Tax relief now

 

How much longer do WhistlerÕs long time condo owners have to put up with grossly unfair property taxes?

IÕm talking about those of us owning Class 6 lodgings (Business and Other). Our recently received property tax notices tell us yet again that weÕll have to endure another incredible tax hike. Let me illustrate.

In 2005, IÕll be required to pay $7,221.87 for my 900 square foot, 25-year-old wood frame condominium in Tantalus Lodge. ThatÕs an incredible jump from my 2004 taxes of $5,531.42, not to mention my 2001 taxes when we ÒonlyÓ paid $3,692.45 for the same property!

Compare those rates to a similar unit in the Glacier, which has a higher assessed value, but whose owner is only required to pay 2005 taxes of $2,307.08. For reasons that defy explanation, that unit, which is a Class 1 (Residential) unit, is taxed at a much lower rate even though it is available for nightly rental by a very large corporation called ResortQuest.

I have fought the inequity of WhistlerÕs Class 1/Class 6 property tax situation all the way to the B.C. Court of Appeal yet my pleas and those of my fellow residents have fallen on deaf ears.

With all due respect to the municipality, there is no way that Whistler provides services that cost the exorbitant amounts that we are being taxed. For that reason, Mayor OÕReilly, I am appealing to you and your council to correct this festering and ridiculous property tax issue at the municipal level. Act now to end the tax gouging — before this fallÕs municipal elections — and help bring some property tax equity to all of the taxpayers of Whistler.

James T. Allard

Whistler

 

Dine and Dash Development?

In 1989 the Resort Municipality of Whistler put out a proposal call for summer amenities, its purpose to transfer our resort into a four-season destination. Three out of 30 proposal calls for summer amenities were accepted and awarded 1,200 bed units each — thatÕs the equivalent of approximately two Westin Resort and SpaÕs. There were several good proposals, according to Councilor Caroline Lamont, who was a staff planner at the time, that were beat out by the three that were accepted.

Two proposals have gone on as well managed world-class golf courses and have been fantastic assets in growing our summer business. These are the Nickalaus North and the Fairmont Chateau golf courses and estimates have their development costs in excess of $20 million.

The third accepted proposal was for a world-class tennis and golf practice facility which has never materialized. What was built fell far short of what was contracted for and what has been built has been neglected by its owners, the Holborn Group. ItÕs a disgrace to our community that the tennis facility has been allowed to fall into the state it is now and IÕm shocked the ownerÕs representative Jimmy Yap, in front of our Whistler Council last Monday night, threatened to close the facility for liability reasons if HolbornÕs demands for a reduced tennis facility and massive development rights were not granted.

These threats are not the actions of a community minded Developer. ItÕs a my-way-or-the-highway attitude, a dine-and-dash approach to development. I respectfully suggest to our Whistler Council that they tell Mr. Yap, Mr. Haibeck, and the Holborn group to turn right once they leave our run down and poorly managed tennis facility and take a left on Highway 99.

Please tell the Holborn Group to come back when they have enough change in their pockets from their proposed $200 million development to pay for the world class tennis facility that we were promised in 1989. The Chateau and Nick North delivered, itÕs past time for the tennis facility to deliver.

Stuart Munro

Whistler

 

Why the stereotypes?

RE: "The sound of business lost" (pique letters may 26th 2005)

"Yo play my song man!"

"Sorry dude, I don't have it"

"Yo you disrespecting me? What's your problem man? You won't play my song, I'm gonna come back with my cousin and shoot you!"

"I'm sorry, I don't have it"

"Listen man, I'm from Surrey! I'll come back here later tonight and stab you!"

The conversation between a friend of mine who was DJ'ing on May long weekend and a member of the "young crowd" that apparently terrorizes Whistler.

I encountered some of the "young crowd" outside the Alpenglow at about 11:30 p.m., fresh from a fight. After talking to them, I found out they were also from Surrey.

Another friend of mine ended up in a two on five fight with more of the "young crowd" — guess where they were from? Some friends and I were walking to Garf's when a car nearly ran us down. They were so close to us that someone I was with smacked the trunk of their car on the way by, which prompted them to get out and threaten to kick our asses. We didn't stick around to find out where they were from, but they were obviously not from Whistler.

Miss deSousa, before you start complaining about how horrible Whistler is, or blaming these events on our police or bylaws, maybe you should look to your own hometown first, seeing as you yourself are from Surrey. This long weekend was actually better than the last few. Arrests were down from 33 to 21 this year. Almost all of my friends decided to steer clear of the village that weekend because of the "thousands" of people who came up for the long weekend party.

Anyone who was out could clearly see that the majority of the people who were causing trouble were not from here.

 

Brandon Jackson

Pemberton

 

No to bylaw, yes to affordability

 

I found a couple of things disturbing in last weeksÕ edition of the Pique. First I donÕt agree with Alison TaylorÕs line of thinking in her column Affordability in a Resort Town .

