Everyone I know, including myself, believed that Bill Barratt had served his time and was ready to retire especially when he announced on Monday Jan. 17 that he would be retiring in June. As you can see by all the media accounts below, the only indication of anything different is the now-released court documents Barratt initiated Sept. 22/11. To quote from Barratt's lawyer it caused damage to his reputation because it resulted in Whistler residents believing his employment was terminated for just cause.
Newspaper reports on the issue include these:
Pique
Jan.19, 2011- "If the debacle had anything to do with his decision to retire, he didn't let on Tuesday. He said council had known about his plans to retire following the Olympics since they were elected in 2008."
Also on Jan. 19, 2011 in
Pique
- "The RMOW confirmed Barratt's retirement on Friday following a flurry of Twitter and Facebook posts about the news. Barratt said Tuesday that he would stay until the end of June to give council ample time to hire a replacement."
"Certainly it's something that I have contemplated for some time, he said Tuesday."
On Jan. 13, 2011
Pique
reported - "We can confirm that Bill Barratt is retiring... Unfortunately, he is out of town today and not available for comment," Senior Communications Officer Melissa Darou wrote in an email to reporters on Thursday.
On Aug. 10 2011 Pique reported- "My advice to Mike would be to take this time to understand the dynamics of Whistler," said the recently retired Barratt, before heading to a golf game at Nicklaus North."
Did anyone in Whistler by reading the above think Bill was terminated?
I didn't...
Tim Koshul
Whistler
Creative entrepreneurship needed
I am a keen cross-country skier who is concerned with the long-term sustainability of the facilities in the Callaghan Valley. The Callaghan Valley offers such a diverse range of skiing opportunities I find it disturbing that the Whistler Sport Legacies Society has opted to terminate the previous commitment to Callaghan Country in favour of spending even more tax payer's money on developing the new "Madeley Highline" trail.
For the past four years, Nordic skiers have enjoyed 92 kilometres of excellently groomed and scenic cross-country ski trails for the price of one ticket. The success can be measured in the annual growth in visitation.
It's no secret that the Callaghan Valley is the place to ski in B.C. If the management of Whistler Olympic Park can't make a success of the original $125 million VANOC investment, the annual stipend from the $110 million Games Operating Trust and the $6.2 million emergency bailout that was recently revealed, then it is really questionable whether an additional $1.6 million investment from the public purse in a new trail will be the key to long-term sustainability.
WOP's immediate financial ailments will not be cured by developing more trails, but rather the application of creative entrepreneurship, and by working with others to promote the diversity of the spectacularly beautiful Callaghan Valley.
Alan Stockwell
North Vancouver
New council needed for Whistler university to go ahead
The council meeting on September 20 was very interesting. The Post Secondary Report, a $50,000 cost to the taxpayer, was presented to Council and confirmed what WhistlerU has been saying for five years. It stated that Whistler needs to take advantage of the opportunities that abound by attracting a post-secondary program.
The Council usually "receives" such reports and refers them to staff for comment, thereby giving the public a chance to respond. Instead, in this case, Council "endorsed" the report and its recommendations. An interesting approach when the consultant could not answer three of the questions asked by Councillor (Ralph) Forsyth.
Councillor (Eckhard) Zeidler correctly asked, "Do we know what we are endorsing?"
No answer was forthcoming from either councillors or staff.
Hence, one of the recommendations "endorsed" was that the post-secondary entity be operated as a non-profit even though the only university in B.C. set up as a non-profit is struggling to make ends meet.
Council also heard a proposal from Capilano University to do a feasibility study on offering some programs in current infrastructure. This is an idea that WhistlerU has already market tested in the major agent fairs in Asia and Europe to find it has little opportunity of attracting the International client needed to be successful.
So when the government has just declared that one of the major economic strategies is to increase the number of international students by 50 per cent over the next four years, the RMOW is looking at doing yet another feasibility study. (In the interests of full disclosure and transparency, I need to point out that as recently as September 19 WhistlerU and Capilano University's President were discussing the option of Capilano University and WhistlerU partnering on the Learning Campus, which WhistlerU would be happy to do).
WhistlerU agrees completely with the suggestion that now is the time for post secondary in Whistler and we agree with the programs recommended in the report. They align entirely with our proposal. WhistlerU also agrees with the consultant that the time to act is now.
WhistlerU is the only proponent that offers zero risk to the community in that we would be entirely privately financed. We are the only proposal that brings the economic benefit of the jobs that come with constructing and operating a phased in campus.
When I see, Hi Brooks' Street to Peak closing on September 20th leaving yet another store front in the upper village empty, I am bothered that the council meeting spent so much time talking about such issues as access to Fitzsimmons Berm, and what colour the banners in the parking lot should be.
