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 1986. 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 early February 1986, “No Camping” signs were posted in the day skier lots and bylaw officers began placing notices on windshields advising people that camping there was no longer permitted. According to the municipality, the opening of the KOA, the valley’s first official campground, meant that the RMOW would be stricter in its enforcement of camping regulations. Other popular camping spots at the time were the VIP lot next to the Keg building and the parking lot at the gondola base (today’s Creekside). However, it soon appeared that the RMOW could not ticket overnight campers because the use of the lot was an infraction of the zoning bylaw and a vehicle could not be charged with a zoning infraction. By mid-March 1986, overnight camping was still prevalent in the parking lots and the KOA had low occupancy.
Question: Do you think people should be permitted to camp in parking lots now that the KOA is having difficulty?
Rick Mathews – Whistler Tops – Alta Lake Road
I’ve been in other ski areas where they do provide camping facilities in the parking lots – hook-ups like Blackcomb was providing. But I have great sympathy for the KOA. That’s neither a yes, nor a no, but I don’t think the municipality is responsible for ensuring the success of a business.
Hatto Horn – Creek House Restaurant – Whistler
They built the campground for that reason. If they let people stay in the parking lots, I don’t know why they built it. I don’t know what the fee is, but it can’t be that much and you have all the facilities there as well. There should be a crown rule against camping in lots. At least people should be told there is a campground. Some of them may not even know. The sign isn’t that obvious. They should have a sign at the Husky or the Gulf.
Jill MacLaurin – Whistler Tops – Alpha Lake Village
The KOA campground is long overdue and I think a designated campground area is the proper way to control overnight campers. The price is right at the KOA. There should be enforcement of no-camping regulations in the parking lots because the proper facilities are available and should be utilized. For the sake of the campers, I would add that a change is good.