Jan Simpson – Whistler Museum and Archives Society

Whistler's Answers

Whistler’s Answers: May 16, 1985Whistler’s Answers: May 16, 1985

May 16, 2024 Whistler 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 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: Coming into the 1985 season, Whistler Beer League organizer Terry Boston introduced a few rule changes to make slo-pitch games “less all-out competitive and easier to referee.” One of these rules was to “prohibit men who also play organized fastball from playing in the beer league.” The season was expected to start on May 20 and include sixteen teams.

Question: Do you agree with the ruling that a fastball player cannot play in this summer’s beer league?

Ken Hardy – Co-owner Whistler Heliskiing – Brio

I’m ambivalent. My own feeling is that anyone should be able to play in the Beer League. But I can understand the view that they want to keep it fun. If the top players are going to flood the league, you end up with it being too competitive.

Jan Simpson – Realtor – Alta Vista

I think it is a good ruling. They are two different leagues for two different calibre of players. If they had too many high calibre players, it would be too competitive. I think it should remain a fun league.

Mae Wilson – Homemaker – Alpine Meadows

Personally, I don’t think it’s a problem for the men because there are enough players for the teams. But for the Whistler K’s (the women’s fastball team) we cannot find enough players that can come out for every game. Women have had to make a choice between the Beer League and Whistler K’s.

Whistler’s Answers: June 28, 1984Whistler’s Answers: June 28, 1984

June 29, 2023 Whistler 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 1984. 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 spring 1984, Ted Nebbeling and Jan Holmberg proposed to open a gourmet restaurant in their home in Alta Vista. The restaurant would contain 40 to 85 seats, depending on which document was looked at. Some people in municipal hall had reservations, partly due to possible congestion and parking issues, and there were concerns about the rezoning of the lot from residential to commercial use. Fire Chief Lindsay Wilson also raised concerns about the building and residents of Alta Vista sent letters and petitions both opposing and supporting the project.

Question: What do you think of the restaurant proposed for Alta Vista?

Jan Simpson – Realtor – Alta Vista

I’m in favour of it. The reason I’m in favour is that it’s a wonderful location. I don’t think the number of seats planned will bring that much traffic to the area. It’ll be a wonderful place to go sit by the lake for an afternoon.

Ron Douglas – Unemployed – Alpine Meadows

The more restaurants in Whistler the better. I don’t think there’s any problem with it being in a subdivision, although they’d have to stick with the regulations. But it is hard to judge it if you don’t live in the area.

Debbie Fedorah – Unemployed – Alpine Meadows

Something geared more to the local crowd is needed, something like a bistro. But if I lived down there I don’t know if I’d think of it that way. Also, I think it’s good to be drawing away from the village. That’s got to happen eventually.

Whistler’s Answers: July 8, 1982Whistler’s Answers: July 8, 1982

July 8, 2021 Whistler 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: A major recession hit North America in late 1981, with interest rates reaching up to 20%. Due to changes in the way school tax was calculated, increased road maintenance costs, and higher interest rates, property taxes in Whistler jumped 25% in 1982.

Question: How did you feel about paying your property taxes this year?

Bob Ellis – Businessman – Alpine Meadows property

We have a condo. That’s probably why my property taxes weren’t as bad as I expected.

With the homeowner’s grant, the taxes really weren’t too bad.

But I can see why some people who own houses are gasping.

Inge Nielsen – Gift Shop Operator – Commercial and Whistler Cay Heights property

I think it’s outrageous, I really do. What upsets me the most are the school taxes. Why do we have to support the entire school district?

We have one small school, and the facilities there certainly aren’t up to the level of taxes we’re paying.

Ken Hardy – Contractor – Brio property

I paid my taxes reluctantly. I feel the taxes are far too high for the product we’re receiving, particularly school taxes.

One thing that really piqued me was the $89,000 in the budget for golf course maintenance. How can you maintain something which isn’t even built yet?

Jan Simpson – Real Estate Agent – Alta Vista property

I didn’t pay them this year, and I haven’t paid them for two years. I get so many parking tickets and dog fines, I can’t afford to pay taxes.

The real problem is that school taxes, and the level of services we get, are way out of line compared to Vancouver.

Morley Forsyth – Advertising Sales – Gondola Area property

I feel taxes are very expensive for recreational property. I pay less in Vancouver and I get a lot more for my money.

I think the residents here should get together and protest.

Judy Waddingham – Travel Consultant – Whistler Cay property

I didn’t feel anything because I haven’t paid them yet.

Last year’s taxes were shocking – this year’s taxes are devastating.

Tag: Jan Simpson