I am bothered by the inconsistent approach to dealing with reports that matter as was demonstrated by the asphalt fiasco and now the post-secondary report. I was also dismayed by the inappropriate and likely illegal procedures that ended the meeting.
We need a council that understands that the faltering economy is the issue, a council that understands that WhistlerU's Learning Campus offers real, relevant and immediate help, and a council that understands a diversified economy is long overdue.
We need a council that grasps what WhistlerU could do not only for the Village economy but also for the survival of Function Junction and Creekside businesses.
As a resident, and after last week's council meeting, I have now joined the ranks of those who believe November 19th cannot come soon enough and that significant change on council is needed.
Doug Player
Whistler
Enough is enough
The smell of toxins entering our home this Saturday morning (Sept. 24, 2011) was unbearable. It is extremely disappointing that B.C. laws and municipality enforcement are unable to protect the local community it strives to protect. We have endured countless mornings and afternoons with these toxins roaming through our own bedrooms, living-rooms, homes, streets, hiking/biking trails and the complete (Cheakamus Crossing) community. How is it that we have national and provincial laws, which protect individuals/communities from second-hand smoke, car-idling, noise complaints, etc. and NOTHING for this clearly disruptive asphalt plant delivering toxins right into each of our homes and each living being living in the area?
Should we (the local Whistler CC community) be stripped of those rights? How is it that we are still enduring this health inflicting assault? Should matters be taken into our own hands?
The current municipality system has failed. Allowing and accepting this to continue this long is incomprehensible. Numerous local Whistler residents and newly proud CC homeowners have politely reached out to each of you asking to put an end to this madness and nothing to this date has been done. We are the lifeblood of this town and you have chosen to standby and do nothing. Why, I ask again, is it that we must endure one more day of it?
Dave Harroch
Whistler
Over-policed?
On the heels of the piece last week by Leslie Anthony, "a police incident" ( Pique Sept.22, 2011) I felt the need to share my opinion.
As a front desk staff member in town many times have I had to call the police with incredibly slow response times. So when I read pieces like Mr. Anthony's, and have the experiences that I have it really makes me question if time and taxpayer's money are being well spent. Why are (the police) too busy to quickly respond to calls, but not too busy to waste time looking for problems?
I have lived in Whistler for four years now. The level of over-policing I have experienced far exceeds what I have seen anywhere else in Canada. We live in a town that thankfully, the majority of the time doesn't experience many real problems.
Perhaps the police force should enjoy that fact the same way the residents attempt to. I have never witnessed the over-enforcing of small by-laws to the extent, or in the manners I see in this town. Nor have I ever seen the police actively look for reasons to harass or arrest in the way I have here.
Whether it be traffic stops with very obviously no reason, or incidents such as the one in Mr. Anthony's article, it seems in Whistler anything goes as far as the police are concerned.
It's not February 2010 anymore. There's not a worry of terrorists. It's beers or bongs in bags at the beach, not bombs. You're not serving or protecting anyone or anything but the force budget by levelling fines with no common sense involved. Quite frankly, in many interactions between residents and police the only illegal things taking place are the actions of the police. officer(s).
Ask yourself, is it worth it? Both the time/money you're spending, and the respect you are losing.
Colin Kennedy
Whistler
Pay Parking Unfair to Volunteers
The new pay parking regulations, as I see it, are a slap in the face to the many people that volunteer for the many worthwhile organizations in Whistler and on Whistler Blackcomb Mountains. Volunteers should not be charged for donating their time. Volunteers are the backbone of many groups such as WASP, AWARE, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Village Host programs, Whistler Backcomb and many of the worthwhile events that help make Whistler what it is.
As far as I am concerned locals should NOT have to pay, period, for parking. People that live in Squamish/Whistler/Pemberton are the backbone of the economy of Whistler. It is NOT our fault that the RMOW has out-spent their means.
The Squamish commuter has now been scrapped. Now commuters must pay for parking? That is crap.
I have an idea. Why doesn't the (Resort Municipality of Whistler) set up tolls, one at Wedge Woods and one at Function Junction and charge everybody a toll to visit Whistler, that way the RMOW can recoup some of its losses for the over spending it has done over the years.
This summer I spent more time in Whistler on weekends to visit or to volunteer than I have in the last 15 years. Why? Because of free parking and free concerts. I can remember when there was no pay parking anywhere in Whistler. Guess what? The village was always packed. Now the village is empty. If the RMOW truly wants the village to be busy then get rid of the pay parking in at least the Day Lots.
