Tag: Whistler Museum

Whistler’s Answers: December 18, 1986Whistler’s Answers: December 18, 1986

December 18, 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: Bill Vander Zalm was sworn in as premier in August 1986 after winning the leadership race for the Social Credit Party. His party was then re-elected in the election in October. Vander Zalm remained premier until his resignation in 1991 following a provincial conflict of interest report regarding the sale of his Fantasy Gardens theme park.

Question: What do you think of the premier’s first months in office?

Lew Mearnes – Ski Tender – Nesters

Good. He is doing a good job. He’s positive. He has his pros and cons, but there are decisions that have to be made and it’s tough for anybody. He’s good with carrying on the Expo tourism tradition. And it he puts gambling up in Whistler, so be it, it will enhance the area economically. Yes, Bill and Lillian will do a fine job. I dressed up as Lillian on Halloween.

Vic Doyle – Hotel Maintenance – Village

I think he has done pretty well with what he had to work with. When anybody steps into a beehive, he’s going to get stung for a while. I don’t think there was much he could have done about the strike. I think they have a good man in there.

Elspeth Crickmore – Nurse – Vancouver

I think it’s too early to tell. He helped the forestry dispute along to a settlement, which is good. He’s very diplomatic, though hasn’t really said that much yet. His style is a good thing. I enjoyed him when he hosted the first minister’s conference in Vancouver. What he said to the other premiers and the prime minister regarding BC in the future was very impressive. He had some precise recommendations and issues at the conference.

READ MOREREAD MORE

Whistler’s Answers: December 11, 1986Whistler’s Answers: December 11, 1986

December 11, 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: Where will you park while you work this winter?

Larry Bach – Grocery Store Manager – White Gold

We have two stalls in the conference centre lot. I will have to park out in the day skier’s lot on some days, which isn’t too bad, even if you have to park there all the time. You have to get a space there early, so you can’t just come straight to work from skiing. This is the first year I’ve owned a car – I always used to walk.

Jill Allen – Shop Manager – Tapley’s Farm

I have no idea. I think I am just going to park in the A lot and get tickets and sic my dog on the ticket person.

Brian McLaren – Small Business Owner – Tapley’s Farm

I more than likely will buy a space downstairs. I’ve always been in management and had a space provided. But this is my own business, so I’ll rent a space in the Brandywine Building’s lot, where it’s secured parking. Lately I’ve been parking illegally near the Brandywine, but I don’t know how long I can get away with that.

READ MOREREAD MORE

Whistler’s Answers: December 4, 1986Whistler’s Answers: December 4, 1986

December 4, 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: The IWA (International Woodworkers of America-Canada) began job actions on June 19, 1986 after negotiations between the union and employers at that year’s Wages and Contract Conference deteriorated, largely over employers’ use of non-union contractors. The strike grew over the following months and many loggers and others in the forestry industry worked only a few days during a period of selective strikes. The strike ended on December 5 and was settled on the IWA’s terms.

Question: How is the IWA strike affecting you?

John Fryer – Potter/Merchant – Britannia Beach

I own a little gift and pottery shop, and it’s definitely showing up on my take. It’s way down, about 30 per cent. And I estimated I would be up about 20 per cent this year, so I’m down about 50 per cent from my projections. I guess it’s because people are spending what little they have on essentials.

Brian Head – Boom Boat Driver – Squamish

I worked three days back in August, driving piles for a new log dump. Right now I’m trying to find out where I’m going to get money from to pay the Hydro, telephone and rent. I sold my house, just before I lost it. It was like a fire sale, I didn’t get anything for it. I can’t afford insurance or repairs for my truck, and I couldn’t afford gas anyways, so I’m just walking. You tread water as fast as you can, but you just keep going down.

Lou Mckay – Faller/Cafe Owner – Squamish

I’m a logger and my four sons are loggers. The five of us had just got a contract together with MacMillan Bloedel when they had to shut down. I would have been working 2 1/2 months, instead of the six days we did work. I have this business. My sons have been working for a contractor in the Pemberton area. They’re lucky.

READ MOREREAD MORE

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.

READ MOREREAD MORE