Museum Musings – Whistler Museum and Archives Society

A Hollywood Start for The Plaza GalleriesA Hollywood Start for The Plaza Galleries

November 4, 2026 Whistler Museum 0 Comments

Whistler has seen its fair share of celebrities over the years, from accomplished athletes to movie stars. These days, celebs tend to keep a low profile, but some past visits were not so under-the-radar.

The 1980s saw Arnold Palmer at the opening of the Whistler Golf Course (which he designed) and Sean Connery filming a Japanese commercial for Biogurt on that same course. Actor Tony Curtis also made a splash in 1996, and he didn’t just come to visit Whistler; he came to showcase his artwork.

By the mid-1990s, Whistler had several commercial art galleries; some included local artwork but the majority showcased well-known Canadian and international artists. Another commercial operation was slated to open in 1996 on the north side of Whistler Village, which was under development for most of the 1990s. An April 1996 advertisement in Pique Newsmagazine presented the new Town Plaza, featuring a variety of businesses: Caramba, Escape Route, Escents, Levi’s, Maze, The Plaza Galleries, and Rogers’ Chocolates. Of these businesses, only The Plaza Galleries and Caramba remain. As the non-winter seasons were quieter and that side of the village was fresh, the gallery immediately sought ways to draw people in.

The Plaza Galleries, originally operated by Dave Helfrich and Ann-Marie Little, boasted works from alto-relief sculptor Bill Mack, realist painter Adolf Sehring, and comedian and oil painter Red Skelton. Mack—who is known for his sculptures of cultural and sports Halls of Famers and for creating artwork from pieces of the original Hollywood sign—was one of the first artists to make a featured appearance at the gallery on April 19, 1996. Then came what Mayor Ted Nebbeling dubbed “Tony Curtis Week.”

Tony in front of The Plaza Galleries. Bonny Makarewicz collection.

Though known for his film acting—Some Like It Hot, Spartacus, or The Defiant Ones—Tony Curtis also painted for most of his life. Influenced by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse, his paintings were bright and bold. He had a preference for landscapes but also painted still lifes and portraits.

In a 1996 interview with the Pique, he emphasized that painting was a passion: “The fact that you can make money off it is not necessarily the achievement that one does with painting. Painting is a language unto itself. It’s an unspoken language.” Though Curtis’ style was not for everyone, his arrival made for a great party.

Celebrations ran from July 1 to 7 with two public receptions on July 4 and 5. Advertised as “A Magical Weekend,” Curtis travelled from the Chateau Whistler to The Plaza Galleries by horse and carriage. Magician Randy Charach warmed up the crowds before Curtis performed his own magic, inspired by when he played Harry Houdini. There were also V.I.P. events throughout the week featuring champagne and hors d’oeuvres. The exhibit was on until the end of July, but a few pieces remained on display for a few years after.

In true Hollywood fashion, a cement plaque of Curtis’ handprints was revealed to inaugurate the gallery’s “Walk of Stars.” It can still be seen in front of the gallery today, where it is the sole plaque on display.

Tony’s handprints. Image taken in August 2026 by staff.

Since its inception, The Plaza Galleries has featured a variety of artwork from Canadian and international artists, such as Robert Bateman, Kal Gajoum, and even Picasso and Rembrandt. This work continues under the current owners, the Rozenvains, who purchased the gallery in 2016.

The Arrival of Bear-Proof Garbage Bins in WhistlerThe Arrival of Bear-Proof Garbage Bins in Whistler

October 25, 2026 Whistler Museum 0 Comments

Featured photo: Whistler Mayor Hugh O”Reilly (L) and Village Foreman Ted Pryce-Jones trying out one of the prototype bear-proof garbage bins. 1998. Makarewicz collection.

Today, bear-proof garbage bins are a familiar sight throughout Whistler, but in the late 1990s, they were a relatively new addition to Whistler’s built landscape. As Whistler continued to grow, managing garbage and reducing conflicts between people and black bears became an increasingly important issue.

In 1997, concerned citizen Sylvia Dolson helped establish the Black Bear Task Team, bringing together conservation officers with representatives from the municipality, Whistler Blackcomb, environmental organizations, and waste management companies. The team began developing a comprehensive management plan to reduce conflicts between people and bears. A central concern was the availability of human garbage as a food source, which often brought bears into populated areas. Although Whistler already had regulations prohibiting garbage from being left unattended outdoors, many existing containers remained easily accessible to bears.

Bears in the garbage dump (future site of Whistler Village), ca. 1965. Petersen Collection.

By December 1997, the task force outlined plans to introduce bear-proof commercial containers and smaller pedestrian bins throughout the village. The goal was to have the village area bear-proofed by the summer of 1998. However, the task force recognized that replacing municipal containers alone would not solve the problem. More than half of the garbage bins in the village area were privately owned, making cooperation from businesses and property owners essential.

