed identification documents and may also accept other forms of documents that provide evidence satisfactory to them (such as valid current passport).

For more information Angela Belsham, Chief Election Officer Phone: 604-894-6371 | Toll-free: 1-800-298-7753 Email: election@SLRD.bc.ca

SLRD.bc.ca/2026elections

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler RCMP respond to bomb threat ‘hoax’ at hotel POLICE BRIEFS: SINGLE-VEHICLE INCIDENT IN CREEKSIDE; E-BIKE ENFORCEMENT A SUCCESS

BY BRADEN DUPUIS POLICE WERE CALLED to a local hotel

last week after a report of a bomb threat that turned out to be a hoax. The incident occurred Sept. 15 at the Sundial Hotel, confirmed RCMP Insp. Robert Dykstra in an email. “After a thorough search of the premises and surrounding area, no threats were found and the incident is believed to have been a hoax,” Dykstra said. “We are not releasing further details at this time.” Meanwhile, the next day, police responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision on London Lane in Creekside Village. “After investigation, it was determined that the vehicle suffered a mechanical malfunction that caused it to veer into a pole causing heavy damage to the vehicle,” Dykstra said. “The driver and sole occupant was treated and released at scene.” The incidents came during a characteristically busy time for local police, during which the Sea to Sky RCMP and Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Bylaw Services also conducted a

joint enforcement and education initiative targeting bicycle and e-bike safety. “The primary objective of this partnership was to increase public safety and compliance within Whistler’s hightraffic cycling corridors, including the Village Stroll, Valley Trail, and various lakeside trails, through a graduated approach of visible police presence, public education, and targeted enforcement,”

to riding on the Village Stroll and 76 warnings for stop-sign non-compliance. Beyond cycling, the initiative provided broader community value, resulting in 25 liquor pour-outs and several bylaw tickets, while maintaining a positive and receptive relationship with the public.” One focus of the initiative was addressing the “widespread confusion regarding e-mobility regulations,”

“[N]o threats were found and the incident is believed to have been a hoax.” - ROBERT DYKSTRA

Dykstra said, adding the results of the initiative demonstrate a significant impact on rider behaviour, particularly regarding helmet compliance. “Members conducted 584 educational contacts and issued 11 violation tickets for helmets, with field observations in September indicating a marked increase in compliance following the initial education phase,” he said. “Additionally, the team addressed persistent pedestrian safety issues, recording 91 contacts related

Dykstra added, noting many users are unaware of the legal distinctions between a “bicycle” and a “motor vehicle” under the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA). To be legal, an e-bike must have pedals that propel the cycle while the motor is engaged, which are categorized as either “light” (max 25 km/h, no throttle) or “standard” (max 32 km/h, throttle permitted), Dykstra said. “Because the RMOW is not a participating community in the

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provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project, e-scooters, e-skateboards, and other similar e-mobility devices that do not meet the legal definition of an e-bike are prohibited,” he said, adding cyclists and e-bike riders are reminded that they have the same rights and duties as drivers under the MVA, including obligations to obey stop signs, red lights, crosswalks, and all other related rules of the road unless specifically authorized by law. “The success of this initiative lies in the collaboration between our members and RMOW Bylaw Services. By prioritizing education first, we have seen a tangible shift in rider behaviour, proving that a proactive, communityfocused approach is the most effective way to ensure safety in a high-tourism environment,” Dykstra said. “There is a significant gap in public knowledge regarding what constitutes a legal e-bike versus a prohibited e-mobility device. We will continue this targeted enforcement to ensure that all road users, whether on two wheels, four wheels, or two feet, are operating safely and legally. Our goal is not simply to issue tickets, but to foster a culture of safety that protects the motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who make Whistler a world-class destination.” n

NEWS WHISTLER

MEC to open first Sea to Sky store in Whistler Village THE 2,200-SQUARE-FOOT MAIN STREET LOCATION WILL STOCK PRODUCTS TAILORED TO SEA TO SKY ACTIVITIES AND CONDITIONS

BY LUKE FAULKS EQUIPMENT Company (MEC) is opening its first Sea to Sky location in Whistler Village this fall, bringing a smaller version of the outdoor retailer to Main Street. The 2,200-square-foot store, at 104–4338 Main St., will become MEC’s 25th location in Canada. The company is targeting a soft opening for Oct. 31, followed by a larger opening celebration around Whistler Blackcomb’s resortopening weekend in late November. For MEC CEO Peter Hlynsky, the Whistler opening carries a personal connection. “Whistler and the Sea to Sky have been part of my life since childhood. It’s where my own connection to the outdoors was shaped, first growing up with my family and now with my own family,” Hlynsky said in a Sept. 15 release. “We’ve heard consistently that people in the corridor want an MEC closer to home, and now they’ll have it. MEC Whistler will combine wellcurated products with local expertise. Our priority is to earn our place here and become a trusted local outdoor resource for years to come.” MOUNTAIN

A NEW FORMAT

Unlike MEC’s larger stores, the Whistler location will use what the company describes as a smaller, more curated format—carrying products geared toward activities and conditions common in the Sea to Sky. “The store is intentionally small, but access to MEC is not,” Hlynsky said. “We can focus on what makes sense for

family products. The store will also carry MEC Label, the retailer’s “Canadian-designed” line of outdoor gear, developed by its Vancouver team and tested in a range of Canadian environments, including the Coast Mountains. Customers will also be able to order from MEC’s broader online inventory for pickup in Whistler where available.

“We can focus on what makes sense for Whistler while connecting people to the full breadth of MEC when they need something we don’t have on the floor.” - PETER HLYNSKY

Whistler while connecting people to the full breadth of MEC when they need something we don’t have on the floor. It’s a model built around local relevance, expertise and giving people more choice.” That will include technical clothing and gear for hiking, trail running, camping and travel, along with packs, weather protection and children’s and

Please join in the Celebration of the Life of

James Richard Cook

HIRING PUSH

The store will be directly operated by MEC rather than a franchise or third party, a company spokesperson told Pique. MEC is currently recruiting staff. The company said it is looking in particular for employees with firsthand experience hiking, trail running, biking, skiing and camping in the region,

Notice

PERMISSIVE TAX EXEMPTION BYLAW

Pursuant to Section 224(2) of the Community Charter , the Council of the Resort Municipality of Whistler will consider adoption of Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw (2027) No. 2539, 2026 at a Special Council Meeting on Monday, October 5th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via an online meeting. Visit whistler.ca/council to ﬁnd the link to watch the meeting. Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw (2027) No. 2539, 2026 exempts the following land and/or improvements from property taxes in 2027 through 2029. Exemptions for 2028 and subsequent years will be dependent on approval by Council, and are subject to change. Permissive tax exemptions for other properties were previously approved by Council through Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 2368, 2022, as amended.

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arguing local knowledge will be central to the store’s service model. Current openings include department managers, a visual merchandiser and an inventory specialist, along with other full- and parttime positions. “Great outdoor retail starts with people,” Hlynsky said. “Someone who has spent a wet weekend hiking and camping in the Coast Mountains knows what conditions are like on a local trail and understands how quickly the weather can change in the alpine.” MEC traces its roots to Vancouver in 1971, when it was founded as Mountain Equipment Co-op. The retailer’s assets were sold to U.S.-based Kingswood Capital Management in 2020 after the co-op ran into financial trouble, ending the organization’s co-operative retail model. The company changed hands again in May 2025, when a Canadian-led investor group headed by businessman Tim Gu acquired majority ownership. Hlynsky and other MEC executives also invested, while Kingswood retained a minority stake. MEC also plans to hold a “Locals Night” before the grand opening, with further details on the event, participating brands and the store’s product mix expected closer to opening. n

Estimated Municipal Tax Statuatory Authority

Term

2027

2028

009814.700

4335 Blackcomb Way

Whistler Arts Council

Sec. 224(2)(a)

3 Year

40,570

43,820

005423.000

5302 Alta Lake Rd

Tyrol Ski and Mountain Club

Sec. 224(2)(a)

1 Year

53,582

Total

94,153

43,820

46,890

Folio

Address

Proposed Exemption

2029 46,890

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca

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22 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

NEWS PEMBERTON

Pemberton evacuation plan puts phased departures, Highway 99 constraints at centre of emergency response COUNCIL RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT LIVESTOCK, NEIGHBOURHOOD PREPAREDNESS AND HOW RESIDENTS RECEIVE EMERGENCY INFORMATION

BY LUKE FAULKS THIS SUMMER’S SIGNAL HILL wildfire offered Pemberton a close-up reminder of how quickly an emergency can put evacuation planning to the test. A few weeks after the fire was declared out, the Village’s committee of the whole got a look at the framework officials would use if another wildfire, flood or emergency forced residents from their homes. At its Sept. 1 meeting, mayor and council received a presentation on an updated Pemberton Valley Evacuation Route Plan, developed by Calian Group for the Village of Pemberton and Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area C. The plan divides the valley into 12 evacuation zones and emphasizes phased departures rather than sending the entire community onto constrained routes at once. “We are seeing increasing wildfire and flooding risks. We know that there’s limited and constrained evacuation routes, and the need for coordinated safe evacuations is critical,” Calian senior analyst Luke Palmer told council. Palmer said the plan also sets out lines of authority and coordination with neighbouring governments, First Nations and provincial agencies.

TWELVE ZONES, PHASED EVACUATIONS

The plan was developed through workshops with Village and regional district staff, senior leadership and outside partners, along with interactive

CLOSE-UP REMINDER Flames and smoke from the Signal Hill wildfire in Pemberton pictured on Wednesday, July 15. PHOTO BY DAVID BUZZARD / DAVIDBUZZARD.COM

mapping to identify choke points, risks and evacuation zones. Four evacuation zones fall within the Village, with another eight covering parts of SLRD Electoral Area C. Officials can issue alerts or orders by zone and prioritize areas facing the greatest danger, access constraints or concentrations of vulnerable residents. “The biggest thing with this plan is it does create a phased evacuation component by utilizing the 12 zones,” Palmer said. “There may be cases where all 12 zones will be activated, [but] not every incident is going to require that.” The report identifies heavy reliance on Highway 99 and limited alternative routes. Some zones are also too dispersed for residents to walk to reception centres, while buses and assisted transportation may be required for elders, hospitals, schools and other vulnerable populations. Palmer described route constraints as the plan’s “biggest risk.” “Steep terrain, wonderful rivers,

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everything that you love about your community also makes it a challenge at the same time,” he said.

COUNCIL LOOKS TO COMMUNICATION, NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING

Councillor Ted Craddock asked how the plan accounts for horses and cattle. Palmer said agriculture and livestock have their own section, with some zones flagged as having higher concentrations of animals. “The biggest thing is the messaging also supports ... that early notification so you can get your trailers ready and start moving your livestock as needed,” he said. Mayor Mike Richman pointed to informal networks some neighbourhoods established after this summer’s wildfire to check on one another and share information. Palmer encouraged the concept, suggesting the groups could be formalized through the Village’s broader

emergency preparedness work. “Your community is going to be your front line of defense in terms of getting people out of harm’s way,” he said, while cautioning that volunteer efforts need to be coordinated so residents do not inadvertently enter dangerous areas. Chief administrative officer Elizabeth Tracy agreed there could be a role for more formal neighbourhood organization, but said the Village must remain the official source of emergency information. Richman also relayed concerns from seniors about how they would know when to evacuate if they did not use social media or own a cellphone. “Is there an opportunity to have an open information session for residents to hear this plan, to hear how it gets communicated, to ask those questions?” he asked. “It’s all very fresh and top of mind after the fire.” Tracy said Village staff are already working on an educational campaign around the plan. n

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24 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

NEWS PEMBERTON

Veronica Woodruff acclaimed as SLRD Area C director

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BY LUKE FAULKS

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FOR VERONICA WOODRUFF, spending

time in nature is something close to an act of faith. The longtime Pemberton-area resident talks enthusiastically about mushrooms, tiny fairy shrimp living in seasonal wetlands and the feeling of standing beneath a mountain or landslide and being dwarfed by forces far larger than herself. “In the same way that some people find meaning and transcendence through faith, I find it in nature,” Woodruff writes on her campaign website. “I appreciate the sense of smallness in the landscape that can be both humbling and grounding.” Now, Woodruff will have a role in governing a large piece of that landscape. The first-time candidate was declared elected by acclamation as the SquamishLillooet Regional District’s (SLRD) next Electoral Area C director on Sept. 21. Russell Mack, the SLRD’s current vicechair, had been seeking another term before withdrawing for personal reasons on Sept. 14. For Woodruff, the decision to seek office came as she considered where to direct the experience accumulated over a career spanning environmental work, local government, consulting, entrepreneurship and emergency management. “I feel like this role is really well suited to who I am and where I’m at in my life,” she said. “I wouldn’t have felt the same way 10 years ago, but I feel it’s just really the right time.” Woodruff moved to Whistler in 1996 and to the Pemberton area in 2000. She now lives in the region with her husband, teenage daughter and two dogs. She spent about a decade with environmental consulting firm Ecofish before later co-founding a grant-writing company in 2019. Along the way, her focus increasingly shifted from environmental education toward what happens when climate and natural hazards collide with communities. Woodruff completed a Master of Arts in Leadership at Royal Roads University in 2022, with research focused on disaster resilience and flood risk around Pemberton, and how governmental jurisdictions and boundaries can challenge disaster response. She later completed further graduate-level emergency-management training. She now works part-time as emergency manager for Nazko First Nation, where she has worked on FireSmart and emergency-management planning and helped develop stronger coordination with the Cariboo Regional District. Woodruff said that work included a joint evacuation alert during

