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 1984. 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 February 1984, there was no bank in Whistler. The Bank of Nova Scotia had operated a trailer in Whistler prior to the 1980s, officially operating under the Pemberton branch. In 1984, the North Shore Community Credit Union (NSCCU; today known as Blueshore Financial) investigated the demand and viability of opening a branch in Whistler, even sending managers to town for a week to discuss the needs of potential members. NSCCU was relatively small (they reportedly had $150 million in assets, compared to the $88 billion of the Royal Bank of Canada) but was the only financial institution to open a branch in Whistler in 1984.
Question: Are your banking transactions made overly complicated because there’s no bank in Whistler?
Martha Beatty – Realtor – Tapley’s Farm
I don’t think it’s more costly, but it’s the time that costs money. It would make life easier to have a bank here, right now it’s “banking by mail.”
John Cerka – Merchant – Whistler
No. It would make things easier if there was a bank, but we’ve had to get used to it. It’s costly and somebody has to pay one way or another. If your banking has to be done, it has to be done. And if a bank is here, the additional costs have to be passed on to the consumer.
Bob Wick – Village Coordinator – Emerald Estates
No, because I do it all by mail – I see tellers about four times a year. The only problem I have is not having cold cash. It is also awkward not having a safety deposit box here.