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 1985. 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: Vancouver hosted the 1986 World Exposition on Transportation and Communication, usually referred to as Expo ’86, from May to October 1986. With over 40 nations participating, it was expected that Expo 86 would increase international awareness of Vancouver and the surrounding areas and many hoped that tourism would increase as a result. Find out more about Whistler’s contribution to Expo 86 here.
Question: What sort of impact do you think Expo ’86 will have on Vancouver and the province?
Gary Webb – Safeway Night Inspector – Port Coquitlam
I think it’s going to be good for the province. I know a lot of people such as myself who have bought tickets already through deduction plans at work. I think it will attract a lot of US visitors too.
Robert Douglas – Miner – White Gold
I think it’s probably a good idea. I usually don’t go to those kind of things because I’d rather be sitting in the sun drinking beer in Whistler than sitting in the sun drinking beer in Vancouver. That sounds terrible, doesn’t it? Oh, I think it will attract a lot of people to the province, and after all, the more exposure, the better.
Michael Biga – Restaurant Owner – Palm Springs, Ca
In the long term it will make a lot of money. Vancouver, like New Orleans (the scene of the 1984 world exposition), is on a corner – people from New York and Washington probably won’t come. Yes, we will be coming up to it. But it will put Vancouver on the map.