Something else to think about. Do you see any pay parking in Pemberton or Squamish or even at the Provincial Parks? No you don't. Want to know why? Because those are areas want people to visit and spend their money in. RMOW, do yourself a favour and STOP nickle and diming people to death.
I hope the people of Whistler will make the pay parking an election issue in November.
Gord Gunner
Squamish
No to Hillside development
(Editor's note: the Pemberton Hillside is the location for the Ravens Crest Development)
Pemberton is about to embark on a dangerous path if development on the Hillside and the associated Agricultural lands is approved. Some of Pemberton's council and Pemberton's mayor presume that Pemberton residents desire thousands of homes covering the hillside and large, permanent concrete structures smothering the unique and fertile soil of our food lands.
This development removes agricultural land from our precious supply, it directly destroys the biking trails in the area and it does not represent the wishes of our community.
Current council and mayor will change in the next election.
This extraordinary decision that could forever change Pemberton from a stable farming community to an unstable housing community with little underlying economy, should not be made before the next election.
Jennie Helmer
Pemberton
Case for development not made
We are writing to express our dissatisfaction with (Pemberton) council's apparent rush towards the development of the Hillside property. A re-zoning application that would allow for immediate development passed its first two readings in council on the very morning that the by-law permitting such re-zoning was in public hearing, not yet itself passed.
While we understand the Ravens Crest bylaw was not being directly discussed at the public hearing, it was certainly relevant information. The mayor commented and responded to many of the questions posed, however, any question that hinted at the Ravens Crest proposal was quickly rejected as off topic.
We are not planning experts, nor are we well versed in the minutiae of these processes. We are taxpayers and voters informing council and staff that we are paying attention and from our perspective the case for the proposed development at this time has not been made.
Niki Vankerk and Anna Helmer
Pemberton
Life is full of risks
Interesting column from an ex-Lawyer in Maxed Out (Pique Sept. 22, 2011). Interesting point in saying that: "Until people and businesses and governments step up and voluntarily accept responsibility for their negligent acts - inadvertent though they may be - that end up injuring other people, we'll need to have lawyers to do the suing for us."
So wouldn't the clients that Ms. Wilhelm-Morden is currently representing fall under that category? I'm really sorry that one lost a loved one after walking out of bounds, without any supplies, or the ability for self rescue, then got lost and couldn't get back. But the mountain didn't tell you to go there, your mind did and your feet took you there.
Sue Whistler Blackcomb because you fell on a well-marked trail? Sue WORCA because you had a crash with someone during a Loonie race?
In life people get hurt. Everything you do has options and risks associated with it, which are all your choices. The smart people in life know what the risks are and will hedge against them, or at the least be prepared for a worst-case scenario.
Now I understand that Ms. Wilhelm-Morden has a job to do, but I'm not sure that someone with ongoing lawsuits against most major organizations in Whistler is the best person to run the town. At the least I see a conflict of interest, but then again, I'm not a lawyer.
Max has always taken a stance on elections and supported whomever he thinks would do the best job. I do remember several elections ago though when he flip-flopped back and forth between Dave Kirk week-to-week because he couldn't actually remember what Kirk had accomplished in his term and had to be reminded.
But trying to slag a current councillor (Ralph Forsyth) who is running for mayor by saying that he is just a ski teacher is like saying that you don't know anything because you were a glorified money collector for the mountain. Why don't you brush up on your knowledge and see what Ralph has been up to over the last six years? (http://www.ralphforsyth.com/?page_id=4 <http://www.ralphforsyth.com/?page_id=4>
This also reminds me once again why I feel your columns are like episodes of Saturday Night Live. Once they were good, but that was a long time ago.
Chris Armstrong
Whistler
Pay parking and transit cuts
It doesn't make any sense to me that all the parking in the village day lot will be pay parking as of Nov 1st. In the meantime the municipality is cutting back on the services of the transit system in Whistler. I don't get it. If it's a money issue why is the Number 6 bus, which services the Upper Village, still a free bus? Just charge a regular fare like all the other buses that service the valley.
Stephan Lapointe
Whistler
Peaceful and Heartfelt Gratitude
Thank you to all those who took action for peace it was a beautiful and successful week of peace initiatives. Thank you very much to the many volunteers, sponsors and supporters! May we always find our way to inner peace!
Caterina Alberti,
CEC Chair, International Day of Peace in Whistler
WheelUp thanks
I would like to thank all of the sponsors and volunteers of the 2011 18 th Westside WheelUp in support of the BC Disabled Ski Team. This has become a community effort. Thank you. This year we raised over $4,000.