As task team co-chair Sylvia Dolson explained at the time, “We need to get public support to make all the bins bear proof.”

By April 1998, the first shipments of new containers had arrived in Whistler. These included 70 commercial garbage bins and 16 smaller pedestrian bins. The commercial containers were designed by the Black Bear Task Team to be both bear-resistant and accessible to people. Constructed from heavy-gauge steel, they featured sloped lids, smaller access doors, hydraulic closing mechanisms, and animal-proof latches.

The first commercial containers were destined for Function Junction, Whistler Creekside, and other areas experiencing problems with bears accessing garbage. Of the approximately 360 commercial containers serving Whistler’s multi-family residences, hotels, and businesses, 50 could be retrofitted to meet the new standards. The remaining containers were to be replaced once the new design had proven successful. Carney’s Waste Management had already invested nearly $100,000 in the initiative at the time.

Some Whistler residents could do with a few lessons in tidiness and cooperation. This scene at the Mons garbage compactor tells a story (1982). Whistler Question Collection.

The smaller pedestrian bins, known as Hid-A-Bag containers, were fitted with cedar facing to complement the village’s appearance. The first three were to be installed outside municipal hall, with others distributed throughout key village locations.

There were also efforts to encourage private businesses to participate. The Jennifer Jones Whistler Bear Foundation (known now as the Get Bear Smart Society) offered a $250 incentive toward the approximately $700 cost of a new pedestrian bin, while Whistler Resort Management and Sea to Sky Real Estate had already adopted the containers for Marketplace area of Whistler Village.

The new bins were only one part of the strategy. The task team emphasized public education, proper garbage disposal, habitat protection, and improvements to the landfill. Even the strongest container would be ineffective if its lid was left open or garbage was placed beside it.

The transition continued beyond 1998. In November 1999, Whistler passed a new garbage disposal bylaw requiring wildlife-resistant containers or enclosures throughout the valley. The proposed regulations also addressed the outdoor storage of garbage and increased fines for improper disposal.

The arrival of bear-proof bins in 1998 marked an important step in Whistler’s approach to managing human-bear interactions. What began as a coordinated effort involving the municipality, waste management companies, local businesses, and community organizations helped establish the garbage management practices that remain an important part of living alongside bears in Whistler today.

Canine Democracy: Bob the Dog’s Mayoral RunCanine Democracy: Bob the Dog’s Mayoral Run

October 16, 2026 Whistler Museum 0 Comments

Featured photo: Bob the Dog had the youth vote with his skateboarding talents. Whistler Question Collection.

Last week we introduced 1993 mayoral candidate Bob the Dog. Whistler Question journalist – and later co-founder of Pique Newsmagazine – Kevin Damaskie chronicled Bob the Dog’s campaign.

The Grabowieki family was listed as Bob’s campaign team – Pat as Campaign Manager and T.J. as Marketing Manager. The family credit Bob’s services guarding their business, Whistler Heated Mini Storage. When not working, he loved to play ball and wander the roads of Function Junction, whether on his paws or his skateboard. He was not a fan of a leash or off-limit areas for dogs.

Bob campaigned on equality amongst humans and canines, as well as environmental concerns like outlawing slug bait as that was dangerous to fellow dogs. Bob would go door to door shaking paws and licking babies. T.J. recalls Bob “knew more people [in the neighborhood] than we did.” He was quite the popular candidate amongst Function Junction residents.

As with many politicians, Bob saw his share of controversy during his campaign. His past was dredged up by a concerned citizen. The year prior Bob pawed through Garibaldi Provincial Park, which was not allowed but he was not charged by BC Parks Rangers. Jorge Alvarez came to his defence, citing it as an instance of activism; that park land should be open to all, human and canine alike. Alvarez noted to the Whistler Question that these political statements were not new, as Bob had been caught off-leash and skateboarding in Whistler Village, of which both are banned.

Two men working near a riverbank, one wearing a police uniform and examining an object in the water, while the other holds a container. — Conservation officers grab this injured Great Horned Owl – who was found by Bob – to be taken to a wildlife shelter. Bob’s heroics aided his public image during the campaign. Whistler Question Collection, Bonny Makarewicz.

Ted Nebbeling further stalled his campaign with threats of exposing compromising photographs of Bob sleeping with a teddy bear, which went against his tough persona. The Whistler Question dubbed this controversy as “Teddygate”. This was later debunked as a glow-worm that Bob used to protect Function Junction citizens. Bob, made nervous by threats and feeling spied upon, did not attend the November All-Candidates Meeting.

“With one dog biscuit you can get whatever you want from Bob. I can’t be bought for a dog biscuit.” – Ted Nebbeling

Nebbeling also accused Bob of being a squatter in buildings he owned, but it was pointed out that Bob was offering his guard dog services for free.