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ACCLAIMED Veronica Woodruff. PHOTO COURTESY OF VERONICA WOODRUFF

a wildfire and later a memorandum of understanding setting out how the Nation and regional dis trict could work together during emergencies. That experience helped point her toward regional government rather than a run for Pemberton council. “I really want to work on regional issues,” she said. “That’s one of the things in my master’s—looking at boundaries, jurisdictional boundaries … I feel like my experience is better suited to regional issues.” Area C covers about 5,570 square kilometres surrounding Pemberton and had a population of 3,492, including First Nations communities, in the 2021 census. The SLRD describes it as its largest and most populous electoral area. Woodruff said emergency management will be among her central priorities as director, but she views the file as much broader than responding to disasters. Wildfires, flooding, landslides and other hazards can ripple into health-care, transportation, tourism and the local economy, she explained. As the climate warms, she identifies preparing for a changing “disaster landscape” as one of the region’s most important long-term tasks. Rather than arriving with a fixed list of new initiatives, Woodruff said she first wants to understand the work already underway at the SLRD and identify where staff, services or partnerships are stretched, and where existing work can be strengthened. “The goal is to really understand what’s happening currently, and then where … are we pulling too much resources, or we’re overstressed, or where are the opportunities?” she said. That emphasis on collaboration extends to other governments and First Nations, she said. Woodruff pointed to deteriorating transportation corridors around Area C—including routes toward the Duffy Lake Road corridor, Anderson Lake and up the Pemberton Meadows—as an example of an issue where the regional district may not control the infrastructure itself but can advocate for investment. Read the full story online. n

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Public Notice 2026 Property Tax Sale Pursuant to Part 11, Section 405 of the Local Government Act, the following properties will be offered for sale by public auction to be conducted at 7400 Prospect Street, Pemberton, BC in Council Chambers, (located in the White Building) on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.PST, unless delinquent taxes and interest are paid prior to the start of the sale. Successful bidders must immediately pay by cash, certified cheque, or debit card of not less than the upset price. Failure to pay this amount will result in the property being offered for sale again. Any balance must be paid by cash or certified cheque by 3:00 p.m. PST the same day. Failure to pay the balance will result in the property being offered for sale again at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Folio Number

PID Number

Property Address

Upset

560.01593.220

030-665-256

3008 Tenquille Place

$6,587.31

560.01593.575

031-613-349

8205 Merlot Peak Drive

$9,802.52

560.01593.620

031-876-714

8218 Merlot Peak Drive

$12,244.11

The Village of Pemberton makes no representation express or implied as to the condition or quality of the properties for sale. The purchase of a tax sale property is subject to tax under the Property Transfer Tax Act on the fair market value of the property.

Questions? We’re Listening.

604.894.6135

admin@pemberton.ca

pemberton.ca

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

NEWS PEMBERTON

Pemberton gets federal funding for next phase of multimodal transport hub FUNDS WILL COVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUS SHELTERS, SIDEWALKS, BIKE STORAGE AND OTHER AMENITIES

BY LUKE FAULKS PEMBERTON’S multimodal transportation hub is moving into its next phase, with new federal funding set to add transit infrastructure, active-transportation connections and more amenities to the site. The Village of Pemberton is one of 13 B.C. communities receiving more than $10.6 million collectively through the federal Rural Transit Solutions Fund. The Sept. 17 announcement did not specify how much of that money is going to Pemberton. “We are thrilled to receive this funding and to move forward with the next phase of the Multi-Modal Transportation Hub,” Mayor Mike Richman said in a release. “This investment will enhance how people move throughout the Pemberton Valley by making transit more accessible, supporting active transportation, and creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors.”

YEARS IN THE MAKING

The latest money builds on a project that has been in the works for years. Pemberton first secured roughly $1.86 million for the hub through the federal

ON THE MOVE The project builds on a first phase announced in 2022. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON

and provincial Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Program in 2022. The initial vision was for a regional transportation hub with parking, covered bike storage, charging infrastructure and

other amenities—giving commuters a place to leave their vehicles before carpooling or taking transit. Design work followed, and the Village began construction of the hub and

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S C A N D I N AV E .CO M 26 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

parking lot in 2024. Phase 1 opened that November, though work continued on some amenities. According to the Sept. 17 announcement, the next round of work will include construction and installation of a transit station, bus shelters, sidewalk, crosswalk, lighting and bike racks, along with earthworks, roadwork and landscaping. Secure parking, shaded shelters, washrooms, bike storage and infrastructure capable of supporting future electricvehicle charging are also included. Village documents previously noted the Phase 2 amenities were “highly supported by BC Transit partners to help facilitate future regional transit offerings.” The federal government says the hub is intended to connect not only Pemberton residents, but surrounding communities including Líl’wat Nation, Southern Stl’atl’imx communities, Whistler and Squamish. “Whether you live in a large city or a rural community, you should be able to count on reliable transportation to get where you need to go,” Sea to Sky MP Patrick Weiler said in the release. “In Pemberton, this investment will help strengthen local and regional transit and better connect people to work, school, health-care and essential services.” n

Village of Pemberton

2026 General Local Government Election Notice of Election by Voting

Who Can Vote?

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY given to the electors of the Village of Pemberton that an election by voting is to be held to elect one (1) Mayor and four (4) Councillors and the following persons are candidates for each office:

To be eligible to vote, you must: Be 18 years of age or older on voting day. Be a Canadian citizen. Have lived in British Columbia for at least six months immediately before registering to vote. Not be disqualified from voting under the Local Government Act or any other law.

MAYOR – One (1) to be elected Surname

Usual Names

Residence Jurisdiction

MACKENZIE RICHMAN

David Mike

Village of Pemberton Mount Currie

COUNCILLOR – Four (4) to be elected Surname

Usual Names

Residence Jurisdiction

CRADDOCK CZERVENATIS HELMER LINKLATER NIGHTINGALE

Ted Laresa Jennie James Katrina

Village of Pemberton Village of Pemberton Pemberton Meadows Village of Pemberton Mount Currie

Notice of Election by Acclamation Notice is hereby given to the electors of the Village of Pemberton that the following candidate for School Trustee in School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky) are elected by acclamation: Surname

Usual Names

Residence Jurisdiction

RONAYNE

Melissa

Pemberton Meadows

Vote Early or On Election Day General Election Day: Saturday, October 17 | 8AM – 8PM Advance Voting Opportunities

Note: You do not need to own property to vote as a resident elector. Non-Resident Property Electors Meet the qualification criteria. Must have owned property in the Village of Pemberton for at least 30 days before registering. Must not qualify as a resident elector. If a property has multiple owners, only one owner may register to vote for that property with the written consent of the majority of owners. Property owners holding property on behalf of a corporation or trust are not eligible to register as non-resident property electors.

Mail Ballot Voting Information Mail ballot packages may be requested from the Village Office between 9AM, Friday, September 18, 2026, and 4PM, Friday, October 16, 2026, excluding weekends and statutory holidays. Mail ballot packages may also be requested on General Voting Day, Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Pemberton and District Community Centre until 4PM. The completed bail ballot and required documents must be received by the Chief Election Officer before the close of voting at 8PM on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Those electors who may require some assistance because of physical challenges are invited to contact the Chief Election Officer as soon as possible by emailing elections@pemberton.ca or by calling 604-894-6135 to facilitate their voting experiences.

Saturdays: October 3 & 10 | 9AM – 1PM Wednesdays: October 7 & 14 | 8AM – 8PM

Voting Location Pemberton & District Community Centre 7390 Cottonwood Street

Resident Electors Meet the qualification criteria. Must be a resident of the Village of Pemberton when registering to vote.

VOTE HERE

Sheena Fraser Chief Election Officer

Looking for more information? Visit us online at: pemberton.ca/elections Contact us at: elections@pemberton.ca

Learn More

THE OUTSIDER

Learning to foil HELMET ON and squeezed into a ball-

crushing women’s wetsuit (the only one available on short notice), I stand up and wriggle my feet into a centred position on the board. I firmly grasp the

BY VINCE SHULEY tow rope and brace my left arm as the boat sets off. My friend (and today, my coach) Tom sees my signal to increase the speed. He’s about 10 metres ahead pulling me in a 10-foot Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) with a 15-horsepower fourstroke outboard motor. He gives it the gas. I grit my teeth as I feel the foil break the surface tension of the water and begin to glide. A slight unweight of my front foot and all of a sudden I’m more than a metre in the air. Somehow I manage to turn out of the RIB’s wake and am now foiling through undisturbed ocean water at a surprisingly fast speed. Cruisin’. I weight my front foot slightly in an attempt to lower the board back down and begin the “pumping” phase. Too much. I let out a loud “nope!” as I

NOT THE AUTHOR Wing foiling has a steep (but painful) learning curve. PHOTO BY ZAMRZNUTITONOVI / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

28 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

come crashing down into the water for about the 14th time today. I managed to stand up for about 20 seconds and was foiling for less than 10. It’s the most humbling sport I’ve attempted since I first tried to ride a snowmobile through deep powder on a sidehill. That same experience of watching someone else make it look effortless, then discovering your own body has never once in its life done the thing you’re now asking it to do. I shake it off as Tom brings the RIB around. Again. Getting pulled on a foil-equipped board behind a boat is technically called

fella ripping around on on the north end of Green Lake the other day). A hydrofoil generates lift exactly the way an airplane wing does, but in a different medium. Water is about 800 times denser than air, meaning the wing doing the lifting can be a fraction of the size of one on a prop plane, and it’ll still yank you clean out of the water. Less water touching the board means less drag and less drag means you go faster for the same effort. It’s a feedback loop, and the trick is finding (and oscillating around) the sweet spot. That’s where the crashing comes in, at least when you’re learning.

A slight unweight of my front foot and all of a sudden I’m more than a metre in the air. “wake foiling,” but there are many different ways to foil. You can tow-foil behind a fast boat or jet-ski out into open ocean to ride open-ocean swells, reef breaks, or rolling waves. You can wing-foil by catching the wind with a hand-held wing (a common sight at the Squamish waterfront). You can even get foils for SUPs, for regular surfing, for small low-volume boards you can jump onto from a dock (pump foiling) and, of course, there are foil boards with electric propulsion (e-foiling, which I saw some

Hydrofoil technology is not new. Italian engineer Enrico Forlanini was hitting nearly 37 knots on a hydrofoilpowered boat back in 1906, and the idea was interesting enough that Alexander Graham Bell and the Wright Brothers both took a run at it. For most of the 20th century, foils stayed in the domain of high-speed passenger ferries and military patrol boats. It wasn’t until the late ’90s and early 2000s that big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton started bolting hydrofoils onto surfboards, chasing smoother rides

on giant swells. A decade or so later, multi-disciplinary waterman Kai Lenny took that idea and ran it mainstream. His downwind and big-wave foiling videos are basically why any of this is happening on lakes and oceans today. A mid-range wing foil setup of board, foil, mast and wing runs close to $5,000 new, so it’s considerably more expensive than low-key activities like SUPing, but about the average price of a high-end used mountain bike. This is a sport where riders can progress quickly and want to upgrade their setups, so there are plenty of good second-hand deals kicking around on Marketplace. I’ve always steered clear of swiftwater paddling (the drowning-adjacent fear runs deep), and kite sports have never appealed either, mostly from an aversion to being dragged face-first into rocks. Foiling threads a needle between the two: none of the speed-and-rope-burn of kiting, none of the rapids of a river waiting to pull you under. Just you, a board, and the ongoing negotiation between your centre of gravity and physics. Whether it becomes next summer’s obsession or stays a one-day cruise and bruise, I haven’t decided. But I’ve already caught myself looking up end-of-season deals on wing packages. Vince Shuley took a beating to learn foiling. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider, email vince.shuley@gmail.com or Instagram @whis_vince. n

