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: Over the years, multiple alternate routes proposed to Highway 99 have been proposed to avoid the problems that come with only have one access route to an area. While we’re not sure which route was being proposed here, it appears that one way to fund it was by establishing a toll on Highway 99.
Question: Would you support an alternate route financed by toll fees?
Thelma Johnstone – Manager – Alpine Meadows
I don’t think it would be good for tourism. It would also be pretty unfair to people that live here and work here. It would be okay as long as it doesn’t became a general policy (in BC). But user fees for the weekends only might be okay.
Bob Stanlake – Business Executive – Vancouver
Yes, I would support it. I think it’s not everybody who comes to Whistler, it’s mainly tourists coming here for recreation and I think they should pay. It’s unfortunate that some people are going to be disadvantaged by it. But the majority of people are coming for entertainment so they can pay for it.
Janice Leblond – Dance Choreographer – Vancouver
No, not really. I think they should be improving what’s already there. I would support it if they would ask people to donate money toward it. But I don’t think user fees would go down very well at all with most people.