She starts off by writing that because she is a reporter she is unable to form an opinion on the London Drugs issue. She then goes on to explain that she likes the idea of better selection and cheaper prices and that she would most definitely shop there. Well, whatÕs the problem Alison? Is it the issue of the size of the store? I canÕt believe that council is now trying to pass a new bylaw limiting the size of stores in Whistler. I know there is some opposition to London Drugs but I believe the majority of the community is in favour of this venture. Not to mention our guests, the lifeblood of this community, they would most certainly appreciate the better selection and cheaper prices. Our Council should do the right thing for the majority of residents and guests and quit these new bylaw shenanigans!

This store would not change the look of the village because most of the store would be underground in a space that has been vacant for a long time.

Alison goes on to say that Whistler is justifiably expensive because of the mountain biking & skiing in our backyard. While I agree we should pay a premium for this luxury, I think the premium is excessive due to peoplesÕ unending greed.

 

Tim Gorgichuk

Whistler

 

 

Another yes to London Drugs

I wish to express my opinion about the London Drugs presence in Whistler.

WeÕve been Whistler full-time residents for about nine years now, and also since then, London Drugs clients. Until now IÕve stayed away from Municipal politics. However, I feel that my opinion is important at this time.

I must say that although Whistler is our paradise, as locals weÕre quite frustrated with the high cost of living. The purchase, rental and municipal taxes on residential   dwellings   is simply unaffordable. In addition, weÕre receiving little value for the high taxes (such as no garbage removal or street lights) other than the luxury of living here.

Groceries and other commodities come at a premium of about 25 per cent compared to Vancouver prices and we have consistently found ourselves purchasing most items in the city when practical.

I find it offensive that council would try to lock out from Whistler a Canadian- owned business that would benefit our families and community in terms of bringing some sanity to pricing here.

I find it also distasteful that you are using zoning tactics to obstruct London Drugs, quite overtly. To me this is simply discrimination, both against London Drugs and to the community as consumers. To protect whom?

This obvious discrimination is quite contrary to my beliefs and most likely even to the Canadian Charter of Rights. IÕm not a legal expert, but I would not be surprised that council is leading us to a potential lawsuit, and therefore even more detrimental to us as Whistler citizens.

What is council doing to reduce our cost of living here? As a full time resident, IÕm simply disappointed.

Fred Ligeti

Whistler

 

Yes, too

I am writing in support of the development of a full London Drugs store in Whistler. I believe that a bylaw restricting square footage is wrong. In looking at the proposal, the store would still give the appearance of a small store in keeping with the concept of the retail stores in Whistler.

I believe that if the existing drug stores in Whistler had offered a range of products and services needed for the residents of and visitors to Whistler, then the need for a store such as London Drugs would not be in question. However, they did not and a London Drugs store will be of huge benefit to everyone.

If the municipality wants to be sustainable, having products available locally is one step towards this.

London Drugs is a B.C. company and not "a large international company" wanting to take over our town. I feel it is no different than IGA, Pharmasave, Earl's, Hy's, Eddie Bauer, The Gap, Roots or any other store that doesn't fit within the "boutique" feel that our elected officials seem to want.

Sandra Redmond

Whistler

 

Whistler comes through, again

Once again, the people of Whistler have donated, bought and volunteered to make the Used Book Sale a wonderful success! Just over $3,200 was raised, with $1,400 going to the library at Spring Creek School, and $1,800 going to the library at Whistler Secondary.

Many heartfelt thanks go out to those who made it possible: firstly, to Marketplace IGA for allowing us to hold the sale in front of the store, and also to TD Canada Trust, Nesters Market, and Whistler Public Library for being collection depots.

Thanks also go out to all the volunteers, who sorted books and manned the sale, including Libby McKeever, Kashi Richardson, Alix Nicoll, Kris Shoup, Angela Mellor, Lil Goldsmid, Leslee Wake, Lynn Sparks, Brenda Norrie, Andree Janyk, Alison Hunter and Jennifer Pringle. The Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium also stepped up to the plate as usual and transported books and tables, including members Bill Janyk, Margi McGraw, Stephanie Matches, and Lee Van Leeuwen; thanks to you all. Special thanks also go out to my ever-patient husband, Rick Reid, for collecting books from depots, transporting books, and turning a blind eye to the chaos in our garage for a month!

Finally, a big thank you to all of you who donated books to the sale, and also to all who came, saw, and boughtÉ your generosity is truly amazing!

Jane Reid, organizer      

Whistler

 

We would like to thank everyone who attended the benefit show in Poole Creek on May 7th. (Edited for space)

Extra special thanks to the musicians, our stage builders, our timber and equipment suppliers, our food and beverage suppliers, our artists, our ticket and poster printers, and our volunteers for the set-up, running and clean-up of this event.

Thanks also go to our neighbours for putting up with 700 extra people in town and to everyone who attended for being so well behaved, thoughtful and generous.

The event was a huge success of epic proportions and is being described as either the Best Party Ever or Party of the Century. Your efforts and donations raised over $11,000 and will provide Catherine with $6,000 to help cover her health care costs.

