Tag: Whistler history

Whistler’s Answers: November 27, 1986Whistler’s Answers: November 27, 1986

November 27, 2025 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 1986.  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 November 1986, BC Place Ltd. presented three options for the long-term development of Lands North (today Village North) to the public at a public engagement event in the Conference Centre. At the time, BC Place Ltd. owned most of the land slated for development, apart from the section owned by the school district where Myrtle Philip School was located.

Question: What do you think of the three options for Lands North?

Geoff Power – Businessman – Alpine Meadows

None of the options really address the integration of locals, cabin-based and tourists. If you believe the three groups should mix, then you don’t put all the convenience parking in one part of Lands North, you spread it around town. Each option separates the local retail from the tourist-oriented shops. The important thing is that locals and tourists have a chance to mix. The beauty of what we’ve got here is the integration of locals and tourists.

Al Raine – Businessman – Brio

It’s not simply three options, it’s a little bit of each. They really made a mistake just asking people which option they want. But it was a wonderful exercise in stimulating people into thinking about what is possible, and we have an opportunity to go away and think about it. When we get into more detailed planning, we’ll have a better sense of what’s possible. I think there are some options they left out that hopefully will be explored.

Jon Paine – Building Consultant – Tapley’s Farm

As far as a preference, I prefer a combination between two and three. I’m quite excited about the whole thing. The expansion is looking very good and I’m impressed with Norm Hotson’s presentation of the options. My big concern with any of them would be that they don’t deal with convenience parking for the existing village. There’s a danger this could turn into tourist shops, bars and restaurants, and you would lose the mix of locals and tourists essential for a good resort experience.

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Whistler’s Answers: November 20, 1986Whistler’s Answers: November 20, 1986

November 20, 2025 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 1986.  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 November 1986, voters in Whistler elected Drew Meredith as their new mayor and put Jeff Wuolle, Sonya McCarthy, Paul Burrows, Craig MacKenzie, Diane Eby, and Ted Nebbeling on council. Of those elected, only Paul Burrows and Diane Eby had previously served on council. This was also the first where six councillors (or aldermen as they were then called) were elected, as previous councils had had only four.

Question: What do you think of Whistler’s new mayor and council?

Bill Irwin – Carpenter – Emerald Estates

I would say it’s good. Meredith took a strong stance on gambling, and it will be interesting to see if that remains. I think it’s a good change, generally. I find it humorous that all you have to do to become alderman practically is to run for it.

Colleen Fraser – Registered Massage Therapist – Whistler Ridge

I don’t think the two candidates for mayor were in conflict with each other. Drew Meredith won because of his own popularity, his high profile in the chamber and WRA, not because of a lack of good wok that Rodgers has done. Before one alderman could swing the other three, but now it will be hard for even a strong person in council to swing the others. So, I’m all in favour of a six-person council.

Harry Smith – Store Owner – Black Tusk

I’m glad to see they have some of the old members back and some new, aggressive ones coming in. It’s going to be an interesting session. And Whistler is growing so fast, I think it’s time we had the extra people. I like the idea of having new people, of a change. I think a new broom always sweeps a little better.

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Whistler’s Answers: November 13, 1986Whistler’s Answers: November 13, 1986

November 13, 2025 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 1986.  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: This one seems pretty self explanatory, so we think we’ll leave it there.

Question: Do you think Remembrance Day has meaning for the postwar generation?

Vic Knutson – Elevator Inspector – North Vancouver

For younger people, I suppose it doesn’t, because there hasn’t been any strife in their time. But as soon as they get to their teens, it usually comes home to them what it is. There are always exceptions, such as if they had a father who fought in the war. But it still doesn’t mean much until they get to their teens.

Lizz Ellerman – Jewelry Designer – Alpine Meadows

I don’t feel strongly about it, because there’s never been anything to touch me about it. I think my grandfather fought, but nobody in the family was killed. My girlfriend once wrote a poem about Remembrance Day, and it was neat that she could feel so strongly about it. But while I could appreciate the poetry, I couldn’t appreciate where she got her inspiration from.

Robert Bishop – Realtor – Whistler Cay Heights

Remembrance Day should have meaning for all Canadians. It was our fathers’ and grandfathers’ generations that gave their lives in the wars. After all, there was history before the Beatles. When I was growing up in a small town, Remembrance Day was a big thing, with a large parade. It should be a day to remind us how grateful we are for not going to war.

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Whistler’s Answers: November 6, 1986Whistler’s Answers: November 6, 1986

November 6, 2025 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 1986.  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: Whistler held a municipal election in November 1986.

Question: What do you feel is or should be the major issue in this election?

Linda Humphrey – Waitress – Whistler Cay

Housing. You have to pay more attention to local needs rather than focusing so much on tourism. There’s too much moving – there should be permanent housing, not housing done on speculation. A lot of landlords just rent for the summer and then kick people out in the winter. The community would benefit from a more stable population. It’s good that they’re building more hotels, but they will need people to work in them.

Larry Henderson – House Maintenance – Whistler Cay

The betterment of the community and the resort are one – you can’t have one without the other. I think employee housing is a big issue. It’s always been a sensitive area for people coming here as to whether the have a place to live. The growth is going along nicely in Whistler, better than before. Population, amenities, investment. But where can the people live who will work in the hotels?

Pat Parker – Bartender – Gondola

I think a bed tax and a resort tax are definite priorities. And it’s important that the money goes into local coffers because the local population shouldn’t have to pay the brunt of the tourist amenities. A one or two per cent addition to the price of a room is negotiable. Or the resort tax, which has been talked about, which would be an addition to retail tax. But that wouldn’t be as popular with the residents.

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