OPINION

Eby can’t conjure a convincing reason to call snap election BY ROB SHAW DID THE BC NDP miscalculate with its

crass, opportunistic, power-hungry snap election call? It’s the question of the moment in provincial politics, after a remarkably low-energy writ drop by Premier David Eby was met Tuesday with a highvelocity turn-around from his opponents on the centre-right. Eby used his opening sales pitch to voters to outline why the boogeyman spectre of U.S. President Donald Trump necessitates a provincial election call two years earlier than scheduled. It was largely unconvincing. The premier spoke of the need to “stand up” to Trump, support B.C. jobs and build out the economy—all initiatives he’s had underway for months in comfortable fashion using his majority at the B.C. legislature. Yet somehow, suddenly, that wasn’t good enough. Eby attacked the BC Conservatives for wanting to make British Columbia “America Junior” (they have not said this) and for meeting with the U.S. ambassador to Canada (so has he). The Conservative position to return American booze to store shelves during the trade war is unacceptable, he added. “The chaos on the other side is actually their offering to British Columbia,” Eby said of the Conservatives. “They want to import the MAGA-style politics, the chaos of Donald Trump, to British Columbia.” He offered a long, tortured metaphor about erecting “firebreaks” to avoid the spread of Trump, or American-style politics, or the trade war, or something, into British Columbia. “The fire is spreading,” Eby said at one point. “Don’t add fuel to the fire,” he added later. I’ve re-read the transcript of his speech several times and I’m still not entirely sure exactly what he meant. “Join me in building the firebreak,” he said. “Join me in saying hell no to Trump and to his politics for British Columbia.” And that, pretty much, was it for the NDP’s election pitch. A thinner rationale for a snap election I’ve not seen in my time covering B.C. politics. The way the premier described it, he seems to want to run an entire campaign on who can hug the Canadian flag the hardest. Perhaps just as telling, there was no sign of the BC NDP logo, the premier’s face or the party’s nine-year record anywhere on the initial election launch branding. Instead, Eby stood in front of a blue sign that read “Build BC Strong.” The messaging was a direct rip-off of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal Liberals. And the imagery of a Canadian maple

leaf with a stylized half-sun looked more like the maple leaf was somehow on fire. Perhaps the sign could have benefited from a “firebreak” too. As the BC NDP campaign sputtered out of the starting block, the BC Conservative campaign was blasting out a barrage of updates to the media. Seven of the eight ex-Conservative MLAs who’d joined CentreBC, including leader Peter Milobar, returned to the Conservatives under new interim leader Lorne Doerkson. Ex-leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who nearly destroyed the party in four short months, departed into exile along with her husband Brent Chapman. Doerkson stood with his team in Vancouver, which now also includes Caroline Elliott, the Conservative leadership candidate who finished second to Findlay by 60 votes. “I know that we have got something to prove to all of those people, and all British Columbians, but trust me when I say this: we are going to show them the best side of this party, and we are united together to attack the NDP in this coming election,” said Doerkson. Perhaps more remarkable was what occurred behind the scenes. A group of organizers, strategists and business people from across the centreright spectrum, including federal Liberals and Conservatives, agreed to co-operate to throw together a functioning BC Conservative election campaign.

New Democrats should probably be worried. Many of these folks had been at each other’s throats privately and publicly the last few weeks. But abruptly, with the departure of Findlay, a kind of ceasefire was called. It seems they hate Eby’s snap election more than they hate each other. Eby was asked by journalists if he’d accomplished the once-unthinkable with his early campaign: uniting B.C.’s right. He scoffed at the idea. But New Democrats should probably be worried. They’d hoped to capitalize on the Conservatives’ chaos. Instead, their crass election bid may have given the Conservatives the one thing they needed to put it all aside. Rob Shaw has spent more than 18 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for BIV. He hosts the weekly show Political Capital and has a daily podcast, Political Capital Daily. rob@robshawnews.com. n

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

FEATURE STORY

BY DAVID SONG

n the opening moments of Season 5, Episode 13 of The Office, Michael Scott (portrayed by Steve Carell) exclaims: “Oh my God! OK, it’s happening!” amidst a frenetic fire drill scene. Sea to Sky mountain bike fans and athletes might be feeling a similar way on the eve of Whistler’s maiden UCI World Cup downhill race. It seems bizarre that Whistler, one of planet Earth’s vaunted mountain biking meccas, has not hosted a downhill World Cup until now. Top local athletes such as Finn Iles have wanted one in their backyard for years, echoing fan sentiment that has persisted for decades. All of them can rejoice, for the wait is just about over. “The best riders in the world are finally racing in the best bike park in the world,” said Miranda Miller, the 2017 ladies’ downhill world champion from Squamish. “I’m so excited to get to watch the first-ever [Whistler Bike Park] World Cup. I’m proud for the world to see the magic of Whistler and the Sea to Sky.” Ready to welcome and to test those aforementioned best riders is 1199, a monstrous technical proline located in Creekside. It opened in July 2023 and is a battle-tested arena, with Dane Jewett, Jakob Jewett (twice), Valentina Höll, Jenna Hastings, Aletha Ostgaard and Jackson Goldstone having triumphed in previous runnings of Crankworx Whistler’s Canadian Open Downhill along its 2.4-kilometre length. 1199 descends 489 metres to cover a span of terrain between the top of Creekside Gondola and some timing flats located just beneath the area’s Olympic rings. Great veteran riders like Mick Hannah, Bernard Kerr and Whistler’s own multi-time Canadian champ Claire Buchar provided input on its construction, and it throws the kitchen sink at everybody who dares to engage. Lofty wooden drops, a treacherous rock garden and chutes steeper than most anything else in the Sea to Sky, 1199 has it all. For safety reasons, it’s closed to the public outside of races and affiliated practice sessions so local athletes don’t necessarily have as much of a home-field edge as one might think. “It just has a really good mix of everything,” Jakob said. “I think some [World Cup] tracks we go to are quite heavy in one direction, whether it’s having a bit more bike park and a bit more flow, or … it’s pure technical steep riding from the get-go. I think this track offers a really good amount of everything, and I think it’s the perfect test for riders.” Miller chimed in: “1199 is very different from most World Cup tracks. To be honest it will be a lot slower than other tracks, but I’m not saying that in a negative way. It’s considerably more natural and raw, and almost split in half—rough, flatter, soft dirt and big roots make it hard to carry your speed, and then the bottom is fast, rough and steep. Throw in some big-ass jumps and it’s a great track.”

IT’S ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE Whistler welcomes the UCI World Cup

downhill mountain biking circuit from Sept. 25 to 27 for the first time ever 30 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

LONG LIVE CHAINSAW

1199 is named in honour of the late Stevie Smith, a Canadian mountain bike pioneer who won the 2013 World Cup downhill overall title by aggregating 1199 points. Others have since scored more highly in full seasons, but that particular number endures in the minds of most Canuck downhillers. Smith himself lives on in their hearts after he

FEATURE STORY tragically passed away in a 2016 enduro motorcycle accident at just 26 years old. “I remember seeing him finish second at Mont-SainteAnne, [Quebec] in 2010. It was a World Championships,” Buchar recalled. “I always struggled a bit with believing in myself and knew I had the skill, but it was that little percentage I needed up here [mentally]. I remember standing there and watching his podium. I had been disappointed with my run personally, but just being so inspired by him. And the following year, I finished third at the World Championships in Champéry. “Even though [Stevie] was quite a bit younger than me, I mean, he inspired everybody. The year that he passed, we were at the Fox athlete summit in Southern California just a month before … a few of the people there wanted to party. He was like, no, and he was just super focused. He was in the gym when we were down there. I just remember being like: ‘you know, that’s what it takes’ ... and then we got news [of his death]. My knees gave out underneath me.” Miller shared a close friendship with Smith and feels that his encouragement and inspiration drove her on to many career breakthroughs. She is hopeful that the Whistler World Cup might be another platform with which to tell Smith’s tale, ensuring his memory continues to impact future generations. Dane, Jakob’s younger brother who memorably struck U19 gold on the 1199 course three years ago on the same day Jakob won among elites, calls Smith an “absolute hero.” “My dad got to know him pretty well, so just knowing some stories and watching him as a young kid, it’s been insane,” Dane remarked. “To carry on his legacy with a bunch of us is pretty surreal, so hopefully we’ll keep doing it. Can’t wait to see this whole crowd come together for him.” Goldstone added: “Stevie I always looked up to and every time I got to ride with him was an insane privilege. I would go completely quiet because I was just too scared to

speak to him, and I think he paved the way for a bunch of kids around my area [in Squamish] and all across Canada.” Smith was nicknamed “Chainsaw” for his ability to carve a path through forested terrain on his bike. His athleticism, discipline and poise under pressure are vital traits for any aspiring World Cup rider to possess.

SKILL, SPEED AND MOXIE A healthy Iles would be favoured to medal at the World Cup he always dreamed of, but the Whistlerite revealed on Aug. 15 via social media that he fractured his ankle. The injury knocked him out of this year’s Canadian Open Downhill, but on Sept. 18 he announced his return. Nonetheless the interruption was anticlimactic, given that Iles had been achieving a renaissance season. His first World Cup victory in just under four years took place this June in Leogang, Austria, followed by another in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. Even now, he remains third in the elite men’s downhill overall with 811 points. His Specialized Gravity teammate, Jordan Williams,

leads that standing (989) and hopes to improve on his seventh-place result from the most recent World Cup in Les Gets, France. Decorated veterans Amaury Pierron (fourth with 794 points), Troy Brosnan (eighth, 654) and Loris Vergier (ninth, 581) are in the mix too. Yet Sea to Sky fans will be hollering for Goldstone. The man known as “Boost Bro” has absolutely caught fire in recent weeks: Canadian Open win, bronze in Les Gets and then his second UCI World Championship title in as many years. Though he’s only sixth overall (687) due to an underwhelming first half of the campaign, Goldstone arguably possesses more momentum than anyone else right now. “The second win for Worlds is a crazy, crazy one for me,” he said. “I felt like it was such a dream week … I had my hiccups but I still pushed through in a good mental state. And it was just kind of the way the week went for me that cemented it into my memories.” The Jewett brothers are also expected to garner plenty of hometown support in their quest to replicate fairy-tale outcomes from bygone years. Both will have to peak at the right moment, since neither has yet qualified for a 2026 World Cup final.

“I haven’t exactly been where I wanted to, but Whistler has been the main goal of the year anyway. I think for me, it’s always trying to not overcomplicate it even though there are a lot of factors that go into performing well.” - JAKOB JEWETT

Jakob and Dane Jewett, Canadian Open DH, 2023

PHOTO BY CLINT TRAHAN

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

FEATURE STORY

Valentina Höll PHOTO BY JAKE PADDON

“I don’t think you can understand the skill and speed of World Cup racers until you stand on the side of a World Cup track. These riders are next-level, and every [mountain bike] fan should want to see this in real life.”

Miranda Miller

- MIRANDA MILLER “Season hasn’t gone exactly the way I wanted to … the level is insane right now and I’ve just been on the wrong side, so it’s definitely been frustrating,” Dane admitted. “I’ve had some strong results during Crankworx and a couple podiums here and there for that, but the main goal is to get in those finals for [Whistler]. “At the end of the day, we’re doing what we love and we’re accomplishing our dreams, so yeah—it’s super tough at times, but it’s also the best thing in the world. You’ve just got to remember that and have fun, and that’s when the best results come.” Jakob was sidelined by injury for 179 days this past winter and is also taking things in stride. “If I trace it back to January, I wasn’t sure if I was going to have a season, and now I have a good amount of races under my belt,” he said. “I haven’t exactly been where I wanted to, but Whistler has been the main goal of the year anyway. I think for me, it’s always trying to not overcomplicate it even though there are a lot of factors that go into performing well.” Shift your attention to the ladies’ roster and you’ll find one unstoppable force: Valentina Höll. The Austrian dynamo secured her fifth career overall crown last month in Les Gets as well as her fifth straight World Championship gold in Val di Sole, Italy. She is the undisputed class of her field (1,455 points against the 850 of runner-up Harriet Harnden) and won by 19 seconds the last time she raced at Crankworx Whistler three years ago. Gracey Hemstreet is both Squamish’s and Canada’s

32 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

PHOTO BY JAKE PADDON

Jakob Jewett

best hope for elite women’s hardware. She’s the firstever Canadian female to strike World Cup downhill gold (realizing that watershed feat last June in Loudenvielle, France) and has earned two silvers so far this year. Unfortunately, Hemstreet also crashed during the Canadian Open and in Les Gets before withdrawing from World Championships. Several other Canucks are also expected to participate in this week’s festivities. The locals in particular form a tightly knit band, such as Iles, Goldstone and the Jewetts who are all roughly the same age and grew up together. Cycling Canada riders often hang out during wintertime and enjoy a comfortable level of camaraderie, making them all the more excited for a surreal opportunity of racing at home. Meanwhile, the junior men’s field will miss series leader Jonty Williamson who fractured his wrist at Worlds. Top junior woman Ostgaard prevailed at the Canadian Open this July and is out to prove she can conquer 1199 once again. The talent pool in downhill mountain biking is arguably deeper than ever before. In Goldstone’s opinion, there could be 20 riders outside of the known favourites who have a fighting chance to podium—or even to steal a win. Whistler stands primed to welcome them all and more. It’s a town that knows how to host quality mountain biking events, but this weekend promises to deliver a different kind of energy than anything that’s come before. “I don’t think you can understand the skill and speed of World Cup racers until you stand on the side of a World Cup track,” Miller opined. “These riders are nextlevel, and every [mountain bike] fan should want to see this in real life.” Buchar won’t be attending since her father celebrates his 90th birthday on Sept. 27, which is finals day. Nonetheless she believes Whistler’s reputation as a cyclist’s utopia has always preceded itself, making this new World Cup immediately a prestigious project. “It’s going to be a real big one for me,” Goldstone agreed. “The home crowd for a Canadian World Cup is going to be amazing. In Mont-Sainte-Anne, they always turn up with thousands and thousands of people, and I can only imagine with this place’s history, it’s going to be pretty cool too. I just hope lots of people show up … we’ll see if we can put on a show.” Visit ucimtbworldseries.com/events/whistler-2026 for a detailed schedule and more information about this historic event. n

PHOTO BY CLINT TRAHAN

VOTE

John Blok

Running for Council

What’s important for Whistler is important to me:

A positive solution for vehicle dwellers, property tax increases, housing for employees that’s safe and sustainable, keeping the environment we play in happy, and guarding the spaces we recreate in, along with auditing what we need for the future.

