Category: Ski-Town Stories

After it opened in 1974, the Whistler Centre Building saw several changes in tenants and its appearance over the next three decades, until it found stability with the iconic Southside Diner.

The first business to occupy the building was Le Magasin Du Ski, who moved across the way (from Union 76 station) to increase their capacity. The extra square footage separated their retail and rental space between the first floor and the basement. The shop was later taken over by Dave Kirk and Val Jazic, who renamed the shop to Whistler Creek Ski Shop, as apparently the French name confused patrons.

In October 1975, MacGregor Pacific Realty (which later morphed into the Whistler Real Estate Company) moved into the office space on the second floor, but was soon removed around 1977 and Capilano Highlands moved in. Drew Meredith (of MacGregor Pacific) recalls the removal justified as they were arrears in rent.

Other occupants in the building included Rozell Construction Ltd, Garibaldi Blasting Ltd, The Insurance Shop (Jim Elliott Insurance Agencies), Harry Bullen’s “Mountain Hair”, Norman Minus & Co. Accountants, Syd Young Travel Unlimited, Whistler Office Services, the Whistler Question, and more. 

When the Whistler Village was constructed in the 1980s, traffic began to decrease in Creekside. Several occupants opted to move to the new hub of Whistler. The top floors and basement stayed as they were, but the ground floor changed and was revamped for the Rainbow Deli, a butcher shop previously located at the Gulf Station, where Tim Hortons is located today. The grand opening was on November 26, 1983, complete with free hot dogs.  

The Rainbow Deli is better known as the beloved Southside Delicatessen and the name changed sometime in 1986. Owned by Cal Schacter and Herschel Miedzygorski, the Southside Deli was instantly a hot spot for locals, and became world-famous, with actors, musicians, and pro athletes enjoying the affordable food options. The Deli also easily integrated into the community, sponsoring events and fundraisers, such as the Fireman’s Ball and the Cheakamus Challenge. 

For a time the Deli shared the space with another restaurant. German Chef, Uli Schnur, moved to British Columbia as Umberto Menghi’s corporate chef. In 1992, he decided to open his own restaurant, Uli’s Flipside. He took over the Southside Deli at night, offering family and budget friendly made-from-scratch food until 1:00am. This operation arrangement continued until the early 2000s, even expanding to other locations around Whistler before officially closing the business.

Underneath the Deli/Flipside primarily held businesses dedicated to recreation. Backroads Whistler used the space in 1985 before moving to Mons. Two years later, Tim Mallone, who also owned Pumphouse Fitness Centre (later known as Whistler Creek Athletic Club), opened up the Southside Bike Shop. In the 1990s, the space saw Whistler’s first skateboard shop, Attitude at Altitude, clothing store Board of Authority, and World Pro High Performance Sport & Ski. Board of Authority recently returned to Whistler in the winter of 2023, opening a location in Village North.

After nearly twenty years of service the Southside Deli shut down in 2003. There was a quick attempt to create the space into an oyster bar, the Screaming Oyster; however, in the Spring of 2004, the Deli was reborn into the Southside Diner, with similar operations. The business expanded by opening a laundromat in the basement after the Nesters Laundromat closed in 2008, which is still the only coin-operated laundry around.

The original closure of the Southside Deli was celebrated as part of the Whistler Museum project, Vanishing Places, an effort to recognize places in town that have been lost to time. Thankfully, the spirit and history of the Southside Deli has continued through the Southside Diner. 

Whistler is expected to change and grow, and it is important for us to recognize our history and reflect on how far we have come. We are proud to write weekly stories to our community, and are excited to share more about what history you can see around the valley.

In the last year, there was community input and discussion on the potential redevelopment of Creekside in the Lake Placid area. Though we have referred to the initial developments of Creekside, we have not spent much time talking about the west side of the highway.

After Whistler Mountain opened in 1966, the valley saw an increase in visitation, but there was a lack of accommodation and facilities to keep up with the growing popularity of skiing. There was also an Olympic dream in mind that was already denied due to lack of resources. While Capilano Highlands Ltd. and Green Lake Estates were looking at subdivisions away from the mountain, and Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. sought to expand their on-mountain facilities, another group looked across the gondola base to a messy lot for potential redevelopment. 

In 1936, Russ Jordan purchased 160 acres and constructed Jordan’s Lodge, a summer getaway and fishing destination. The lodge welcomed several visitors, with many revisiting Alta Lake to purchase land to build their own place. Popularity declined by the 1960s. His son, Eugene, described the property in 1962 as a mess, with grass up to the knees, a half-submerged float, and dirty cabins. This was a far cry from the carefully manicured design that Russ maintained at the peak of its summer tourism.

The property was designated as District Lot 4749. A group of people of varying professional backgrounds, which included Russ’ two sons, formed Garibaldi Recreation Ltd. They purchased the land for $45,000 in 1962. The intention was to build accommodations, parking facilities, and other amenities, or to sell it for more money if they felt other developers would be more successful. The group put some money towards improvements, but according to shareholder Peter Alder, interest started to wane and it was time to sell. 

