Tag: Whistler Question

Whistler’s Answers: September 30, 1982Whistler’s Answers: September 30, 1982

October 1, 2021 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 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 October 1981, a severe rainstorm washed out the M Creek bridge on Highway 99 and nine people were killed as a result. In 1982 a new steel spar bridge was being built over M Creek and was expected to be completed by November. That September, comments attributed to North Vancouver Highways Manager Ron Winbow implied that there were delays in the completion of the bridge, though this was refuted by Highways Minister Alex Fraser. Failing to complete the bridge before the ski season would have made it much more difficult for skiers and other visitors to travel from Vancouver, potentially discouraging them from coming to Whistler.

Question: What do you think of the possibility that M Creek Bridge might not be completed for the ski season?

Lance Fletcher – Restaurant Owner – Whistler Village

I’m not happy. There’s just no excuse for their lousy attitude. The government has had nothing but problems with that road. It’s going to be 20 years before things improve if they take this long with all the bridges.

Glen Ashton – Property Manager – Alpine Meadows

It’s definitely going to hurt Whistler as a whole. It would be nice if Council would apply some pressure on the government to get it resolved.

Dave Rowan – Credit Union Manager

It looks to me like the government has projects that rank a higher priority than satisfying a small number of people up here. Everyone knows the financial shape the provincial government is in as well.

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Whistler’s Answers: September 23, 1982Whistler’s Answers: September 23, 1982

September 23, 2021 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 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: Pat Carleton was elected as Whistler’s first Mayor in 1975 and served multiple terms during which the Resort Municipality of Whistler opened a sewage treatment plant, developed infrastructure, and began developing the Whistler Village. In September 1982, after seven years of being the only mayor Whistler had known, Carleton announced that he would not be running for another term.

Question: What was your reaction to Mayor Carleton’s announcement that he will not run again?

Robert Bishop – Real Estate Salesman – High Forest

I’m sure it’s been a hard job and he’s probably really been feeling the strain in the last few years. It’s nice to see he has the wisdom to know when to step down.

Norm Lock – Appliance Repairman – Emerald Estates

I think he’s done a good job – he represented us well with things like lobbies in Victoria but I also think it’s time for a change.

Sid Young – Travel Agency Owner – Alderman – Alpine Meadows

It’s always a pity when a man such as Pat, who has given so much to the community over the years, decides to retire. There’s no doubt in my mind that his experience and drive will be sorely missed.

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Whistler’s Answers: September 16, 1982Whistler’s Answers: September 16, 1982

September 16, 2021 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 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: The Mountain Development Corporation was an initiative to provide affordable housing for Whistler residents through the development of Tapley’s Farm. Shareholders became the first owners in the neighbourhood and in December 1980 lots were drawn at a large party. Restrictions were put on the lots, including that all homes had to have a covenant restricting ownership to Whistler employees and that the Resort Municipality of Whistler had a right of first refusal on any subsequent sale of lots. When some lots were sold during the recession of the early 1980s, the RMOW passed on their right of first refusal and the covenants on such lots were removed. This meant that lots that had been passed on could be sold at market prices, rather than a formula price.

Question: Do you think MDC owners should be able to sell their lots at other than formula price?

Don Gamache – MDC lot owner

I’ve been thinking about that lately. Yes, I think the owners should be able to sell their lots at any price, but I don’t want to see a bunch of open property dropped on the market just to turn over a dollar. The lot should be developed and maybe owned for a couple of years before it’s sold.

Mike Culwell – interested bystander

No, I think the system was set up a certain way which everyone agreed to at the time so they should stick to it. Nine tenths of the people I know will scream at me for saying this but they knew the rules when MDC was started.

Roland Kentel – ex waiting list member

The answer to that is simple. Yes. There’s nothing to expand on. It’s a legal contract. The municipality refused when they had right of first refusal so owners are free to sell their lots on the open market.

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Whistler’s Answers: September 9, 1982Whistler’s Answers: September 9, 1982

September 9, 2021 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 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: When Eldon Beck designed the Whistler Village, he intended for people to get a little lost. In 1982, however, some people were having a bit more trouble than expected. The Village was still under construction, subdivisions weren’t always clearly marked, and there weren’t all that many maps around for those finding their way. Even the signs on the highway were less direct than they are today.

Question: Have you had any problems finding your way around Whistler?

Karin Strom-Gundersen – Vancouver

I think everything seems to be fairly straightforward. There’s definitely adequate signage.

Last time we were here we went cross-country skiing and had no problems.

The only thing we didn’t realize and it might confuse other people – is that there’s two parts to Whistler: the old section down by the Husky and the new centre here.

Carolyn Henshaw – Delta, BC

None!

Axel Andkide – Essex, Ontario

It’s been fairly easy getting around. I would say we had no problems whatsoever.

This is the first time we’ve come here. We drove up from Horseshoe Bay and there was no problem in finding the place or finding our way around.

We’ve really enjoyed it.

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