(This letter was addressed to B.C.’s public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, health minister Adrian Dix, Premier John Horgan, Whistler’s mayor Jack Crompton, Whistler Blackcomb COO Geoff Buchheister, and MLA Jordan Sturdy, and shared with Pique.)
I am writing to you to add my voice to the chorus you have already heard from regarding proof of vaccine to be required to board any gondola lifts on Whistler Blackcomb.
To let you know a bit about myself, my husband and I have been residents of Whistler since 1973. I have held a season’s pass every year since. I have spent 17 years as an elected representative, seven years as mayor of Whistler. I have raised my family here. I know the community well.
Presumably for internal business reasons, Vail Resorts has determined that it will not require proof of vaccine from any guests using its gondolas. It has indicated it will only change that position if it is subject to an order from you to do so. You have not issued such an order to date notwithstanding your authority to do so. It seems that you are relying on a determination that gondolas are outdoor spaces and therefore users are not at risk.
I am not an engineer or a scientist, but I can tell you from my many years of skiing that riding with up to nine other occupants in a gondola car with little in the way of ventilation is not outdoor space. Add to that the fact the occupants are likely unknown to each other. Further, there is no viable enforcement mechanism to ensure mask utilization in the gondolas. In my view, this is an invitation to an inevitable poor result. It also appears to be inconsistent with other directives and begs the question as to the rationale.
Whistler has already suffered unduly in my opinion, from inaction from the province—the number of COVID-19 cases in January to March earlier this year due to a refusal to enact reasonable travel restrictions; the closing of many local businesses after the mountains shut down immediately after the tourists left at the end of March break; the ongoing struggle to find workers after so many have left town.
It is likely that Vail Resorts’ decision and your inaction to order otherwise will contribute to another challenging winter season for the community of Whistler.
Please reconsider.