YOU’VE SEEN AND TRAINED WITH ME TO RUN FAST, BUT, NOW I WOULD LIKE TO WALK & TALK WITH YOU! Take a walk with me in your neighbourhood, get to know me, update me as to what’s important to you in our community and maybe meet neighours you didn’t know. All adults and children are welcome. Don’t worry, I’ll walk slowly.

Here are dates and times for your area:

September 26 10am - Bayly Park Gazebo For Cheakamus & Function Residents September 26 1pm - Millar’s Pond Park For Spring Creek & Bayshores Residents September 26 3pm - Alpha Lake Park For Creekside Residents September 26 5pm - Lakeside Park For Nordic & Alta Vista Residents October 3 10am - Brio Park For Brio Residents October 3 12pm - Olympic Plaza For Village & Benchlands & Montebello Residents October 3 3am - Myrtle Philip School For Tapley’s, Eagle Ridge & Nesters Residents October 3 5pm - Spruce Grove Park For Spruce Grove & White Gold Residents October 4 1pm - Nick North Seaplane Dock For Nicklaus North & Alpine Residents October 4 3pm - Emerald Park For Rainbow and Emerald Residents

What’s important to you? bloks@telus.net

If you are not able to make it to your area’s walk, please join me somewhere else. I will include these dates & times on My Facebook page. Please check for changes. This ad is authorized by John Blok - bloks@telus.net

The Whistler Valley Housing Society is seeking applications for nominations to the Board of Directors Term until 2027 AGM. Interested in people with lived experience or relevant skills in the following areas: • Finance (Treasurer Role) • Housing (Director-at-Large Role) The Whistler Valley Housing Society is a not-for-profit established in 1983 and is the owner of The Nest a 30-unit rental housing project and Watson Court a 20-unit rental housing project. Our tenants are Clients of Social Service Agencies, Essential Service Workers and other Whistler Employees. www.wvhousingsociety.com

Application deadline is September 27, 2026 wvhs.info@gmail.com SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Housekeeping appreciation Week

Whistler’s Housekeeping Olympics EVENT CELEBRATING HOUSEKEEPERS RETURNS

After a six year hiatus, Whistler’s Housekeeping Olympics returned to the Conference Centre. Held on Monday, September 21, the event was organized by Andrew Misquitta, Director of Guest Experience from The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler. International Housekeepers Week is held the second week of September each year. It was started by the International Executive Housekeepers Association in 1981 to celebrate the hard working people who keep hotels running. Whistler’s Housekeeping Olympics were designed as a fun way to gather the housekeeping teams from

34 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Whistler’s hotels at the end of a busy summer season. Several resort establishments participated, including the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler, Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Delta Hotels Whistler Village Suites, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Listel Whistler, Legends Whistler, Pan Pacific Whistler and the Crystal Lodge. Over 200 housekeepers competed in challenging and hilarious contests such as threehanded bed making, bowling with toilet paper, amenity sculpture using toiletry items, toilet paper mummy wrapping and more. The coveted Golden Toilet Brush was won by the Delta crew!

Housekeeping appreciation Week

THANK YOU! TO OUR AMAZING HOUSEKEEPIN NG TEAM

You make our hotel sparkle and shine, and we really appreciate your hhardd workk and dedication each and every day! 2026 HS K

NNERS! WI

LYMPICS PO

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Housekeeping appreciation Week

Thank you so much for all of your hard work throughout the year.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF WHISTLER‘S HOUSEKEEPERS FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND FOR HELPING WHISTLER MAGAZINE WITH THE VERY BEST DISTRIBUTION W WHHIISSTTLLEERR’’SS PPRREEM MIIEERR PPUUBBLLIICCAT 980 ATIIO ON N SSIIN NC CEE 11980

WWI INNTTEERR/ / SSPPRRI INNGG 22002265

Housekeeping Week Your work is often behind the scenes, but the difference you make is seen and felt by every guest who walks through our doors. Thank you for your hard work, you dedication, and the pride you take in making Crystal Lodge a special place to stay. We’re incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.

OH SO CANADIAN CANADI

M MA AG GA AZ I N E INVICTUS GAMES COME TO TOWN BUSTING WHISTLER MYTHS FUELLING UP FOR FUN

Whistler offers many quintessential activities for experiencing the Great White North!

IMMERSE YOURSELF COMPLIMENTARY COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

Please Please takeone one take

Whistler offers unforgettable dining experiences beyond what’s on your plate

AUDAIN ART MUSEUM 10TH ANNIVERSARY FINE CUISINE & GREAT BURGERS TRAVELLERS SET DOWN ROOTS

Our magazine is available in the vast majority of hotel rooms throughout Whistler, thanks to these awesome housekeepers. Also find Whistler Magazine in hotel lobbies, retail stores, on stands, plus direct to high household income residences and through our partner publications in the lower mainland.

cpower@whistlermagazine.com | 604-932-1672

36 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Housekeeping appreciation Week

The Heart Behind Every Stay This Housekeeping Week, we celebrate the incredible people who bring care, comfort and attention to every corner of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. Your dedication is felt in every detail and every guest experience. To our Housekeeping team, thank you for the pride, care and heart you bring to our Resort every day. Happy Housekeeping Week! SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

SPORTS THE SCORE

‘You really cannot make any mistakes’ JACKSON GOLDSTONE DISCUSSES HIS SECOND CAREER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD AND LOOKS AHEAD TO RACING IN WHISTLER

BY DAVID SONG JACKSON GOLDSTONE is undoubtedly one of the favourites heading into this weekend’s UCI World Cup downhill in Whistler, but even as he looks ahead to that groundbreaking event, he’s also reflecting on his last major breakthrough. That, of course, was his second consecutive World Championships triumph on Aug. 29 in Val di Sole, Italy. Goldstone had built some momentum with bronze at the World Cup in Les Gets, France, but he’d only podiumed one other time before that in La Thuile, Italy. With a surprising double disqualification in Loudenvielle, France and a few other missed opportunities behind him, the 22-year-old was not riding to the level he did in 2025 when he tied Aaron Gwin’s record of four straight World Cup victories. Goldstone flipped the script in Val di Sole during a week where the positives and memories helped him push through any minor setbacks. The Black Snake venue might as well be tailor-made for his athletic capabilities, empowering him to shine despite worthy opposition

IN STYLE Jackson Goldstone (right) and Valentina Höll pose with their gold medals at the 2026 UCI World Championships. PHOTO BY MICHELE MONDINI / UCI

38 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

from World Cup overall leader Jordan Williams, New Zealand’s talented dark horse Lachlan Stevens-McNab and a host of other formidable rivals. Williams ended up third, StevensMcNab second, and Goldstone triumphed in style. “The conditions were perfect, the dirt was amazing,” he recalled. “They did some nice work on the track, so it was really fun to just be on the bike and riding

these days—you really cannot make any mistakes. And if you make one mistake, you have to pull off a hero move to get back into the green.”

TURNING THINGS AROUND

Goldstone can’t quite put his finger on why the first half of his 2026 season was disappointing by his own sky-high standards. Perhaps bad luck played a role—it certainly can in a sport where

“The conditions were perfect, the dirt was amazing. They did some nice work on the track, so it was really fun...” - JACKSON GOLDSTONE

for fun as well. Once we got serious and had to start going fast, it did get rowdy and did get rough so I think it was a really perfect racetrack to race World Championships on. “It’s funny because your World Championships run is usually three— maybe a little bit more—minutes, and that’s all you get for that year. You put in all that offseason prep, all the training, all the testing, all the traveling and racing and everything goes into that three minutes. It’s crazy to see at this level

an extra second (or even a few extra tenths of seconds) can eliminate you from medal contention. Yet elite athletes focus on what they can control, and for Goldstone that included equipment. Just before the Lenzerheide World Cup he overhauled his bike setup, changing his suspension and swapping out a bevy of other components. That approach helped him finish fourth and immediately preceded his bronze in La Thuile. “Me and my mechanic were kind of

just talking about a few things, and then we came to the discovery that we were in a different range than we’re usually in for some suspension settings,” Goldstone said. “We didn’t realize that we were so far off from where we were last year when I was riding well, so I just decided to go back to [those] settings and it definitely turned things around.” Whistler’s 1199 track is known as a different beast from most of its contemporaries on the circuit: good dirt in wet conditions and gnarly rock gardens that can facilitate lots of speed when things stay dry. Goldstone won on it during July’s Canadian Open Downhill and is thrilled to have another kick at the can. Being a smaller rider, he doesn’t usually blow opponents away after the first split, but his endurance and technical mastery are second to none. The Squamish native looks forward to representing the legacy of Canadian mountain biking in his own backyard. “It’s cool to have the whole thing go full circle,” said Goldstone. “I was that grom who was looking up to Stevie [Smith] and there’s groms out there now that are looking up to me … I think it’s awesome to inspire the younger generation to get out there and start riding.” The first Whistler World Cup downhill race in history will take place from Sept. 25 to 27 in Creekside. Visit ucimtbworldseries.com/events/ whistler-2026 to learn more. n

SPORTS THE SCORE

14 years of service as RMOW Councillor SHARP AS EVER Members of the Axemen Rugby Club in Squamish pose for a team photo.

25+ years as local Business Owner

PHOTO BY MEGAN KIMBLE / AXEMEN RUGBY CLUB

Axemen Rugby Club tackles 2026-27 season with new faces at the helm

40 year Ski Instructor

RYAN ALGUIRE AND KATARINA YOUNG IN AS MEN’S HEAD COACH AND CHAIR RESPECTIVELY, ALEX POLL ASSUMES DIVISION 3 CO-CAPTAINCY

BY DAVID SONG AS THE AXEMEN Rugby Club gears up

for another fall campaign, they’ll be doing so with a few key personnel changes. Firstly: Ryan Alguire, a former Axemen player and semi-professional BC Rugby referee, has taken over the mantle of men’s head coach. He replaces Mark Tampin, who is returning to the United Kingdom. Tampin once suited up for the Newcastle Falcons (now called the Newcastle Red Bulls) of Premiership Rugby, England’s highest rugby union organization. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the Axemen was training up its forwards and making the group’s scrums and line-outs more powerful. This, according to second-year Division 3 captain Alex Mortlock, was an area of need because the Sea to Sky tends to breed fit but relatively smaller athletes. These results were evident, as all three Axemen senior squads qualified for postseason action last year—a milestone feat in and of itself. The Division 1 roster lost 20-5 to the Vancouver Rowers, while Mortlock’s Division 3s fell 48-20 against Langley and the women fell 17-0 to Ridge Meadows. “It’s huge for us,” Mortlock said. “This is my seventh year with the club, I think back to when I first joined: there was no women’s team. There was one men’s team, and I think we took 17 guys away and did one trip to Cowichan. From that to now three senior grades all achieving playoff runs is massive. The work that was done before us by the pioneers and the work that those guys continue to put into the club is—it can’t be understated.” Mortlock is also pitching in as leader of his own unit. He’s a converted soccer player who didn’t pick up a rugby ball until moving to Canada from the U.K., and this season he’ll share the captaincy with a close friend named Alex Poll. “It’s really cool to now have a leadership position with me and him,” said Mortlock. “The community and willingness from people around me to help develop me as a rugby player any way, to then be in a position that I’m trusted to help develop other people,

it means the world to me—especially the role of that Division 3 team. You’re developing people who haven’t played or maybe haven’t played for a long time.” Katarina Young, meanwhile, has displaced Neil Irwin as club chair but the latter remains involved. So does ex-player/ coach Steve List, who is accepting a reduced role since he became a new father. Ian Skuse is back captaining the Division 1 squad alongside Tom Le Seellleur.

