It’s a new year, which means we are on to a new year of Whistler’s Answers!
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 1983. 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: At the end of 1982, the Whistler Village Land Co. was in great financial difficulties. In response, the provincial government proposed to form a new Crown corporation, WLC Development Ltd, to take over the operations of the Land Co. The Crown corporation would also take over the development of the golf course and the Sports & Convention Centre. What this would mean for the province’s involvement in other parts of Whistler’s governance, however, was unclear.
Question: Do you think Whistler will have less control over its affairs following the provincial government’s take-over of the Land Co.?
Ike Elboim – Contractor – Valleau Road
Yes, I think we’ll probably lose a lot of control. I wouldn’t be surprised if the government appointed a provincial representative on council again. They’ll start to have input into things like our Official Community Plan. I think all this should be controlled by the residents of Whistler, not the government.
Peter Gordon – Satellite Salesman – Microwave Road
I believe Mark Angus has the authority not to allow anything like that to go on. The government probably isn’t interested in having any more control than they’ve had in the past unless things start to mess up. They’ll just leave it to Angus and his council I’m certain.
Ed Bezeau – Computer Consultant – Adventures West
Looking at other corporate bailouts there have been recently, I’d say when the government puts money into something it usually wants to get involved. This is probably even truer on the municipal level than any other. I don’t know that they’ll go so far as to suggest zoning bylaws or any details like that.