Blog

B.C. unemployment rate spikes to 11.5% as nation reports worst job losses in recent memory

B.C. continued its historic job-market slide in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, seeing the unemployment rate spike to 11.5% in April from 7.3% the previous month, Statistics Canada said Friday. The provincial figures follow the general trend across the nation, where every province reported an unemployment rate higher than 10%.…

A ski pioneer from coast to coast

Legendary Canadian Ski Hall of Famer Lorne McFadgen’s legacy looms large over Blackcomb Ski School

From Wayne Gretzky winding down on Broadway to Michael Jordan taking the last jumper of his career in Washington, it’s fairly common to see legends ply their trade in a new and unfamiliar locale late in their careers. Such was the case with Lorne McFadgen.…

Finding silver linings

I’ve always been a complainer. While I try to deliver my grievances with a dose of humour, if we’re moderately close and I’m feeling a feeling, you will know about it.…

Whistler council endorses reimagined housing projects

Projects in Nordic, White Gold set for further review

a pair of long-discussed private developer housing projects were again endorsed for further review at Whistler’s May 5 council meeting—and both look much different than in prior proposals. Both projects—one at 2077 Garibaldi Way in Nordic and one at 7104 Nancy Greene Dr. in White Gold—should be familiar to Whistler council watchers, as they’ve made multiple appearances on the agenda since first being submitted under housing guidelines for private developers in late 2017.…

COVID-19 cases rise steadily while B.C. looks ahead to reopening economy

The 33 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the past 24 hours was the highest in four days

B.C. continues to rack up significant numbers of new COVID-19 infections even as the province has announced plans for how it plans to loosen restrictions and reopen the economy. B.C. on May 7 recorded 33 new infections in the past day, for a total of 2,288 total infections since the first case was recorded in January.…

B.C.’s road to recovery: Curtain to rise slowly for Vancouver’s entertainment scene

Expect below-capacity screenings at cinemas, staff in PPE amid walls of partitions at clubs

While the cinema can transport audiences into strange worlds, visits will likely feel even more surreal for patrons who begin returning to theatres following March closures brought on by the pandemic. The B.C. government hasn’t set a date for allowing mass gatherings beyond 50 people, and the Cinematheque’s Ben Shockey isn’t “predicting that we’re going to have people banging down the doors immediately when we reopen.”…

What will B.C.’s ‘new normal’ look like in Whistler?

Mayor Crompton weighs in on provincial reopening plan

After 50 days of COVID-19 quarantine, B.C. officials are eyeing a four-stage reopening and a sustainable “new normal” for life in the province. But what that new normal looks like in Whistler—and for tourism—remains to be seen.…

B.C. reveals plan to resume surgeries postponed because of COVID-19

Government plans to pump an extra $250 million into getting the surgeries done

The B.C. government plans to spend $250 million in the next year in an attempt to reduce its surgical wait list that includes at least 30,000 needed surgeries that were put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic prompted the government to postpone about 14,000 surgeries, while an additional 16,000 would have been scheduled, but were not because the government wanted to ensure that there were sufficient empty hospital beds to accommodate any potential spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations.…

Quarantunes offers aural snapshot of pandemic

Hear Sea to Sky talent on new Vancouver compilation album

In the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s hard to remember that we’re living history. But what better way to dig into and capture the current cultural mood than with a compilation album of songs written and recorded in quarantine?…

McSkimming receives Jim Marshall Leadership Award

Whistler Blackcomb legend recognized for bevy of accomplishments

Many of Rob McSkimming’s most significant accomplishments with Whistler Blackcomb were in the mountain-biking realm, but that hasn’t stopped the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) from recognizing his all-season vision. On April 29, McSkimming was announced as the winner of the CWSAA’s 2020 Jim Marshall Leadership Award, which is given to someone who is “recognized for their exceptional skills and dedication to their chosen profession and has made meaningful contribution to the sport of recreational skiing.”…

Feds reach $4b deal with provinces for wage top-up for essential workers

It will be up to provinces to determine who qualifies

Some essential workers on the frontlines of the pandemic are set for a bump in pay. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday (May 7) the federal government has reached an agreement with all the provinces and territories for a wage top-up for essential workers.…

B.C. restaurants aiming for June 1 for reopening under social distancing guidelines

Weather and patios likely to play large role in success of eateries this summer

B.C. restaurants are looking at a possible June 1 reopening date, pending approval from WorkSafeBC, said the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association. Premier John Horgan largely bypassed details of how restaurants in the province will come back online during the B.C. Restart announcement on Wednesday, but he did mention that groups like the BCRFA are putting together guidelines specifically for the industry.…

Feds reach $4b deal with provinces for wage top-up for essential workers

It will be up to provinces to determine who qualifies

Some essential workers on the frontlines of the pandemic are set to get a bump in pay. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday (May 7) the federal government has reached an agreement with all the provinces and territories for a wage top-up for essential workers.…

Letters to the Editor for the week of May 7th

Fear should not influence COVID-19 policy I have been hesitant to submit this letter to Pique, given my profession.…

Now is the time to support WCSS

Like a spring blossom, the country is beginning to open up and let the sun shine in. By the time Pique’s out, we’ll know what Saint Bonnie has in store for those of us on the Left Coast and we’ve already heard from most of the rest of the provinces.…