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: There was a municipal election in Whistler in November 1982. Only three members of previous councils intended to run for positions, one for council and two for mayor, so many of the candidates (though active in the community and, for the most part, pretty well known) were unknown political quantities.
Question: What do you think the issues should be in the upcoming municipal election?
Vikki Fuller – Future Village store operator – Alpine Meadows
Sane and responsible planned growth.
Robin Crumley – Hotel Manager – Alpine Meadows
The main issue should be how Council plans to finance the Sports & Convention Centre. I’d also like to hear candidates’ ideas on the general direct the resort is taking. It’s important to keep the momentum up so I don’t think a caretaker Council is sufficient.
Pierre Trudeau – Insulation contractor – Alpine Meadows
I want to see candidates talk about things that are of interest to local residents like the Sports & Convention Centre.
Maybe they shouldn’t put so much emphasis on tourists and make this into a place where there’s something to do besides drinking and skiing.
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.
As we get further into each year we’re looking forward to seeing when the first snow fell. This week photos of snow in the valley turned up in 1982, 15 days later than 2018’s first snow on October 2.
1979
Tuesday night craft class – one of the many Adult Education courses currently being offered at the Myrtle Philip School. Left to right: Inge Neilsen, Jenny Busdon, Ruth Howells, Marilyn Willoughby and Kelly Fairhurst.
The logging truck that burned near Green Lake on Thursday.
Whistler Creek Lodge showing where the worker fell off the roof on Friday.
Cartoonist Tom Thomson stands in front of his cabin in White Gold Estates with the sign put up by the Whistler realtors in answer to his cartoon of September 26.
Edith Iles (right) makes her speech before giving Gay Guthrie the “Endurance Award”.
1980
Fire Chief Lindsay Wilson shows the Myrtle Philip kindergarten class the workings of one of the Whistler fire trucks. The visit was in recognition of National Fire Prevention Week.
The town shapes up! The addition of curbs and paving in front of the town centre approach really sets it off against the new snow on the mountains behind.
Long weekend parking problem! New curbs create a traffic problem outside the Whistler liquor store on Saturday just before closing.
The view of the Whistler United Pharmacy, now open for business in the Blackcomb Professional Building in the centre of Whistler Village.
Whistler’s first paved ski area parking lot! Grandview Blacktop crew paves the day skier parking lot in front of the base area daylodge.
This giant saw blade decorated and donated by Germaine Degenhardt is one of the prizes to be sold off at the Pemberton Lions Club auction on Thursday, October 23.
1982
A Whistler wonderland appeared overnight Sunday, October 17 with the season’s first snow in the valley.
DeMolay youngsters take full advantage of the first snow of the season and run through a very crisp game of flag football Sunday.
The world was someone’s living room – so who needs a TV when you can sit and watch the crowds stroll by in the municipal parking lot.
Newcomers and old-timers enjoyed tea and nibbles at the second annual Welcome to Whistler Tea put on by the Alta Lake Community Club in Blackcomb Lodge Sunday.
Whistler Council shows the signs of a gruelling three-hour public hearing held to discuss bylaws for the equestrian centre October 18.
Rich Miller outside Granny’s Food Emporium, which will open in Whistler November 1.
Pierre Trudeau, insulation contractor, Alpine Meadows.
1983
Connie Kutyn dismantles the stage in Village Square that helped feature entertainers all summer long. She and Al Bosse built it earlier this spring.
Two friends watch from the stands…
… as their classmates get started in the meet.
Winners of the Fire Prevention Week poster contest are, left to right: Madeleine Demries (gr. 3), Nicola Dedeluk (gr. 6), Jocelyn Willoughby (kindergarten) and Rachel Roberts (gr. 5), all students at Myrtle Philip Elementary School.
Building a log cabin is traditional work using a minimum number of modern conveniences. David Stary chisels a section to fit precisely the log beneath.
Whistler residents were delighted Wednesday to hear of $7.8 million worth of completion plans for the long empty convention centre. Plans for the building include a completely refurbished roof, atrium, theatre and tall, bright banners to orient visitors to its location.