‘THE ONLY GUARANTEE IS THAT PEOPLE WON’T REGRET IT’

Other elements of the Axemen are firing on all cylinders too. Brand-new for fall 2026 is ageappropriate programming for teenage girls to complement existing partnerships between the club and local high schools. The junior boys continue to roll after winning a B.C. title last season, with several alumni continuing to play at the university or provincial levels or with local men’s programs. Many are hitting their physical stride, returning home in the summer with enough muscle to rival or exceed their older teammates. “It’s unreal that young women in particular want to play rugby in the area,” remarked Mortlock.” “The work of the committees, the work of the ladies, the work of the guys going to schools has made it a viable option for people, for women who want to play rugby, and that’s only going to help us in the future. “What I said about those young men that are going to university, coming back and playing for us, it would be so cool to see the same thing happen for the women—turning it into a true farm team and then making us completely self-sufficient as a club.” The 2026-27 season has already begun, but new athletes are always welcome as club leaders strive to continue breaking down barriers to entry. Mortlock insisted: “We want to see people come down, whether you’ve played rugby before or not. We obviously want to thank all of our sponsors, the gym programs, and like I always say: the only guarantee is that people won’t regret it.” Visit axemenrugbyclub.com for more details. n

30+ years of community service to dozens of local boards, committees, and youth sport organizations

Re-elect Ralph Forsyth to RMOW Council

www.ralphforsyth.com Authorized by Ralph Forsyth 604.905.8997

Registered Massage Therapy Acupuncture • Chiropractic Naturopathic Medicine Holistic Nutrition • Hypnotherapy Whistler Village’s Integrative Health Clinic Direct Insurance Billing Available www.whistlerwellness.ca • 604-332-0752

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LOCATED ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE MARKET PAVILION BUILDING ELEVATOR ACCESS AVAILABLE

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

SPORTS THE SCORE

Two Whistler Adaptive Sports Program staff enter Mind Over Mountain to fundraise SPORTS BRIEFS: MARK MCMORRIS PICKED SECOND OVERALL IN MAIDEN X GAMES LEAGUE WINTER DRAFT

BY DAVID SONG ON SEPT. 19, Whistler Adaptive Sports

Program (WASP) coach Rowan Burke and program coordinator Bree Pretulac faced the Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR). Both competed in the Sport 30K division, where they were challenged by five kilometres of paddling, 15 kilometres of mountain biking and 10 kilometres of hiking through the Cumberland, B.C. venue as an athletic feat, but also to raise money for WASP. “Adventure is a big part of why I love being a coach at Whistler Adaptive, so taking on the Mind Over Mountain race felt like a great opportunity to challenge myself while supporting an organization I’m proud to be part of,” said Burke prior to the event. “We’re going to have to work together across the paddle, mountain bike and trek, and hopefully have a lot of fun along the way. It’s great to be able to turn our own adventure into an opportunity to help create more adventures for others.” Pretulac added: “Working at Whistler Adaptive, I get to see how much sport and recreation can bring to people’s

lives. I wanted to take on this challenge with Rowan because it’s a fun way to put ourselves outside our comfort zones while raising money for the programs and opportunities we care about every day. We’re looking forward to getting out there, getting stuck in and hopefully raising some funds along the way!” Read more and make a donation at whistleradaptive.com/mind-overmountain.

fifth overall picks in the draft, which they used to select reigning Olympic big air champ Megan Oldham followed immediately by 10-time World Cup medallist Mac Forehand. Oldham is the inaugural woman to execute back-to-back doubles in ski slopestyle competition. Other athletes chosen by XC Whistler include snowboarders Liam Brearley (11th), Gaon Choi (14th), Valentino Guseli (25th), Tess Coady (32nd) and Cameron

“Adventure is a big part of why I love being a coach at Whistler Adaptive...” - ROWAN BURKE

MCMORRIS SECOND OVERALL IN X GAMES DRAFT

The first X Games League Winter Draft in history took place Wednesday, Sept. 16 in Los Angeles, Calif., and plenty of big names came off the board. Mark McMorris, the most decorated Winter X Games athlete of all time, was taken second overall by XC New York, just behind top pick Eileen Gu who went to XC Golden State. XC Whistler owned the fourth and

THANK YOU WHISTLER

Spalding (37th) as well as skiers Rocco Jamieson (18th), Amy Fraser (23rd) and Naomi Urness (36th). McMorris, Spalding and Fraser all represented Canada at this February’s Winter Olympics, while Brearley missed out due to an untimely injury.

EIGHTH FOR MARIN LOWE AT SOLDIER HOLLOW

Marin Lowe produced a respectable effort on Saturday, Sept. 19 as the World Cup

short track (XCC) circuit made its debut in Soldier Hollow, Utah. She was eighth in 21 minutes and two seconds, edging out her fellow Squamolian Ella MacPhee who was ninth (21:02). Their compatriot, reigning U23 national champ Rafaelle Carrier, broke through for the maiden World Cup gold medal of her career (20:52). Makena Kellerman nipped at the Canadian’s heels for silver (20:52) and bronze went to Bloeme Kalis (20:53). Carrier began the race in 20th but appeared to find a turbo boost as she powered past rival after rival, narrowly outsprinting American Kellerman to the finish line. It isn’t the first time Carrier’s won a major race dramatically this season, for she also bested Lowe by a few tenths of a second to win at Nationals in Langford, B.C. “It feels unbelievable,” said the LacBeauport, Que. native to reporters. “I had such a bad start … so to come out with a win is crazy! I knew before the sprint I had the perfect wheel, Makena’s such a good sprinter and she basically gave me a leadout.” Valentina Corvi of Italy wasn’t her usual dominant self and placed fifth, but that was enough for her to clinch a U23 XCC overall title with 1193 points. Monique Halter, the runner-up in that category, is far behind (630). n

WHISTLER

FOR SUPPORTING THE INAUGURAL PARKINSON SUPERWALK! Great progress begins one step or shuffle at a time. Stay tuned for more! - Love Audra and Mike

Photos by: @Juliezoney

40 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Get Informed. Get Involved. Have Your Say.

All Candidates Meeting Hosted by AWARE, Whistler Community Services Society & Whistler Multicultural Society

Thursday, October 1 5 PM - 7:30 PM Maury Young Arts Centre Insights on water monitoring & Whistler’s unique aquatic ecosystems

Wondering who’s running and what they stand for? Come meet the candidates, ask your questions, and hear directly from them. Whether you are eligible to vote or not, please join us - your voice matters!

Doors: 5 PM Opening Remarks: 5.30 PM Meeting: 5.30 PM - 7.30 PM Pizza available for the first 50 guests!

Whistler Municipal Election: October 17, 2026

EPICURIOUS

All in the game: The life of a Pemberton wild butcher SINCE LAUNCHING HIS WILD GAME BUTCHERY LAST YEAR, HUNTING SEASON HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY BUSY FOR DAN ‘SPIKE’ SPIJKERMAN

BY BRANDON BARRETT A GOOD chance Dan Spijkerman doesn’t fit the image that comes to mind when you first think of a wild game butcher, especially one with the nickname “Spike.” The Whistlerite is soft-spoken, warm, and unassuming. Don’t let that fool you: the guy knows his way around a bandsaw. The 33-year-old got into butchery in his native New Zealand by happenstance: he needed a job, and answered a listing online for a local, ominously named, homekill business, which sees a farmer or hunter hiring a butcher to kill, butcher and dress an animal for their own use. Although it was only a month and didn’t involve much more than packing sausages into trays, Spijkerman loved the work. He completed a three-year apprenticeship at a supermarket, before setting off to travel the world, landing in Whistler in 2019. These days, Spijkerman’s main job is still as a grocery store butcher, now at Fresh St. Market in the village. But, like so many Whistlerites, he has a side hustle. He started Dan’s Wild Game Butchery last year out of a Pemberton shipping container, the culmination of doing butchery on the side for friends, THERE’S

GAME ON Dan Spijkerman launched his wild game butchery out of a Pemberton shipping container last fall—and has to turn away clients during hunting season. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN SPIJKERMAN

42 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

before being connected to the Pemberton Meat Company. “It started just in friends’ garages. Someone would give me a call. ‘Hey Dan, can you do a deer?’” Spijkerman said. “Then what happened was a farmer in Pemberton, he runs Pemberton Meat Company, and he went to one of my coworkers and asked if someone could do some butchering for lambs. We made a rapport, and he ended up letting me use his facility for wild game, and that’s how it went.” Since launching last fall, Spijkerman has more work than he can handle— literally. “Hunting season’s only about two, two and a half months, so it’s kind of

Zealand, the vast majority of animals he sees are deer. But this part of the world has introduced him to some unfamiliar— and far larger—specimen. “I’d never done moose, bear, or elk,” Spijkerman explained. “When my second moose came in, it was very humbling because the leg was about as big as me. I’m working by myself to get the thing up on the rail, and it’s very humbling. You think you’re going to get it done a lot faster because you think in your head, ‘Oh, it’s only going to take me two hours to get this done,’ and realistically, it takes forever.” Spijkerman said the process of butchering itself can be quite meditative. He will throw on some music or a podcast to help get into a rhythm. First he gets

“It started just in friends’ garages. Someone would give me a call. ‘Hey Dan, can you do a deer?’” - DAN SPIJKERMAN

just go, go, go,” he said. “In November, that’s when it picks up. That’s when I’m turning people away because I just physically can’t do too much. It’s just myself. I never want to turn people away, but you’ve got to be realistic sometimes.” Spijkerman does have visions of expanding and hiring more staff, but the hunting season’s short window makes that challenging. In Pemberton, like back in New

the animal out of the cooler, removes the shoulders and quality cuts, such as loins and backstraps, and then starts grinding, wrapping, and packing. “I can butcher the animal in about half an hour,” he said. “What takes the longest is the wrapping, the packing, and then you grind all the meat. Because a lot of customers, they want everything. They want the nice steaks and then they want everything else ground for either sausages,

shepherd’s pie, bolognese, whatever.” Like many butchers, Spijkerman is a cook, too—and a good one. His competitive cooking team took home a win on the New Zealand circuit in a yearlong contest for their Southern American-style, low and slow barbecue. While he acknowledges many people are losing touch with basic skills like butchery and cooking that used to be a given, Spijkerman said he finds more customers are interested in how their food is made and where it comes from. “Don’t get me wrong; a lot of people still do Uber Eats and DoorDash and all that kind of stuff. And then some people just don’t have the time to butcher a deer. I get it,” he said. “Some people are still interested in learning the craft.” To that end, Spijkerman teaches both a butchery class, and, for the aspiring hunters, a firearm safety course. One thing he can’t get behind is trophy hunting, at least when the rest of the animal isn’t being used for meat. “When people are just shooting a giraffe just because they want a giraffe head on the wall, it’s not cool. I mean, these are the reasons why we don’t have rhinos out in the wild,” he said. “It’s terrible, and it’s the reason why they have lotteries for moose and elk because we need to preserve these animals so future generations can still see them in the wild.” Get in touch with Spijkerman by email at spikebam@gmail.com. Brandon Barrett is a performer, producer and former Pique reporter. n

MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE SWIM • SKATE • SWEAT • SQUASH OPEN DAILY: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. *some exceptions apply

FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE SEPT 26 SATURDAY

SEPT 27 SUNDAY

SEPT 28 MONDAY

SEPT 29 TUESDAY

SEPT 30 WEDNESDAY

R Elevate Training - Strength and Performance 6:15-7:15 a.m. Steve R Small Group Training 7:30-8:15 a.m. Co-Ed – Steve I Box-HIIT 7:30-8:30 a.m. Kelsey

I Strength & Cardio 7:30-8:30 a.m. Lou

I Mountain Ready Conditioning 7:30-8:30 a.m. Steve

I Functional Strength & Conditioning 7:30-8:30 a.m. Francesca I Aqua Fit Deep End 8:45-9:45 a.m. Marie-Anne

I Kettlebell Functional Fit 9-10 a.m. Kelsey

I Gentle Fit 12:30-1:30 p.m. Marie-Anne

I Low Impact Strength 9-10 a.m. Kelsey

I Spin Mixer 9-10 a.m. Sylvie

I Zumba 10:30-11:30 a.m. Susie

I Zumba 10:30-11:30 a.m. Carmen

F FLEXIBLE REGISTRATION

R Fit 4 Life 12:30-1:30 p.m. Steve

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

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

I Strength & Stability 9-10 a.m. Francesca

F Power Yoga 12:15-1 p.m. Francesca

R Small Group Training 5:30-6:15 p.m. Co-Ed – Julia

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

I Strength & Mobility 6:45-7:45 p.m. Julia

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION – NO CLASSES

SEPT 25 FRIDAY

OCT 1 THURSDAY

R Elevate Training - Strength and Performance 6:15-7:15 a.m. Steve R Small Group Training 7:30-8:15 a.m. Co-Ed – Steve I Strength & Stability 7:30-8:30 a.m. Andy I AquaFit Shallow 8:45-9:45 a.m. Marie-Anne I Low Impact Strength 9-10 a.m. Andy

R Fit 4 Life 12:30-1:30 p.m. Steve

R Small Group Training – Women’s only 5:30-6:15 p.m. Julia I Zumba 6:30-7:30 p.m. Andrea

POOL HOURS SEPT 25 FRIDAY

SEPT 26 SEPT 27 SATURDAY SUNDAY

LAP POOL LEISURE POOL HOT SPOTS

POOL AREA CLOSED

SEPT 28 MONDAY

SEPT 29 TUESDAY

SEPT 30 OCT 1 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3:45-7 p.m.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3:45-7 p.m.

