Whistler’s Answers: April 17, 1986

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 April 1986, Don Hehn, the regional director of the environment ministry’s Lower Mainland region, sent a letter to the Whistler council warning of impending black bear trouble in the area. His letter encouraged actions be taken to upgrade the landfill site and mitigate bears’ access to refuse throughout the valley.

Question: Do you think there is a potential bear problem in Whistler?

John Mackenzie – Deli Manager – Alpine Meadows

I think bears would enhance Whistler’s tourism trade. The tourists are interested in both forms of wildlife, not just the night life.

Dorothy Sabey – SPCA Representative – Emerald Estates

The bear problem is mostly the result of people leaving their garbage out. It’s mainly a problem in Whistler Cay and Alpine where there are so many year-round residents. We don’t have much of a problem in Emerald, although just last year one of our dogs tangled with a bear.

Paul Burrows – Alderman – Alpine Meadows

Anytime people compete for space with bears it is a potential problem, but I don’t think it’s any more serious now than it’s ever been in the last several years. That isn’t saying we haven’t been lucky not to have had a serious encounter.