In 1966, Garibaldi Recreation Ltd. sold Lot 4749 to Olympic Bid supporters, John and Kathleen ‘Kay’ Taylor for around $400,000. Through the Whistler Centre Ltd. and Whistler Housing Corporation, the Taylors and their associates were dedicated to developing the area, and coordinated their efforts with mountain operations and what was being developed at the base. 

The Taylors planned for hotels, shopping areas, clubhouses, a medical clinic, and single and multi-family units. The first phase was to sell 150 lots to the public. All lots were surveyed and prepared for sale with telephone lines, BC Hydro electricity, water supply, and septic tanks. The first subdivision of thirty-nine lots sold out by 1968, and several homes were constructed by 1971. Some of their original plan and structure of the west side of the highway looks as it is today. In recognition of the foundations laid, streets near Alpha Lake Village were named after them: Taylor Way and Kathleen Place. However, there were many changes that did not reflect the original plan.

At the entrance of the Whistler Centre area, the Whistler Housing Corporation had a small A-Frame cabin for their sales and display office. There were plans to expand into a larger building that also included residence for the property manager, hotel reservations, and a tourist information centre. The design was by architect Asbjørn Gåthe, who is known for designing the Skier’s Chapel. According to Garibaldi’s Whistler News, construction was slated for Spring of 1968, though it did not pan out. Gåthe’s designs for a four-unit building and twelve-unit building along the highway did contribute to the Centre and are still standing today.

The entrance instead made way for a new gas station, Union 76 (now called Co-op), which opened in 1970 and was operated by Rich Naylor. The service station expanded in 1972 to include two brand new shops. Bonnie Naylor operated The Store, which was boasted as Whistler’s first delicatessen, and sold take-out foods, magazines, medicines, milk, bread, and other staples. Christine and Leo Verstraete of Chamonix Resources Ltd. opened a french ski shop, Le Magasin Du Ski, which competed with Jim McConkey’s ski shop.

Across from Union 76, nestled on the corner of Highway 99 and Lake Placid Road, the sales office remained until a new dedicated business centre opened in the Fall of 1974. The aptly named Whistler Centre Building had three storeys and a basement to allow for several businesses to occupy. It served as the only commercial office space prior to the Whistler Village being constructed. 

Check backnext weekas we dive into the various businesses that called the Whistler Centre Building home.

While reading the Museum Musings column a few weeks ago, Brian Kerr was inspired to share his own story about a part of Whistler’s past. He reached out to the Whistler Museum and shared with us his recollections of Nesters Market.

The Beginnings by Brian Kerr

Nesters Market opened its doors in March 1987, the vision of Brian & Elaine Kerr, Ken & Martha Beatty, and Milo Rusimovich. The founding partners wanted to create more than just a grocery store. They dreamed of a place that welcomed both the Whistler community and the ever growing wave of visitors discovering the resort town.

From the beginning, the heart of Nesters was service. Locals knew they could count on familiar faces, while tourists were greeted with warmth and general hospitality. The store quickly became a hub, not just for groceries but also as a community focal point. As a full-service grocery store in Whistler, Nesters was required to stock a wide range of products to satisfy the needs of both local and visitors alike. Kraft Dinner to caviar and anything in between could be found on the shelves.

Christmas was an unforgettable time. The store overflowed with line-ups reaching outside the doors. The Beatty children, sometimes dressed as Santa’s helpers, handed out warm smiles along with deli samples. Waiting in line became a social event where locals could catch up with their friends and visitors could make new acquaintances from around the world.

Another memorable moment in the Nesters saga was Halloween. Nesters made the decision to sponsor a fireworks display in the local neighborhood of Tapley’s Farm. All went well until one of the roman candles went horizontal and fired its missiles towards the spectators, scattering them throughout the cul de sac. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but, while still sponsoring the fireworks, the pyrotechnics are now conducted by the local fire department.

Throughout the 1990s, Nesters grew with the community and was able to expand the store to provide even greater service, including adding a pharmacy department. Nesters believed that you can’t be part of the community unless you give back to the community. To this end, Nesters contributed financially to many community organizations in the valley, both large and small and even neighbourhood barbeques.

After the unfortunate demise of store manager, Bill MacKay, in a car accident, Bruce Stewart was hired to manage the store in 1997. Bruce immediately understood the store’s vision and worked diligently with the owners to achieve the ultimate goal: to be the best small grocery store in Canada. This goal was achieved in 2002 when the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers conferred that very honour on the store. The plaque is prominently displayed behind the service desk along with the many other accolades the store has received. Bruce continues to be the store manager to this day.

Over time Nesters had become more than a store. It was and continues to be part of the Whistler identity.

If you have your own story that you would like to share or add to the Whistler Museum’s archival records, please let us know!