6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

ARENA SCHEDULE Please see whistler.ca/recreation for the daily arena hours or call 604-935- PLAY (7529).

whistler.ca/recreation |

@RMOWRecreation | 604-935-PLAY (7529)

ARTS SCENE

Whistler Secondary School receives $18k in grant funding from MusiCounts MUSICOUNTS IS A CHARITY AFFILIATED WITH THE JUNO AWARDS AND CARAS

BY DAVID SONG ARTS STUDENTS at Whistler Secondary

School (WSS) are no doubt already enjoying the benefits of a major upgrade to their gear and practice facilities. MusiCounts, an organization associated with the Juno Awards and Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), has committed $1.4 million to 96 schools across Canada. WSS received approximately $18,000 of that grant support last May and has put it to good use. “Every year, we hear from teachers working to deliver meaningful music education with extremely limited resources, some with annual music budgets of $500 or less to serve hundreds of students,” says MusiCounts executive director Regan Harney in a press release. “With budgets stretched this thin, schools often have to focus their resources on maintaining instruments that have already been in use for many years, leaving little room to expand or enhance their programs.” According to WSS music and drama

SOUND INVESTMENT Whistler Secondary School music students rehearsing a performance. PHOTO COURTESY OF CONOR NIWINSKI

44 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

teacher Conor Niwinski, the funds have indeed augmented his and his school’s ability to facilitate quality musical instruction. Instead of relying on plastic ukuleles, students now have access to a full set of guitars along with electric basses, keyboards, drums and cymbals that allow hands-on music making to “genuinely work in a class context.” The new equipment also includes modern amplifiers, recording interfaces and

get ready for possible off-campus shows in the future.

‘A HUGE VALIDATION’

In 2026-27, WSS aims to give students in Grades 8 to 12 more opportunities to form bands, rehearse and perform using the school’s improved rehearsal spaces. The program also aims to build upon vocal work reintroduced recently by pairing student singing with live

“After five years of building up performing arts resources ... support like this is a huge validation.” - CONOR NIWINSKI

microphones including a dedicated bass drum microphone. All of the above empowers youth to learn the fundamentals of recording their own voices and band setups as part of regular instruction. Furthermore, a new mixer and PA speakers have made it easier for students to take their music beyond the classroom: whether they perform onsite, visit Sea to Sky elementary schools or participate in community events. The mixer is the same model as what’s used in the Maury Young Arts Centre, exposing Niwinski’s pupils to professional mixing so they can

instrumental accompaniment. With the aforementioned new equipment, students can develop their skills as singers collaborating with full bands and gain experience performing together. “After five years of building up performing arts resources and opportunities at the school, receiving support like this is a huge validation,” Niwinski says. “It means we can finally aim to bring instrumental performance back to Whistler Secondary after a hiatus of nearly two decades, building on the foundation we laid last year when we

reintroduced vocal performances. It moves us away from outdated, broken gear and gives our students the tools and dedicated spaces they need to actually form bands, rehearse, and take their musicianship seriously.” The local teacher also praised his student body for being resilient, creative and enthusiastic in signing up for last year’s vocal music and musical theatre programs that formed a key component of WSS’ grant application. “Beyond the big stage productions, I deeply value what music programs offer as a lifelong, everyday outlet for everyone, something that isn’t always found in the pressure of musical theatre stardom,” remarks Niwinski. “I’m so happy we now have the resources to move more in that direction as a base, giving every student a tangible way to find their voice, build a real sense of community, and carry music with them long after they leave school if they choose. “Having this equipment and space bolsters those plans by acting as an immediate catalyst, giving kids a professional, inspiring environment where they can transition from classroom learning to real-world performance.” Visit musicounts.ca/en/posts/ m u s i c o u n t s - i nve s t s - a - h i s to r i c -14 million-in-music-education-asongoing-budget-cuts-impact-canadianlearning/?back=20 to learn more about MusiCounts and its funding initiatives. n

MUSEUM MUSINGS

When the mountain bike industry came to Whistler ARMERS’ RF

KET AR M

IN THE SUMMER of 1987, some of the biggest names in the emerging mountain biking industry arrived in Whistler. They came to ride, talk bikes, and see what was happening in a destination still better known for skiing. Among those waiting for them was Whistler photographer Leanna Rath-Kelly. Rath-Kelly had moved to Whistler in the fall of 1985, hoping to build a career as an outdoor photographer. Mountain biking itself was still relatively new to the valley. Earlier that year, Richard Kelly and Eric Wight had started Backroads Mountain Bike Adventures with a fleet of 10 Nishiki Bushwacker mountain bikes, offering rentals and guided rides. Many visitors had never even seen a mountain bike before. After Kelly and Wight went their separate ways in 1986, Richard and Leanna started LifeStyles Adventure Company. Their focus was on guided experiences, including rides around Whistler and multi-day trips through the Gulf Islands. Leanna, who began working for the Whistler Question in 1986, handled much of the company’s photography, writing and marketing. At the time, there were few trails specifically constructed for mountain bikes. Riders explored logging roads and hiking trails around Lost Lake, Cougar Lake and Cheakamus Lake. As Rath-Kelly recalled in an August 2026 interview with the Whistler Museum, riders were still discovering where these new bikes could take them. “The more they pushed these bikes, the more they realized they could go on hiking trails,” she said. In 1987, Mountain Biking magazine began planning a gathering of bicycle industry representatives. The magazine wanted a destination where leaders in the emerging mountain bike industry could exchange ideas and get in some good riding. After considering several locations, it chose Whistler. Working with the Whistler Resort Association (now known as Tourism Whistler) and LifeStyles Adventure Company, the magazine brought about 30 members of the bicycle industry to Whistler that September. Rath-Kelly remembered it as a “Mountain Bike Symposium.” The guest list included Tom Ritchey of Ritchey Mountain Bikes, Scott Nicol of Ibis Bicycles, representatives from Marin, Specialized, Raleigh, Scott USA and Kestrel, Tioga and other people involved in the rapidly developing industry. Rath-Kelly met the group at Vancouver International Airport before they travelled to Whistler, where the Whistler Resort Association hosted a welcome reception. The following morning, they headed for one of LifeStyles’ favourite

WHIST LE

BY BRADLEY NICHOLS

ESH

SI N C E 19

DOWNWARD TREND Richard Kelly going over the descent down Whistler Mountain with the “Delegation.” September 1987. PHOTO COURTESY LEANNA RATH-KELLY.

destinations: Cheakamus Lake. The ride began relatively easily before climbing a rocky logging road and entering the narrow trail toward the lake. The contemporary magazine account described riders negotiating moist soil, rocks, logs and branches while trying to keep pace with riders such as Nicol and Ritchey. Rath-Kelly didn’t ride with them that morning. Instead, she and a friend hiked ahead carrying food. Rath-Kelly remembered walking in with a new dog in a front pack and another pack filled with supplies. At the lakeshore they laid out a gourmet picnic for the arriving riders. “We put out a nice gourmet spread,” she recalled. “And, of course, they arrived gobsmacked seeing this pure mountain scenery.” The meal included melons, grapes, bread, cheeses and even a double-layer chocolate cake carried into the lake. For Rath-Kelly, Cheakamus Lake represented what mountain biking was about in those early years: “To be able to get you into these beautiful, natural, wild areas safely and with pure joy.” The following day offered another distinctly Whistler experience. LifeStyles had arranged with Whistler Mountain to take bicycles up the ski lifts and guide riders back down the mountain. At the time, the lifts did not have bike carriers, so the bikes were placed on the chairs for the ride up. The trip became an eight-page feature in the February/March 1988 issue of Mountain Biking. Many of the photographs were credited to Rath-Kelly, documenting the group’s rides and their time in Whistler for the magazine’s North American readership. Long before purpose-built trails and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, the 1987 trip captured mountain biking in Whistler at an earlier stage. Riders were still discovering where the bikes could take them, while some of the people shaping the emerging mountain bike industry were discovering Whistler for themselves. n

FALL HAS ARRIVED AT THE MARKET The season isn’t over yet. Shop fall produce, local food and handmade goods in the Upper Village. Sundays through October 11 11 AM – 4 PM | Upper Village Stroll whistlerfarmersmarket.org | @whistlerfarmersmarket

Vote Claire Ruddy for Whistler Council

Oct. 7 / 10 / 17 Find out why @

claireruddy.ca Authorized by Claire Ruddy claireruddyforwhistler@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 45

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

ARTS SCENE PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/localevents

UCI DOWNHILL WORLD CUP

September 30

VOTE! OTE Mandy Rousseau for Whistler Council on October 17, 2026

Mandy offers fresh energy and perspective, collaboration, creative problem-solving and responsible governance to Whistler Council. amsurousseau.wixsite.com/mandyforoffice

Authorized by Mandy Rousseau - mandyforoffice@gmail.com

A message from the Sea to Sky Teachers’ Association

NFL Season is here! Catch all the games every week at Roland's Pub! Volume on Thursday nights, Monday Night games, and all day on Sundays

Daily food & drink specials Featuring Football flatbreads on Monday night: 3 toppings for $19.50 + tax Wear your team's colors and get entered to win an end of season prize package

46 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

For the first time, the UCI World Cup comes to Whistler Mountain Bike Park, the legendary home of downhill racing. Watch the world’s best riders battle on the purpose-built 1199 trail in a landmark event years in the making, promising world-class speed, skill, and unforgettable competition. » Sept. 25 to 27 » Whistler Mountain Bike Park

UNCEDED S7ULH TEMÍXW / TI TMICWKÁLHA / OUR LAND EXHIBITION The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in partnership with Whistler Blackcomb present the Unceded S7ulh Temíxw / Ti Tmicwkálha / Our Land pop-up exhibition at Creekside Bridge during the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill event. » Sept. 25 to 27 » Creekside Village

BRANDYWINE BOOGIE Cheer on participants or join a scenic 9 km trail run or 7.5 km walk along the Sea to Sky Trail. This point-to-point route winds through forests, crosses the Cheakamus River, and showcases stunning mountain scenery on a mostly downhill course suitable for all abilities. » Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m. » Bayly Park

BC RIVERS DAY WITH STEWARDSHIP PEMBERTON SOCIETY Join Stewardship Pemberton to learn about the value of healthy rivers and discover simple ways to help protect these vital ecosystems for future generations. Attendees of all ages will enjoy hands-on activities like stream keeping, ecosystem restoration, planting and eco-art. RSVP for free on SPS’ website. » Sept. 27, 1 to 4 p.m. » One Mile Lake Nature Centre

SUNDAY SCRIBBLES FAMILY ART-MAKING Spend your Sunday afternoon creating together as a family at the Audain Art Museum! This drop-in style workshop invites participants of all ages to dive into the beauty of the natural world through hands-on art activities inspired by Whistler’s summer flora. » Sept. 27, 1 to 3 p.m. » Audain Art Museum

EMPTY BOWLS NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION September 30th will be a day of reflection, stories, learning, and contemplation at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. With free admission for all visitors and residents, guests are invited to experience and connect with immersive programming and storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl’wat7úl. » Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. » Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

ISSW 2026 PUBLIC SNOW & AVALANCHE WORKSHOP Join ISSW 2026 and Avalanche Canada for a public snow and avalanche safety workshop open to all backcountry skill levels. Explore expert presentations, interactive Q&A sessions and exhibitor booths showcasing the latest safety technologies and ideas to keep you safe in the mountains. » Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. » Whistler Conference Centre

EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER The Empty Bowls Fundraiser is an international grassroots initiative bringing together artists, restaurants and community members to support those facing food insecurity. Every dollar raised benefits Whistler Community Services Society to help provide meals for families in our community. » Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. » Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

CALL FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS Applications are now being accepted for our

October 1st, 2026 Fall Funding Deadline. The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is dedicated to providing financial support to community groups and charities whose activities provide benefit to residents of the Sea to Sky Corridor in the areas of health, human services, education, recreation, arts & culture and the environment. Special emphasis is placed on children, youth and family programs. For more information, eligibility requirements and to complete an application, please visit our website at whistlerblackcombfoundation.com, or contact Mei Madden, Executive Director at mmadden@whistlerblackcombfoundation.com

PARTIAL RECALL

1+2 CHEERS TO 10 YEARS Coast Mountain Brewing celebrated its 10th anniversary on Sept. 18 with a Function Junction bash featuring DJs, live music and of course, a whole lotta very tasty beer. Cheers to the next 10 years! PHOTOS COURTESY ON THE PODIUM Local athletes Liam Beach and Storm Oliver went head-to-head at the Whistler XTri Race, both landing on the Male 12-13 podium. Liam captured a 1st-place finish, while Storm secured 3rd place. West Vancouver’s Sebastian Moreau placed second. Find full results at zone4.ca. PHOTO BY DREA MORIN 4 GET LOW The vibes were high and the festivalgoers, at times, low for another instalment of the fan-favourite Whistler Village Beer Festival. PHOTO BY JAYDEN INNISS / COURTESY OF GIBBONS 5 ME TOO Tuesday’s provincial election call, on top of the already off-and-running municipal election, has the Pique newsroom feeling a bit like this guy. PHOTO BY LUKE FAULKS 6 ACROSS THE POND The 14th Annual Sea to Sky All British Rally took place Sept. 19, featuring a scenic drive from North Vancouver up the Sea to Sky highway to a gathering at Marketplace. PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS

