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: Whistler held a municipal election in November 1986.
Question: What do you feel is or should be the major issue in this election?
Linda Humphrey – Waitress – Whistler Cay
Housing. You have to pay more attention to local needs rather than focusing so much on tourism. There’s too much moving – there should be permanent housing, not housing done on speculation. A lot of landlords just rent for the summer and then kick people out in the winter. The community would benefit from a more stable population. It’s good that they’re building more hotels, but they will need people to work in them.
Larry Henderson – House Maintenance – Whistler Cay
The betterment of the community and the resort are one – you can’t have one without the other. I think employee housing is a big issue. It’s always been a sensitive area for people coming here as to whether the have a place to live. The growth is going along nicely in Whistler, better than before. Population, amenities, investment. But where can the people live who will work in the hotels?
Pat Parker – Bartender – Gondola
I think a bed tax and a resort tax are definite priorities. And it’s important that the money goes into local coffers because the local population shouldn’t have to pay the brunt of the tourist amenities. A one or two per cent addition to the price of a room is negotiable. Or the resort tax, which has been talked about, which would be an addition to retail tax. But that wouldn’t be as popular with the residents.