1984
Part of the aftermath of last week’s severe flooding in Pemberton.
Farmer Tom Kempter lost close to 150 tonnes of hay when flood waters destroyed it last week. Kempter lost two-thirds of his winter feed for his livestock.
Tracy Comber was one of the many Whistler volunteers who flocked to Pemberton to help with the massive clean-up job. She helped with cleaning equipment at the flood-ravaged Pemberton High School which sustained about $500,000 in damage.
Whistler’s slo-pitch league almost became snow pitch this season, but Stoney’s pulled ahead before the flakes fell and won the championship in the 19-team league. Saturday’s championship game against the Gourmet Rainbow Reefers saw the Stoney’s crew win 14 to 8, and had some observers calling the league the Beer and Whine league by the end. Next year should be another interesting season as the Tapley A’s make their long awaited slo-pitch debut. Left to right: Norm Trottier, Lance Fletcher, Marianne Hardy, Dave Kipp, Paul Liakakos, Tim Malone, Val Jazic, Will Moffat, Sue Christopher, Dave Murphy, Barb Simpson, Wendy Jazic and Ron McCready.
The crowds begin to arrive – the Olive Chair loading area on Thursday.
Blizzard! The scene looking down the Green Chair during the snowstorm on Tuesday.
The shed at Mons the day after firefighters were on the scene attempting to put out the blaze.
1980
Election day in the Myrtle Philip School gym.
Two of the many Japanese ski writers who have been visiting Whistler lately – From Skier Magazine in Tokyo (l to r) Photographer ‘Dragon’, Writer ‘Ando’, and Toshi Hamazaki of Whistler.
The new “guard rails” installed to protect the Lift Company office windows from skis.
No diplomatic immunity here – Mons prepares to tow away the Question truck from the lift base.
1981
Students at Myrtle Philip School take a look at cameras through the ages.
Nancy Green, Prime Minister Trudeau and Hugh Smythe spend the day taking in Blackcomb.
The Prime Minister was also taken on a tour of the construction sites of Whistler Village.
An unusually bright and empty view of the bar at Tapley’s.
Whistler Mountain’s Franz Wilhelmsen and Peter Alder watch proudly as Whistler’s Black Chair carries passengers for the first time this season on February 21.
1982
Search and Rescue Squadron 422 from Comox dropped into Whistler last week for a mountain rescue training session.
Stretching, an essential when preparing for a race.
A few Crazy Canucks share a laugh at Dave Murray’s retirement part at Myrtle Philip School.
The first test run of the fire department’s latest addition proved it could be instrumental in putting out high level fires such as the one at Whistler Village Inn January 13.
Long before they started making snow at Olympic Plaza snow piles have provided endless amusement.
A parking attendant’s dream… This giant tow truck pulled into town the other day – and quickly pulled out again, much to the relief of nearby parking violators.
1983
Soaking up the sun (l to r) Rosilyn and Marlin Arneson and Bill Bode of Washington State relax before calling it a day Monday, February 21 after the first really warm one on Whistler Mountain.
Sjaan DiLalla tries out one of the ranges in one of the 29 “studio lofts” in the recently opened Crystal Lodge.
First place team members in the Team Supreme competition. The event, held at Blackcomb February 20, raised $2,400 for the BC Disabled Skiers Association.
Seppo Makinen and Sam Alexander discuss Whistler’s proposed new Zoning Bylaw No. 303 with Assistant Municipal Planner Cress Walker.
Cross-country skiers set off on the Whistler Cross-Country Marathon which was held over a 20km route Sunday, February 20.
1985
Art ’85 was hosted in the gym of Myrtle Philip School this past weekend.
During an introductory press conference Sunday at Crystal Lodge, Todd Brooker (far left) introduces members of the Canadian Men’s Alpine Team: (l to r) Felix Belcyzk, Chris Kent, Paul Boivin, Chris McIver and Jim Kirby.
Canadian blues man Long John Baldry and crew crank it out at The Longhorn Sunday.
