Category: Whistler’s Answers

Whistler’s Answers: September 23, 1982Whistler’s Answers: September 23, 1982

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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 1982.  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: Pat Carleton was elected as Whistler’s first Mayor in 1975 and served multiple terms during which the Resort Municipality of Whistler opened a sewage treatment plant, developed infrastructure, and began developing the Whistler Village. In September 1982, after seven years of being the only mayor Whistler had known, Carleton announced that he would not be running for another term.

Question: What was your reaction to Mayor Carleton’s announcement that he will not run again?

Robert Bishop – Real Estate Salesman – High Forest

I’m sure it’s been a hard job and he’s probably really been feeling the strain in the last few years. It’s nice to see he has the wisdom to know when to step down.

Norm Lock – Appliance Repairman – Emerald Estates

I think he’s done a good job – he represented us well with things like lobbies in Victoria but I also think it’s time for a change.

Sid Young – Travel Agency Owner – Alderman – Alpine Meadows

It’s always a pity when a man such as Pat, who has given so much to the community over the years, decides to retire. There’s no doubt in my mind that his experience and drive will be sorely missed.

Whistler’s Answers: September 16, 1982Whistler’s Answers: September 16, 1982

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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 1982.  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: The Mountain Development Corporation was an initiative to provide affordable housing for Whistler residents through the development of Tapley’s Farm. Shareholders became the first owners in the neighbourhood and in December 1980 lots were drawn at a large party. Restrictions were put on the lots, including that all homes had to have a covenant restricting ownership to Whistler employees and that the Resort Municipality of Whistler had a right of first refusal on any subsequent sale of lots. When some lots were sold during the recession of the early 1980s, the RMOW passed on their right of first refusal and the covenants on such lots were removed. This meant that lots that had been passed on could be sold at market prices, rather than a formula price.

Question: Do you think MDC owners should be able to sell their lots at other than formula price?

Don Gamache – MDC lot owner

I’ve been thinking about that lately. Yes, I think the owners should be able to sell their lots at any price, but I don’t want to see a bunch of open property dropped on the market just to turn over a dollar. The lot should be developed and maybe owned for a couple of years before it’s sold.

Mike Culwell – interested bystander

No, I think the system was set up a certain way which everyone agreed to at the time so they should stick to it. Nine tenths of the people I know will scream at me for saying this but they knew the rules when MDC was started.

Roland Kentel – ex waiting list member

The answer to that is simple. Yes. There’s nothing to expand on. It’s a legal contract. The municipality refused when they had right of first refusal so owners are free to sell their lots on the open market.

Whistler’s Answers: September 9, 1982Whistler’s Answers: September 9, 1982

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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 1982.  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: When Eldon Beck designed the Whistler Village, he intended for people to get a little lost. In 1982, however, some people were having a bit more trouble than expected. The Village was still under construction, subdivisions weren’t always clearly marked, and there weren’t all that many maps around for those finding their way. Even the signs on the highway were less direct than they are today.

Question: Have you had any problems finding your way around Whistler?

Karin Strom-Gundersen – Vancouver

I think everything seems to be fairly straightforward. There’s definitely adequate signage.

Last time we were here we went cross-country skiing and had no problems.

The only thing we didn’t realize and it might confuse other people – is that there’s two parts to Whistler: the old section down by the Husky and the new centre here.

Carolyn Henshaw – Delta, BC

None!

Axel Andkide – Essex, Ontario

It’s been fairly easy getting around. I would say we had no problems whatsoever.

This is the first time we’ve come here. We drove up from Horseshoe Bay and there was no problem in finding the place or finding our way around.

We’ve really enjoyed it.

Whistler’s Answers: September 2, 1982Whistler’s Answers: September 2, 1982

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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 1982.  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: On Sunday, August 29, Whistler held its first marathon. 131 participants (113 in the half marathon and 18 in the full marathon) circled the Whistler valley and, from all reports, the community played a huge role in sponsoring the event, volunteering, and cheering on the runners.

Question: What did you think of Whistler’s first marathon?

Nancy Power – Volunteer – Alpine Meadows

I thought the race organizers did a terrific job. The comments I heard from runners about marshalling and the aid stations were very positive.

One friend of mine who entered the marathon said he was almost ready to give up after the first lap, but when he came through the village and heard the music and all the audience cheering him on, he just couldn’t quit.

The only negative criticism I heard was that all the runners didn’t get T-shirts.

Murray Coates – Marathon runner – Emerald Estates

To say it was good would be an understatement. Everybody – the spectators, organizers, volunteers and runners – put all they had into it. It was mind-boggling how great it was.

It may be one of the most difficult courses in the world. The back stretch on Westside Road was really tough. Any runner that finished it was a winner.

Two things stand out in my mind – it was great to be able to run on home turf and I really liked the idea of increasing participation by holding a half marathon.

Bob Goulet – Spectator – White Gold Estates

I thought it was really great. The endurance and strength the athletes displayed was amazing. To run from the village, along Westside Road and then back again in about an hour is amazing – and that’s what the first three or four runners did.

It would be really good to see another race next year – it’s a good think to get some of the locals in shape.