Tag: Whistler Answers

Whistler's Answers

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

June 3, 2021 Whistler 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—!

Whistler's Answers

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

May 27, 2021 Whistler Museum 0 Comments

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.

Whistler's Answers

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

May 20, 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/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.

Whistler's Answers

Whistler’s Answers: April 29, 1982Whistler’s Answers: April 29, 1982

April 29, 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/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%. While some buildings in the Whistler Village were completed, much of the first phase was still under construction. Construction of the Resort Centre (known today as the Conference Centre) began in March 1980 and was still ongoing in 1982. The original plans included an Olympic-sized ice rink, swimming pool, whirlpool, saunas, racquetball courts, squash court, restaurant and more. The proposed budget (not including operating costs) was in the $5.5 to 5.8 million range. In January 1983 the provincial government formed Whistler Land Co. Developments, a Crown corporation chaired by Chester Johnson to take over the liabilities and assets of the Whistler Village Land Company. Under Johnson the Resort Centre was reconstructed as a conference centre without the extra recreational facilities and construction was completed by 1986. You can find more information about the Resort Centre here.

Question: Would you be adverse to having any portion of your property taxes go towards finishing the Resort Centre?

Jim Crichton – Carpenter – Alpine Meadows

Yes. The original plan for the convention centre stipulated that the taxpayer was not to pay for it. Think it will be years before that thing is finished and I don’t want to be subsidizing it.

They should get a private developer to take it over and run it.

Barry Johnston – Social Psychologist – Alpine Meadows

I think everyone would say it depends on how much extra we have to pay in taxes.

If they did use our tax money, the Land Company would have to make a much closer accounting to property owners on how the money was spent.

David Kirk – Whistler Village Sports/Whistler Creek Ski Shop – Alta Vista

I would like to see a referendum held in order that some direction – whether it be positive or negative – be given the Land Company and municipality on this issue.

Charlie Doyle – Commercial Artist – MDC

I would be against having any portion of my property taxes going for that purpose.

It was a mistake on the part of the Land Company in estimating costs. Why should we bail them out? They certainly don’t bail out my mistakes.

The centre means something to them only as developers. If they were really interested in the community, they wouldn’t have made it such an epic of a building.

If we were given some benefit, maybe we should consider it. But we’ll end up paying both as taxpayers and as customers once the centre’s finished.

Mark Sadler – Contractor/Developer – Multiple commercial & residential property owner

That’s a difficult question to answer. My basic answer is yes, I would be against having any portion of my residential taxes used to finance the sports centre.

I would like to see the major users – namely commercial establishments which benefit the most – pay towards the completion of it, and that statement comes from me as a property owner in the Town Centre.

Why should we taxpayers be responsible for problems incurred by poor management, inflation and other factors?

Drew Meredith – Real Estate Agent – Alta Vista

No, not at all. I’ve been waiting a long time to see that building finished and I’d be willing to put out out of my own pocket for it.

The addition of a full ice area and squash and racquet-ball courts will be a definite asset to the community. It’s not going to be any cheaper in the future.

I wouldn’t be against having my taxes go towards it, providing the Land Company repays the municipality in the future when the real estate market perks up again.