As the November 20 voting day approached, another community member sent a letter to the Whistler Question. They recognized that after two elections – the federal election took place a month prior – “not only is this type of story interesting and entertaining, it is a chance to take a breather during all of this overbearing democracy.” However, they emphasized that voters should not spoil their vote.

Ultimately Bob was not successful in this election, it brought enjoyment to the dull election campaign. It was noted that people were more concerned with Blackcomb Mountain finally having enough snow to open up than voting.

Bob continued with his regular duties, but his campaign manager stated he would run again the next election. Unfortunately in January 1994, Bob was on his way to visit a friend when he was hit by a car and passed away. He was buried on the hill behind Whistler Heated Mini Storage to overlook Function Junction as its true Mayor.

Bob the Dog and the Municipal Election of 1993Bob the Dog and the Municipal Election of 1993

October 8, 2026 Whistler Museum 0 Comments

Featured photo: Residents casting their vote at Myrtle Philip Community School. Turnout was down thirty-five percent. Whistler Question Collection, Bonny Makarewicz.

Over the last fifty years, the Resort Municipality of Whistler has seen nine mayors over nineteen elections. With the election coming up, we thought we would reflect on the 1993 municipal election, where one particular (unofficial) candidate stole people’s hearts.

Incumbent Mayor Ted Nebbeling was set to run uncontested until Bill Duff stepped in to give people a choice. “Having someone win by acclamation is not democracy. It’s a joke.” Previous councillors Bill Murray, Gordon Tomalty, Dave Kirk, Hugh O’Reilly, and Thelma Johnstone sought re-election, while Paul Fournier, Ken Melamed, Grant Lamont, Kristi Wells, Max Kirkpatrick, and Ted Ralfe entered the race.

Candidates had their takes on school taxes, healthcare, seniors and youth, roadworks, crime, and more; however, a running theme for this election was transparency. Council needed to make the public more aware of major projects, ask for their input, and listen to their concerns. One example Duff brought up was the Village Gate Boulevard realignment. Though he agreed it was a good idea, he thought the results were inadequate for a $2.5 million+ project. Council candidate Ken Melamed felt Whistler needed to cool down its development a bit and think more strategically and sustainably.

Ultimately, Ted Nebbeling was re-elected, along with councillors Bill Murray, Dave Kirk, Hugh O’Reilly, and Thelma Johnstone. New to council was Kristi Wells and Max Kirkpatrick. Duff was not expecting to win, but the results were not ideal for the other losing candidates. Lamont told the Question, “if that is who they are choosing to represent them over the next three years, it’s going to be pretty dull. It’s going to be another three years of dictatorship.” Ralfe called for someone on council to act as an inquisitor .

However, this was considered a ‘sleepy’ election, which led to arguably Whistler’s fluffiest mayoral candidate, Bob the Dog. What started off as a joke became the highlight of the election period.

A close-up black and white photograph of a wet dog with a thick coat and expressive eyes, standing in a natural outdoor setting. — Portrait of Bob the Dog, c. 1993. Whistler Question Collection.

So, who was Bob the Dog?

Around 1990 Jorge Alvarez – owner of Toad Hall Studios – was walking past Citta’ when he saw mix-breed puppies up for adoption. He was told that these dogs were half-coyote, which you could not tell from their appearance. Alvarez quickly learned Bob “had a wild streak on him because he would wander, [but] he would always come back.” Alvarez’s original design studio was in trailers at the Rainbow subdivision. Bob would hang out, go everywhere with Alvarez, but never on a leash. Alvarez moved his studio to its second location in Function Junction, where Forecast Coffee is today. Bob made this neighborhood his pack.

“He became like a rock star because he would come and visit, hang out, and then he’d leave. Kind of like “The Littlest Hobo”, but he wouldn’t fix anything. He would just hang out. And he made a lot of friends, especially in all the catering kitchens.”

And that’s how he met his second family, the Grabowieki’s. They had only been in Whistler a couple years and were still getting to know the community; Bob made sure he got to know his new neighbours. As T.J Grabowieki recalls, Bob would come with his own ball and play with him.

Despite having a community, Bob desired to get to know new people. In the summer of 1992 he found himself hiking in Garibaldi Park. He joined these hikers who started on the highway across from Function Junction, went up to Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge, then back down to Squamish. These antics would become a point of controversy as the campaign heated up.

Check back next week for more details about Bob the Dog’s chronicles in the 1993 election.

Category: Museum Musings

A Hollywood Start for The Plaza GalleriesA Hollywood Start for The Plaza Galleries

The Arrival of Bear-Proof Garbage Bins in WhistlerThe Arrival of Bear-Proof Garbage Bins in Whistler

Canine Democracy: Bob the Dog’s Mayoral RunCanine Democracy: Bob the Dog’s Mayoral Run

Bob the Dog and the Municipal Election of 1993Bob the Dog and the Municipal Election of 1993