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: In the 1980s, the provincial government opened the Powder Mountain site to bids for development. By 1983, several ski resort developers had been attracted to the area but none had gone further than talking about it. In April 1983, a company called Powder Mountain Resorts Ltd. joined with French consortium SITAC International SA to develop a master plan for the recreational reserve in the Callaghan recreational reserve area. The plan called for skiing on six mountains and seven townsites. Some people questioned the feasibility of a ski resort in the area, in part because of the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, while others were concerned such a development would dilute the market and draw business away from Whistler.
Question: Do you think a large resort at Powder Mountain is a good idea?
Ross Smith – General Manager, Stoney’s – White Gold
Oh yeah, sure. I think Powder is going to help Whistler. No matter how fast they go, they can’t catch up with Whistler. All the services are here, and there’s always new plans. It would work. A lot of people who know what they’re doing are involved with it. Whether we see it all developed in our lifetime is a different matter.
Pauline Lepatourel – Typesetter – Alpine Meadows
So far from what I’ve heard I’m totally confused. If these new developers are on the up-and-up I think it could only add to the wonderful world of skiing. But with all the services they have to provide, it’s a long way down the road to completion.
Dennis Waddingham – Owner, The Downhill Shop – Whistler Cay
Yes and no. If someone builds a road, and puts in sewers and hydro, it would work. But government won’t do it and it’s too expensive for private enterprise. That’s why everybody’s dropped it in the past. The provincial government has too much money in Whistler already. They have to take care of here first.