In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1982. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: In October 1981, a severe rainstorm washed out the M Creek bridge on Highway 99 and nine people were killed as a result. In 1982 a new steel spar bridge was being built over M Creek and was expected to be completed by November. That September, comments attributed to North Vancouver Highways Manager Ron Winbow implied that there were delays in the completion of the bridge, though this was refuted by Highways Minister Alex Fraser. Failing to complete the bridge before the ski season would have made it much more difficult for skiers and other visitors to travel from Vancouver, potentially discouraging them from coming to Whistler.
Question: What do you think of the possibility that M Creek Bridge might not be completed for the ski season?
Lance Fletcher – Restaurant Owner – Whistler Village
I’m not happy. There’s just no excuse for their lousy attitude. The government has had nothing but problems with that road. It’s going to be 20 years before things improve if they take this long with all the bridges.
Glen Ashton – Property Manager – Alpine Meadows
It’s definitely going to hurt Whistler as a whole. It would be nice if Council would apply some pressure on the government to get it resolved.
Dave Rowan – Credit Union Manager
It looks to me like the government has projects that rank a higher priority than satisfying a small number of people up here. Everyone knows the financial shape the provincial government is in as well.