Thanks to all of our family and friends for being there for us during difficult times. Miko Roger and Catherine Power

Poole Creek

 

4H-ers go

On Saturday, May 14th, 2005, the D'Arcy/Pemberton 4H Club held their annual Judging Rally.

We would like to send a great big tail wagging thanks to the Whistler Dog Sledding Company. A big thanks to Amy for answering all our questions and four huge thank-you bones to Appollo, Tamarac, Spot and Abby for patiently showing us all how beautiful you are. A special

Congratulations to Abby for pulling her handler right off her feet. ÒYou Go Girl.Ó

Donna McLeod

Dog Leader

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

I studied English and learned to read the Economist.

I went to B-school and learned to understand the Wall Street Journal.

I participated in Leadership Sea-to-Sky and learned to read between the lines of the Pique and Question.

 

During the last year readers of this paper repeatedly had the opportunity to learn about Leadership Sea-to-Sky – a community leadership program of the Whistler Forum. As a participant of the first cohort I like to thank everybody who helped this program off the ground. Without your support this valuable program might not have started.

Let me summarize what the program is about:

Fifteen participants with various backgrounds, from the public and non-profit sector as well as from a variety of private organizations, got together for 10 months to learn about community issues as well as leadership in general.

The program started with an Opening Retreat that provided the opportunity to get to know the group participants in an out-of-town setting. It was the foundation of the program and enabled us to gain more from the upcoming learning days.

During these Learning Days we tackled big topics, such as Leadership concepts, First Nations, Economic Development & Diversification, the role of the Media, Health in the corridor. We discussed theory and reality with key representatives of various sectors, including Chief Gibby Jacobs and Chief Leonard Andrew, the three Mayors Hugh OÕReilly, Ian Sutherland, Elinor Warner, John Turner from the SLRD, John Nadeau from the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Lee Malleau, the Economic Development Officer in Squamish, UBC journalism professor Claude Amos, Bob Barnett and Tim Schulze from the local media, Dr. Lauren Shaw from the Health Sector and many, many more.

We learned from authorities and from each other.

We gained information and skills, built competencies and partnerships.

Last but not least we met people we might have not met otherwise. We built a network across our communities that allows us to understand the perspective of other stakeholders.

What do employers get out of the program?

Employers win through the better understanding their employee gains of our communities. They win because course participants get their work done faster: We now have a better idea of whom to call when certain issues arise.  

What does the sponsor get out of it?

That is the toughest one, especially if you donÕt know who sponsored you – as in my case. For some sponsors it is a matter of philanthropy, for others it is an investment in Human Resources. Not knowing who sponsors you makes you thankful to the delivering organization as such, the Whistler Forum.

What does the community get out of Leadership Sea-to-Sky?

One of the selection criteria for Leadership Sea-to-Sky is to verify that course participants are committed to work and live in the area. That way the Whistler Forum ensures that local leaders learn the tools to see the big picture within their communities:

Through Leadership Sea-to Sky I gained a higher level of understanding of what moves various groups in the Sea-to-Sky region. Open discussions during Learning Days allowed looking deeper into problems without the pressure to accept certain views. Thanks to the open mindedness of these discussions, everybody would contribute. The public was invited to various sessions, which again added broader perspectives to the discussions.

Furthermore, all participants are working in groups of three to five on community action projects, such as the Community/Friendship Trail between Pemberton and Mt. Currie, Connecting WhistlerÕs students to Whistler careers (a career planning program for Whistler Secondary students), ÒCulinary WhistlerÓ and SeniorsÕ Issues in the corridor. Some of these projects – like the one IÕm working on (Culinary Programs for Whistler) — will not be finished by graduation date on June 10. As a work group we are enthusiastic about the feasibility of the project that weÕd like to continue working on it until it is handed over to a key player in town.

What does the participant get out of the program? Everything.

During this year I was constantly reminded of how important this program is to our area: To understand the stakeholders, the impact of growth in the corridor, the fact that Whistler as a resort is maturing, etc., organized setups that challenge intellectually and facilitate solutions are required. I thoroughly enjoyed the more ÒacademicÓ or ÒphilosophicÓ discussions around leadership as they stimulated the brain and let me reflect on various situations. At the same time all topics are down-to-earth, hands-on and require practical attention. And again, every session of the program provided valuable networking opportunities.

Thank you to William Roberts and the board of the Whistler Forum for starting Leadership Sea-to-Sky.

Thank you to my sponsor for making it possible (conditio sine qua non - "without which it could not be" )

Thank you to the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Brent Leigh and John Nadeau, for giving me time off to attend various functions.

For anybody who is interested in attending the graduation luncheon of the first cohort with Guest Speaker Ardath Paxton Mann from Western Economic Diversification Canada on June 10, 12pm at the Westin Resort & Spa, call Mecki at (604) 932 5922 x 20.

Mechthild Facundo

Whistler