Special thanks go to Whistler Blackcomb, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Edgewater, Whistler Brewing Company, Colin Scotty Green - course setting sweep, Fabio, a.k.a, Paul Fournier - great music, Patty at registration, Stef, the queen of raffle sales, Vesa Suomalainen - timing, webscorer.com volunteers, Rollo, the tarp man, Lester Claire, founder, Yellowman (Ken), setting up site, Eric Crowe, site access, RMOW's Judith McKenzie for facilitating the event and the RCMP and Fire Department.
Thanks also go to Rim Rock, Whistler for the Disabled, Araxi, Whistler Brewing, Nesters, Creekside Market, The Grocery Store, Cheakamus Challenge, Pique Newsmagazine , Splitz Grill, Toad Hall, Showcase, Terasen Gas, Sabre Rentals, Husky, Alpine Café, La Bocca, Wildwood, Katmandu, McCoos, Fanatyco, Evolution, Fineline, Skiis and Bikes, Southside Diner, Summit, Roland's Pub, Barney's Auto, Whistler Bike Co, Sportstop, Sushi Village, Comfort Foods, The Fix Bike Shop, Chromag, Ryder Eyewear, Whistler Kaytering, Tapleys, SMD Automotive, Black's Pub, Samurai Sushi, Photo Source and Surefoot.
Phil Chew
Head Coach BC Disabled Ski Team
Courtesy please
I am writing to express my anger at the treatment I received Tuesday during the Council meeting question period (Sept.20, 2011).
Too often I have seen the mayor rudely cut off, interrupt and undermine those who are asking valid questions. That those on the receiving end are almost all residents of Cheakamus Crossing, or their supporters, is troubling.
These same people have successfully exposed bungling, bad judgment, misinformation, and incompetence at municipal hall on the asphalt issue.
You are all directly, or by association, responsible. The disdain and patronizing displays resemble punitive behaviour. I have had enough.
Your experiment in social engineering has failed miserably. Defying your own bylaws by ramming through ridiculous variances that allow for less than 75 per cent of the required parking was a farce. Strong-arming us to abandon our vehicles for a non-existent bus service while all of you operate multiple vehicles from your large driveways is infuriating.
There just isn't enough parking at Cheakamus Crossing.
We cannot accommodate our own vehicles let alone those of our guests. There are also the daytime dog walkers, skiers, bikers, hikers, Sea-To-Sky trail users, contractors and service people, all who NEED to park. When a representative of the WDC visited us Tuesday regarding home warranty issues, he was forced to park illegally on the road. Like the "nose stretcher" spun to us by WRE over the asphalt plant's imminent move, we were also promised an abundance of parking, especially for our RVs, second and third vehicles just before they collected our deposit cheques.
While there are many vacant lots in the complex, most are unsuitable for parking. They provide cover for squatters, bonfire addicts, partiers and not enough scrutiny. The paved lot on Legacy Way is the only option, precisely because it is central and visible. It is a parking lot and was always meant to be for residential overflow, guest and commercial parking. It gets ploughed in the winter because the contractor uses it as staging area, storing their trucks, blades and equipment. No further insurance is required because it enjoys the coverage of the municipality's blanket liability coverage.
Yet you have now taken this away. Worse still, was the arrogance and bungling in the process you followed causing fear and panic across the neighbourhood. There wasn't an "information session"; no recourse was offered- just a demand to move our vehicles in eight days or else.
Why are we being subjected to this? Councillor Ralph Forsyth said to me: "I went down to see the parking lot for myself and was appalled by the sight of all the trailers and potato chip trucks." How wrong is that? Why should Ralph or anyone else be inspecting our parking lots? Why must we suffer this paternalistic scrutiny? We haven't broken the law. We are just living our lives the way the WDC sold it to us, using the parking we were promised.
Claiming these vehicles are unsightly is outrageous. If a vehicle is legal, road worthy, licensed and insured it is acceptable. If it is derelict, abandoned or obviously someone's sleeping quarters, make bylaw do their job, post a notice then, seven days later, ticket and tow.
The argument that the truck, trailers and older model cars are impacting sales of the market value properties is a complete farce. Do you think a tenant for the restaurant space may actually be found with boulders blocking the only parking option for that facility (or the other three commercial units)?
The sales problem lies in the economy, plus the asphalt plant coupled with the quarrying operation. Unsightly cars are way, way down of the list of culprits. Plant some more tress, paint some lines, designate an area for commercial and recreational vehicles and allow the neighbourhood to develop into the jewel it has the potential to be.
And when an earnest, polite and deferential citizen tries to make a valid point about your mistake, show some courtesy.
Adam Protter
Whistler