OF COAST MOUNTAIN BREWING 3

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604-938-0202

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Notice | Tax Sale Properties Pursuant to Section 645 of the Local Government Act, the properties listed below will be offered for sale by public auction on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Flute Room of Municipal Hall at 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, unless delinquent taxes plus interest are paid. Payment for either the settlement of outstanding taxes prior to tax sale, or purchase of property at tax sale must be CASH or CERTIFIED FUNDS. Those who wish to bid on properties must register between 9:30 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Municipal Hall. Photo ID is required for registration. Please note that under Section 648 of the Local Government Act a person authorized by Council may bid for the municipality at the tax sale up to a maximum amount set by Council. Any person being declared the tax sale purchaser must pay the full amount of the purchase price by 1:00 p.m. the same day. Failure to pay will result in the property being offered for sale again. Property purchased at tax sale is subject to redemption by the registered property owner within one year from the day the annual tax sale began. Redemption price will be the upset price at the time of tax sale, plus required maintenance costs, plus any taxes paid by the purchaser, plus interest at rates established under section 11(3) of the Taxation Act on the preceding and any surplus bid. FOLIO

PID

CIVIC

BCA SHORT LEGAL

006107.031

008-776-709

9572 EMERALD DR

PL VAP12883 BLK J LT 16 DL 3625 NWD

006161.200

007-249-713

8975 HWY 99

PL VAP17842 BLK 1 LT B DL 3861 NWD

500286.001

017-698-995

5 4150 TANTALUS DR

PL LMS286 LT 1 DL 3020 NWD

502611.027

023-599-987

223 4319 MAIN ST

PL LMS2611 LT 27 DL 3483 NWD

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the practice of niwaki, Japanese gardeners shape trees so they look both natural and artfully composed. They prune and style the branches to dramatize the tree’s inherent character. Their goal is to collaborate. I recommend you experiment with a similar approach in the coming weeks, Aries. Try partnering with the living processes in your sphere rather than simply imposing your will on them. Ask yourself: What is trying to flourish here? Can I coax out some useful beauty? How can I coordinate my own intelligence with nature’s intelligence? TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your spirit creatures for the coming weeks are the slow-moving giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands. They can live for more than a century. They conserve energy, move deliberately, and carry their protection with them. I believe you will benefit from embracing their ways in the coming weeks, Taurus. Refuse to be rushed or pressured, either by others or yourself. Proceed at the precise rate you need to. Your natural strength will thrive through your incremental steadiness. PS: Consider giving yourself a tortoise nickname. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A master perfumer composes a fragrance in three layers. The top notes are what you smell first. They’re vivid and volatile. The next layer blooms gradually, unfurling the heart notes of the fragrance. Underneath everything are the deep, resinous base notes, which don’t fully reveal themselves for hours and cling longest to the skin. Let this be a metaphor to guide your joys and pleasures in the coming weeks, Gemini. Relish the bright top notes that flare and vanish, but persist long enough for the heart to open, and longer still for the deep base notes to emerge. Gather all the rich delights, not just some. CANCER (June 21-July 22): It’s hard, scary work for a crab to molt its shell and grow a bigger one. As it waits for its new protection to grow, its soft, tender body is exposed and vulnerable. That’s why it often hides in rock crevices, neither moving nor eating until its armour returns. Your situation, dear Cancerian, isn’t nearly as dire as the poor, defenseless crab’s. But as you power through your own personal molting season, I urge you to enhance your psychic protection. You need to feel extra safe and secure. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Bats navigate by echolocation. They send out sounds and interpret the echoes. But when competing for food, they may also jam each other’s sonar, generating acoustic interference that makes navigation harder for rivals. A similar phenomenon occurs in human populations. Some of the noisy talk we hear is other people’s jamming signals. Consciously or unconsciously, they’re creating interference that may make it harder for us to navigate. Now is a good time for you to learn better how to distinguish between real information and meaningless hubbub. Refine your filters. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Jan Tschichold (1902–1974) was a brilliant typographer who revolutionized graphic design. He left his mark on millions of books. But later in life, he rejected some of his own rules, returning to classical typography and critiquing his earlier work as too rigid. In this spirit, dear Virgo, I will ask you if some of your long-standing rules no longer serve you. Is it possible that some of your own “best practices” may have calcified into unexamined dogma? The coming months will invite productive heresy against your past selves. You’re allowed to contradict your earlier convictions. Hint: Your vigorous evolution requires it. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the 18th century, Libran philosopher Denis Diderot was instrumental in creating the Encyclopédie. It wasn’t the first compendium of the world’s knowledge, but it was the most ambitious and comprehensive. In 28 volumes, it assembled contributions from a large number of writers, including leading figures of the French Enlightenment. Robust collaboration was key to its enduring influence. In the coming weeks, Libra, I’m hoping that you, like Diderot, will be an initiator and

facilitator of rich cooperation. Conversations, partnerships, and shared projects could generate insights that none of the participants would have discovered alone. By inviting multiple perspectives into the discussion, you will help cultivate a fertile weave of ideas. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the volcanic seas around Iceland, underwater eruptions sometimes build entirely new islands that rise from the waves as bare, black rock. During the ensuing years, wind and waves and seabirds seed them with life. Mosses, lichens, hardy plants, and nesting birds slowly transform the raw lava into a living shore. I’m rooting for you to instigate a similar process, Scorpio. My prediction: A development that initially seems stark or unfinished could become fertile ground for growth. Your perceptive instincts will recognize possibilities before they are obvious to others. Be patient with beginnings that look raw. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I invite you to achieve minor miracles that will enable you to brag at parties about how you created something out of nothing. Not in a loud, egotistical way, but with a sly glimmer in your eye, as if you’re sharing secrets about how reality can be coaxed into generosity if you approach it with imagination and chutzpah. Yes, dear Sagittarius, I’m ecstatic to inform you that now is a favourable moment to turn scraps into usefulness, boredom into invention, and vague hunches into tangible results. Be alert! Be on the lookout! Scout around for raw materials that have been overlooked or dismissed. Half-abandoned projects? Mercurial inclinations? Fugitive fantasies? Seemingly idle conversations that reveal marvellous glints and gleams? These are examples of the “nothings” you can turn into treasures. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I’ve got a rough, tough assignment for you: Dare yourself to be startled by your own exquisite beauty. Be bold and even brazen in appreciating what a marvellous creature you are. Can you summon the necessary audacity? I think you can. Please notice the ways you have underestimated your gifts, minimized your impact, or edited out your brilliance to make others comfortable. Allow yourself to feel the tender shock of recognizing that you’re more interesting and mysteriously compelling than you’ve been trained to believe. PS: This will help you call on even deeper inner resources in the coming weeks. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian writer Virginia Woolf was a fount of interesting ideas. Sometimes she pushed her active mind to track them down and capture them, but on other occasions, she enjoyed gathering gems that arrived as her imagination wandered and drifted. These “moments of being” provided her with small treasures while she was walking in nature, taking a bath, or doing nothing in particular. I believe that you are now primed to experience many such pleasurable eruptions of insight. In the coming weeks, pauses and lulls and intermissions will open unexpected portals. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): For the low price of $199, I could expertly dispel that annoying curse you’ve been lugging around. But I would feel sleazy taking your cash when you are fully capable of zapping the curse yourself. So instead I will recommend that you perform the banishing ritual, then write yourself a cheque for $199. Here’s how. Step 1: Visualize an object that represents the curse. Imagine hurling it into a beach bonfire and watching it burn. Step 2: Bring to mind a person you believe contributes to the curse. Envision a rope that ties the two of you together, waist to waist. Then imagine yourself revving up a chainsaw, slicing through the binding, and declaring, “You have no power over me!” Step 3: Roll on the floor as you laugh and cry tears of giddy release. Homework: Find out about my new book, Enlightenment for Rebels: https://tinyurl.com/s7s7s7s

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES In-depth weekly forecasts designed to inspire and uplift you. To buy access, phone 1-888-499-4425. Once you’ve chosen the Block of Time you like, call 1-888-682-8777 to hear Rob’s forecasts. www.freewillastrology.com

48 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

COMMUNITY

HOME SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

SPORTS & RECREATION

BUILDING & RENOVATIONS

LONG TERM ACCOMODATION

Lil’wat Nation

Employment Opportunities

Governance • • •

Community Safety Officer ($67,040.00 to $92,180.00 per year) Senior Human Resources Generalist ($76,560.00 to $105,270.00 per year) Human Resources Generalist ($67,040.00 to $92,180.00 per year)

Title & Rights •

Referrals Manager ($76,560.00 to $105,270.00 per year)

Ts’zil, Language & Culture •

Employment Placement Specialist – WorkBC ($47,120.00 to $61,845.00 per year)

Health & Healing + Pqusnalhcw Health Centre • • • • •

Assistant Director – Health ($80,160.00 to $115,230.00 per year) Community Health Nurse ($41.42 to $52.81 per hour) + $2.15 hourly premium) Peer Support Worker ($47,120.00 to $61,845.00 per year) Bus Driver ($22.86 to $30.00 per hour) Trauma Therapist ($80,160 to $115,230 per year)

Child & Family Services •

Fitness Class Schedule Friday I 9:00-10:00 a.m. KB Functional Fit - Kelsey Saturday I 7:30-8:30 a.m. Strength & Cardio - Lou Monday I 10:30-11:30 a.m. Zumba - Carmen Tuesday I6:45-7:45 p.m. Strength & Mobility - Julia Wednesday I 9:00-10:00 a.m. Build & Burn - Sylvie Thursday I 6:30-7:30 p.m. Zumba - Andrea

See our full page schedule ad in this issue of Pique for details

Local Stone & Quartz Specialist Also offering custom home renovations including fully remodeled kitchens, bathrooms and more... Setting materials in stock Tile sale starting at $4

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Transition House Support Worker ($25.89 to $33.98 per hour)

Community Programs •

Bus Driver ($22.86 to $30.00 per hour)

Xet’òlacw Community School • • • • •

High School Teacher - Special Education ($63,670.00 to $116,19.00 per year) Education Assistant ($47,120.00 to $61,845.00 per year) Special Education Team Lead ($54,720.00 to $71,820.00 per year) Custodian ($22.86 to $30.00 per hour) Bus Driver ($22.86 to $30.00 per hour)

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Think you might be a good fit?

Please visit our career page for more information: https://lilwat.ca/careers/

WAG is always looking for committed foster homes. Check out our website to learn more!

THE 2026-2027 PEMBERTON GUIDE

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MOVING AND STORAGE AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

Whistler’s premier visitor magazine is on stands now! Must have 1+ years of experience in a Farm Worker position. Responsibilities include: weeding, seeding, transplanting, harvesting, washing produce, mowing grass, tending to animals, washing machinery, and using farm equipment. Must be able to lift 50lbs and work outside in all conditions

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35-65hrs/week $18.25-$20.00/hr Start Date: March 2027

Email emma@northarmfarm.com with resume and references to apply.

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piquenewsmagazine.com/ local-events/

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

We’re Hiring!

TM Builders is a growing construction company working across commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects throughout the Sea-to-Sky corridor. We’re looking for a creative, self-directed Marketing Coordinator to build our brand presence through photo, video, and social content-showing off the craftsmanship and people behind our active project sites. What You’ll Do: • Bring integrated marketing campaigns to life across digital, social, email, print, and on-site channels • Create compelling content including photography, promotional material, video, copy, and social media that captures TM Builders projects, team and portfolio • Use analytics and insights to measure performance, identify opportunities, and improve results • Create digital ad content for social platforms (Instagram, Facebook) and coordinate paid campaigns as needed • Shoot, and publish regular social media posts highlighting active jobsites, completed projects, and crew culture • Shoot and edit short-form video content • Maintain the content calendar and consistent posting across platforms • Travel to active job sites (Whistler, Pemberton and surrounding areas) to capture raw footage and photos • Support other marketing materials-newsletters, website updates, portfolio pieces • Other duties as required What We’re Looking For • Comfortable working independently, managing your own schedule and content pipeline • reliable access to vehicle • 3+ years of marketing experience, preferably within construction, travel, lifestyle, or luxury brands • Strong content creation skills with experience in photography, video, copywriting, and/or design • Solid understanding of digital marketing, social media, email marketing, websites, SEO, and analytics • Excellent project management, communication, and organizational skills

Compensation & Hours Estimated pay: $26-$28/hour Estimated hours: 20-25 hours/week to start

WHY TM BUILDERS? We are award winning Net Zero Certified construction leaders.

