Whistler’s Answers: May 23, 1985Whistler’s Answers: May 23, 1985
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 1985. 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: After five years (minus some pauses) of construction, the Whistler Conference Centre was nearing completion by May 1985 and had an expected opening date of June 1. It was expected that the opening of the Conference Centre would bring more business to Whistler, especially during the off-season (in 1985, that was everything except the winter) with conferences and other large bookings. When it opened, the Conference Centre was reportedly the second largest conference centre in BC, accommodating up to 2,000 people (the Peach Bowl in Penticton had a capacity of 2,100). *These three provided one joint answer.
Question: How do you think the Conference Centre will change Whistler?
It’ll bring more people here in three-piece suits, which isn’t a bad thing, and it’ll definitely even out trade throughout the year. Months like September and October, which are always dead, will be prime months for the Centre. And there won’t be that summertime drought for residents as there was in the past. There won’t be summer layoffs or people having to go back to town for work. In the area of business it’ll create more of a selection of services.