Category: Whistler’s Answers

Whistler’s Answers: June 3, 1982Whistler’s Answers: June 3, 1982

June 3, 2021 Whistler MuseumWhistler Museum 2 Comments

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: In 1982, as Whistler looked to expand its summer businesses, the municipality was in the process of creating a five-year plan for Lost Lake and the surrounding area. This plan included clearing the beach area, upgrading the trail system, and creating picnic facilities. While there was support for clearing the beach, the idea of a permanent concession facility that could include food, beverages, and boat rentals was under debate.

Question: How do you feel about the proposed concession stand for Lost Lake?

Sloane Hansen – Student – White Gold Estates

I don’t like the idea. Lost Lake used to be a retreat. If people want a place that’s all commercialized, they should go to Alice Lake.

Fixing up the beach is okay, but I don’t want to see this place like a resort.

They might as well change the name – it’s Found Lake now.

Patrice Couture – Construction Worker – Alpine Meadows

For this lake it won’t be a good thing. It will bring too many people.

It’s all right to be able to buy a pop, but I’m not sure about boat rentals.

Basically I’d rather not have a concession – I’d rather have it quiet.

Mike Petrus – Waiter – White Gold Estates

I could maybe see a concession stand for food and drink, but I wouldn’t agree with canoe and paddleboat rentals. It’s such a small lake.

If they’re going to fix up the beach – okay. But there shouldn’t be any boats.

People – and garbage – will be all over the place.

I think a concession would spoil it, like what’s happened in so many other places.

Jimmy Wharin – Doorman – Whistler Vale

It’s great for a summer attraction as long as they sell beer.

Al Davis – Artist – Function Junction

I think it’s long overdue. Lost Lake is already lost so you might as well have a concession.

Pierre Trudeau – Contractor – Alpine Meadows

It’s the s—!

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Whistler’s Answers: May 27, 1982Whistler’s Answers: May 27, 1982

May 27, 2021 Whistler MuseumWhistler Museum 0 Comments

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: Summers in the early 1980s were not exactly busy – some businesses even closed for the season – though there were some efforts to draw visitors to the area. The Chamber of Commerce began organizing May Day Madness, a series of events over the May long weekend for both visitors and residents. Another event over the weekend was the Great Snow Earth Water Race, which ran for over 15 years.

Question: As all the festivities wind to a halt, what did you think was the highlight of the May Day Madness weekend?

Nigel Woods – Chief Goat – Alpine Meadows

Generally the nice atmosphere that prevailed. There was a real team spirit, both individually and in a group sense. It was a much more mellow weekend than previous years, which I think shows the maturity of the town.

P.J. Paterson – Sales Rep – Alpine Meadows

The dance on Saturday was the best. There was a good band, good dancing and lots of crazy people.

Karen Wylie – Full-time Kid – Alpine Meadows

The Great Snow Earth Water Race was my favourite. It was so exciting – especially the canoeing. They were falling all over the place – falling out of the canoes, falling in the water. One canoe even sank.

Satia – Full-time Pet – Alpine Meadows

All the exotic, uptown dogs that were around for the weekend.

Terry Rodgers – Alderman – White Gold Estates

The turnout.

Dave Sorenson – Unemployed Carpenter – Nesters

The wine, the women and the songs.

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Whistler’s Answers: May 20, 1982Whistler’s Answers: May 20, 1982

May 20, 2021 Whistler MuseumWhistler Museum 0 Comments

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/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.

Question: Would you mind paying a four percent resort tax on everything you buy here to help pay for public facilities?

Ron McCready – Manager of Nasty Jack’s – Alta Vista

Yes. The locals are just simply overtaxed. In order to keep the type of people we need to make this valley work – waiters, waitresses, people to service the businesses – we need to grant them some sort of concessions.

Even if they make a good wage, they find it difficult to live here.

It’s time something was returned to the residents.

Sonya McCarthy – Deli Clerk – Emerald Estates

No, I wouldn’t mind paying it as long as the revenue collected is kept in the Whistler area.

I also think Council would have to make a very close accounting as to where the money is spent.

The money could be used in many ways, but I think one of the most important uses would be to get the Sports & Convention Centre finished and start a public transportation system.

Isabel Niederlich – Drugstore Clerk – Alta Vista

I’d be both for and against it. On one hand I’d like to see the rec centre finished and other recreational projects in this town.

But then things are so expensive here already, I think it might be too much to add another four percent. Ultimately, though, I think it would be worth it.

Kari Surridge – Housewife – Vancouver

No. But since it’s public revenue, I would want to make sure it goes to public needs.

I don’t think people who live here should have to pay it, though. They should be issued some sort of identity card so merchants wouldn’t charge them the extra tax.

Harry McKeever – Vending Machine Operator – Alpine Meadows

Absolutely. Basically we are overtaxed and overpriced already.

We already pay far more for everything here than anywhere else in the province.

Dale Steel – Sales rep for David L. Jones – North Vancouver

No, I wouldn’t mind it at all, providing I knew it was going towards the betterment of the community – the arts, public transportation.

This place is beautiful and should be kept looking like this. It will soon look like a slum if they don’t collect some sort of revenue and use it to keep things up.

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Whistler’s Answers: May 13, 1982Whistler’s Answers: May 13, 1982

May 13, 2021 Whistler MuseumWhistler Museum 0 Comments

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: Summers in the early 1980s were not exactly busy – some businesses even closed for the season – though there were some efforts to draw visitors to the area. Summer ski camps and sports such as windsurfing and hiking were popular but Whistler was still best known as a winter destination.

Question: With Whistler winding down for the summer, what are your plans?

Kathy Hicks – Municipal Accounting Supervisor – Alpine Meadows

It seems that this summer is going to have to be a very recreational one.

Hopefully it will be a time when locals can really get to know each other before the winter season returns.

Mary Swaine – Laid-off traffic attendant – Alpine Meadows

I’m going to be artist-in-residence at a ranch in Washington because I need some culture in my life.

Laurie Vance – Assistant Manager at Blackcomb Lodge – Alpine Meadows

To get my flowers to come up. They’re being fooled by all the snow.

Penny Domries – Artist – Alpine Meadows

Hit the beach and learn to windsurf. And I hope to get some artwork done – interior banners and silkscreened prints.

We’re also going to be some of those people who’ll be leaving for a while – we’re planning a three-week trip to Alaska.

Bruce DeGraaf – Unemployed Blackcomb Ski Patroller – Telemark

I’m planning on doing a little government work… cashing checks for a living. I’m quite concerned about the current economic slump and I’m going to contemplate it down at Alta Lake.

I think we could organize a three-ring circus at the Rec centre for the tourists. There’s a lot of clowns up here, including myself, who could use the work.

Cris Simpson – Full-time kid – Alta Vista

I’ve been making model rockets and I plan to take them down to San Francisco this summer and visit my dad and shoot them off.

And at the science fair I’m going to show other kids how to make rockets.

But mainly I’m going to go swimming and windsurfing.

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