SQUAMISH

WHISTLER

Join Our Team at WorldMark by Wyndham – Cascade Lodge & Sundance We’re looking for motivated and reliable team members to join our Housekeeping team at our vacation ownership properties in Creekside and Whistler Village. Housekeeping Wage: $26.75 to $28.00 Based on Experience Hours: 37.5 hours per week Seasonal Employment: • Hiring Bonus: + 6 month bonus for successful full-time hires Full time Permanent Employment: • 12 vacation days after 12 months of employment • 6 paid sick days per year • Extended medical/dental beneﬁts. • WB Season Pass every November Apply by Email Housekeeping: David david.thomson@travelandleisure.com

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AVAILABLE ON STANDS IN THE SEA TO SKY 2026 ISSUE

50 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

SLCC.CA/CAREERS careers@slcc.ca

WHISTLER’S PREMIER LUXURY ESTATE BUILDER

2 9 M 7ARKET & NESTERS C4 ENTRE 1 WELLNESS 3 6 8

6NOW HIRING 3 8 4 6 1 7 Deli, Bakery, Produce, 5 8 1 Grocery and Meat Clerks 7 6 Cashiers 1 9 3 Full or Part 2 Time 8 1 3 7 E-mail or drop in your resume to:

EASY

bruce_stewart@nestersmarket.com # 10 please cc Rory_eunson@nestersmarket.com

$30-$45+ per hour

PERKS

• Competitive wage – Depending on experience • Access to medical and dental beneﬁts for full time applicants • Percentage discount from store bought goods • Flexible and set schedule • Staﬀ Housing available

6 8

9 5

4 3 8 1 2 7 1 3 WE’RE HIRING 9 7 7 5 6 9 1 8 6 7 9 Customer Service Associate 7 with a starting wage of $30.57 an hour.8 Casual position Digital Communications 3 4 Specialist 8 1 Term position with a starting wage of $45.78 an hour.

EASY

# 12

NOW HIRING! HR Administrator

# 11

Page 3 of 25

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Answers 8 6 7 5 3 1 4 9 2

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($30-$34 depending on experience) plus 15% annual bonus. Our Team enjoys:

We've Got You Covered 9 1 8 4 5 3 6 2 7

# 12

3 7 2 5 9 8 1 4 6

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VISITORS’ GUIDE 2017-2018 FREE

7 3 9 6 5 1 4 8 2

4 6 1 8 7 2 9 3 5

4/11/2005

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Flexible schedules ü Training and experience Full Benefits & Employee Discount Card Prime location in Pemberton Short commute = less time, more $$$

Download or fill out our online application at https://www.pembertonsupermarket.com/ about/employment/ or stop by the store and we will give you an application to fill out. You can also email us at jobs@pembertonsupermarket.com or call us at 604-894-3663. SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

PUZZLES ACROSS 1 “Jack -- could eat no fat...” 6 Wilson’s predecessor 10 Treaty 14 Dry 18 “Lawrence of --” 20 Notion 21 Sch. in the Golden State 22 “M*A*S*H” character 24 Star sign 25 Wail 26 Nonsense poet 27 Tool with a long handle 29 Devilkins 30 Jetty 32 -- Cruces, NM 34 Apple or pear 36 Singles bar schtick 37 “Groundhog --” 38 Housing expense 39 Sandal part 41 Watch over 43 Child 44 Give support to 45 Loud rattling sound 47 Twist 49 Narrow waterway 52 Young equine 53 -- the Red 55 Food storage room 59 Amass 60 Stinging creature 62 Somersault 64 Code name 65 “All’s Well That -- Well” 66 Intimidate 67 Sunbeam 69 Succor 71 Fodder for spreadsheets 72 Agnus --

73 74 75 77 78 80 82 84 85 87 88 89 90 92 93 94 96 97 99 102 104 105 106 107 108 110 112 114 115 117 119 120 121 123 125 126 129 131 132 133

Sweet spread Actor -- Waterston Pondered Mass of banknotes Speechify Puffy cloud type Lightheartedness Biological double Exchange Ore deposit Pointless Source of saffron Cupboard Glitzy jewelry Disreputable paper Severe Meshwork Cook a certain way Johnny -Wickedness -- Lanka -- -Mex fare Conflict Singer Nat King -Subatomic particle On -- -- (equal) Collarless garment (Hyph.) “-- Were the Days” Main course Decorate Fuss (Hyph.) 1950s baby Challenge Find the length of Pant Cable channel Knitting stitch Twenty -- Christian Andersen Form of “John”

136 138 140 141 142 143 145 147 149 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158

Jot Ship’s stem Annoy Shock Fashion Red wine variety Roofing piece England’s -- College Before today Ambition Module Old Roman poet Hit the sack Vehicle on runners Egyptian god Zola title Horse in a race

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 23 28 31 33

Tasty -- donna Harsh sounding Fundamentals Cravat Where Lhasa is Jewish month Not many Unlikely story (2 wds.) Throb Expert Thunderous sound Divinatory deck Weapons depot “Go, team!” “American --” Hoisting device Facet “Biggest Little City” Permit Sign Skill

35 38 39 40 42 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 54 56 57 58 60 61 63 66 68 70 73 74 75 76 79 80 81 83 84 85 86 89 91 92 95 97 98

Kitten’s cry SWAT team action Bias TV lawyer -- Mason Bit to drink Excludes Silly and tiresome -- de Janeiro Poke Storage building Timbre Medical image specialist Loathsome Contract provision Parlor (2 wds.) Landed property Prepared Patriot Nathan -Streetcar Fleur-de- -Hates Charm against evil Samson’s betrayer Two-faced god Lying face-up Muck Jeans fabric Fabled bird Taxi Destiny Panel truck Cowardly Handwriting Lacking color -- de menthe Subsequent Outdo Baseball stat Playground attraction Poi plant

7 4

2 8

100 101 103 105 106 107 109 111 113 114 116 118 120 122 124 125 126

Otherwise Saloon serving Nobleman Attempts Unpleasant task Mince -- tide Chair part Caviar source Flip Burst forth Shakespearean tragedy Lively talk Goof Old French coin Four qts. -- -tac-toe

127 128 130 132 133 134 135 137 139 141 142 144 146 148 150

Daring Walk of Fame luminaries Yoga position Japanese auto Column order Love More recent Seed cover -- and dine Connect Social media congolmerate Arden or Plumb Kindled New Deal org. Agent (Abbr.)

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

4 5 2 8 3 7 7

1 8 3 6 1 5 9

EASY

3 6

9 5 #9

Enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that: • Each horizontal row contains each digit exactly once • Each vertical column contains each digit exactly once • Each 3x3 box contains each digit exactly once Solving a sudoku puzzle does not require any mathematics; simple logic suffices.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: EASY

2 8 5 9 1 7 9

3 6

5 7

2 3 1 8

1 8

1 2 6 5

8 6 4 7 3 6 3

EASY # 11 Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

ANSWERS ON PAGE 51

52 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

PIQUE’N YER INTEREST

Move it or (I’ll) lose it A SUREFIRE WAY to spot a Whistler

tourist—aside from the usual visual cues: fanny pack, camera, sweatshirt listing the place they’re currently visiting, concerning inability to open bear-proof bins—is to watch how they walk through the Village Stroll, stroll being the operative word. If you’ve lived here long enough, you probably know what I’m talking about. Eyes wide, mouths agape, the awe-struck visitor has their sights set on everything but the path in front of them, with

BY BRANDON BARRETT nothing but time and vacation pay to waste. By contrast, the local’s path is efficient, direct, hasteful. If you were to take a bird’s eye view of the village, I suspect you could easily distinguish between the residents and the tourists based solely on the different routes they take and the pace at which they do so. It’s a useful reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a place that inspires such wonder. But if you’re a local with somewhere to be, navigating around visitors ambling through the village can feel like George Costanza trying to wheel his “Frogger” arcade cabinet through New York traffic in that episode of Seinfeld. I don’t think this is unique to Whistler, other than we probably offer more tall, pretty scenes to gawk at than the

NEED FOR SPEED Outta the way! ILLUSTRATION BY JON PARRIS

54 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

average destination. Tourists have been bumbling their way through unfamiliar streets since long before Google Maps was there to lead the way. I have a theory, however, that Canadians are, generally speaking, especially bad at moving through space. I have arrived at this hypothesis by way of my being something of a professional pedestrian. I don’t drive, a consequence of the lingering psychological effects of an unfortunate medium-speed accident at a Floridian go-karting complex as a child. This means that I walk everywhere and do so—unlike my go-kart days—at a

thinking a lot about how we navigate space since landing in Vietnam, an awestruck visitor myself. If there was one warning my traveller friends gave me more than any other about this beautiful country, it wasn’t about scammers or pickpockets or the drinking water; it was about crossing the street. If you’ve been here before you know that Vietnamese traffic is organized chaos in its purest form. In a nation dominated by motorbikes—roughly 77 million, accounting for up to 90 per cent of all road traffic—getting across the street safely is more art than science. Motorists here

I have a theory, however, that Canadians are, generally speaking, especially bad at moving through space.

brisk and confident pace. This has gotten me in trouble with every single woman I’ve ever dated. Bafflingly, they never seem to appreciate their partner powerwalking 15 feet ahead of them like I’m competing in that weird Olympic sport people giggle at every time the Summer Games come around. As a professional pedestrian, I have one gear: fast, and if that means leaving my beloved partners, family and friends in the dust, that’s the price I must pay for my insatiable need for speed. OK, like my go-karting accident that fateful day in Daytona, we’ve gone a little off-track here. But I offer you my pedestrian bonafides because I’ve been

move quickly, pick a path and usually stick to it. Crosswalks exist only at the busiest intersections, and are typically treated more as suggestion than obligation. My friends advised a similar approach when crossing the road: Commit to a line, maintain it, and avoid hesitating at all costs. If you’re in the way, a driver will honk, signalling you to stop, and they’ll move around you. (A savvy traveller put it this way: In Canada, honking is reactive, a sign of frustration; in Vietnam, it’s proactive, a sign of courtesy.) It’s a refreshing change for a professional pedestrian like me, who has always taken the view that, at least when it comes to jostling through packed crowds, “Hell is other people.”

For all its apparent disarray, Vietnamese traffic works by its own serpentine logic, by trusting in oneself and those around you to keep moving in harmony. If one steps out of line, the others adjust and keep things flowing, like dropping a rock in a stream. I’m not sure us Canadians have the same appetite for such ordered disorder. Chalk it up to the philosophical differences between an inherently individualistic and collective society, perhaps. Or maybe it’s a consequence of inhabiting one of the largest, least densely populated countries on the planet; we simply don’t have the same experience moving through crowds. We are also a nation of rule-followers with a long history of social and religious conservatism, which I think plays into Canadians’ deep-rooted anxiety around coming off as impolite. Have you ever been caught in one of those oh-so-Canadian politeness standoffs? You know, when you’re walking down a crowded hallway and the person coming towards you, in an act of deference to their fellow countryman, attempts to move out of the way, only for you, being the kindhearted and benevolent Canuck you are, to move in the exact same direction, setting off an awkward series of feints, hesitations and foot shuffles that only ends when one of you commits to breaking the cycle of performed kindness and renounces your citizenship once and for all. We could’ve saved each other some time if at least one of us was a little more willing to make the selfish move, commit to a path, and keep it moving. I’m confident I can be that selfish asshole. So the next time you see me in the village power-walking towards you at Usain Bolt-like speeds, resist the patriotic urge to move aside. I promise I’ll honk if you’re in the way. n

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Whistler Village Shop

Squamish Shop - NEW LOCATION

36-4314 Main Street · Whistler BC V8E 1A8 · Phone +1 604-932-1875

38167 Cleveland Ave · Squamish BC V8B 0P1 · Phone +1 604-932-1875

+1-604-905-8199

8 - 4891 Painted Cliff Rd.

Painted Cliff - Benchlands

TOWNHOUSE

1 | 681 SQFT

37 - 7124 Nancy Greene Dr.

3D TOUR: rem.ax/52240

3D TOUR: rem.ax/37ﬁtzwalk

TOWNHOUSE

Taluswood - Nordic Estates

Bob

1.5 | 715 SQFT

604.935.2214

$1,199,000

Cameron

$1,299,999

5 - 2240 Nordic Drive

9348 Gun Lake West Road Gun Lake

Fitzsimmons Walk - White Gold Estates

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604.935.6565

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4 | 2,831 SQFT

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WATERFRONT CHALET

CONDO

CHALET

3 | 1,450 SQFT

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2 | 862 SQFT

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9285 Siskin Street

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TOWNHOUSE

CONDO

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2 | 1,044 SQFT

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1 | 569 SQFT

604.935.9171

$1,999,999

604.902.4260

$995,000

Chiasson

Laura

3 | 1,595 SQFT

3 - 2269 Nordic Drive The Ridge - Nordic Estates

WedgeWoods

2.45 ACRES

Brown

Grenfell

Sally

Warner*

604.932.7741

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