Blog

Whistler effectively closed for business as COVID-19 spreads

B.C. declares public health emergency; bars and clubs ordered closed

Whistler is reeling after an unprecedented week of upheaval and change brought about by the ever-spreading novel coronavirus (COVID-19). And with confirmed cases steadily rising—including 83 new and 286 total in B.C., as of Pique’s weekly deadline on March 17—local officials are preparing for the long haul.…

There’s no playbook for this pandemic

There can be no doubt that we are living in a new reality. It feels like the very foundation of our community has been rocked and this has left us looking around for answers, guidance, and a path away from the abyss we’re facing.…

The world is crap; that doesn’t mean Whistler can’t celebrate its own

Nominees for the postponed Whistler Excellence Awards unveiled

Just because the community has ground to a screeching halt and the Whistler Excellence Awards are postponed doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be celebrating the best and brightest the resort has to offer. In fact, it’s even more reason to do so.…

How Whistler is staying fed through all the business closures

As restaurants shutter or move to takeout only, grocery stores adapt to rising demand

over the course of a day, the staff at Pasta Lupino did a complete about-face on owner Kevin Holland’s decision to close the Main Street restaurant. “It flipped in about a 24-hour period, where it went from ‘Why would we close?’ to ‘I think we should go home,'” explained Holland, who decided to close the doors of the Italian eatery hours after Whistler Blackcomb announced it was closing for a week (Vail Resorts has since said it will likely remain closed for the season) and two positive cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Pemberton.…

Free will astrology for the week of March 19th

ARIES (March 21-April 19):
Lyric poet and Catholic friar Luis de León taught theology at Spain’s University of Salamanca from 1561 to 1571. Sadly, he offended the Inquisition when he translated the Bible’s erotic poem Song of Songs into Spanish.…

Letters to the Editor for the week of March 19th

Border should be closed to U.S. tourists This letter was addressed to MP Patrick Weiler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler and forwarded to Pique: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on March 18 that non-essential travel across the the Canada-U.S. border would be temporarily restricted.…

A season baked-in with life lessons

In keeping with the, how you say, je ne sais quoi, of the whole zietgiest of the moment, a unique moment if for no other reason I get to use both French and German in the same sentence, I have to pose a perennial question I’ve never before posed in the middle of March…or at the end of March for that matter. So, what kind of season was it?…

How to care for yourself or someone else with COVID-19 at home

The government has provided advice on how to protect yourself and others in the home, as well as those in your community

If you’ve been infected with COVID-19 and live alone, avoiding contact with other people is the best way to prevent the spread of disease in your community. However, if you live with family, roommates, or a partner, complete self-isolation might not be possible.…

Employees can refuse unsafe working conditions

Employers need to maintain safe workplaces, know options for refusals

Canadian law firms are weighing in on what employers can or cannot make employees do as the country continues coping with the COVID-19 onslaught. Top of mind for employers may be the ability of employees to refuse work if they believe a co-worker could infect them.…

45 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing provincial total to 231

There are now 231 cases of COVID-19 in B.C., after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed 45 new tests Wednesday. Thirteen people are now in hospital, seven of whom are in intenstive care, said Henry.…

Lil’wat artist’s painting now part of Audain Art Museum collection

Museum acquires Levi Nelson’s Nations in an Urban Landscape

Last week, Levi Nelson became the first Lil’wat Nation artist to have a piece in the Audain Art Museum’s permanent collection. His oil painting, Nations in an Urban Landscape, is only the second contemporary acquisition to be made under the auspices of Curtis Collins, executive director and chief curator of the museum.…

Canada’s big banks, credit union announce mortgage payment deferrals

Big Six and Vancity offering up to six months payment free for mortgage holders unable to make payments due to pandemic

Canada’s big six banks are offering mortgage payment deferrals for up to six months for homeowners who are unable to make payments because of the COVID19 pandemic. Neil Parmenter, president of the Canadian Bankers Association, tweeted March 18 that RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC and National Bank would put the program into place “effective immediately.”…

B.C.’s search and rescue groups urge safety as people use the outdoors for social distancing

As people flock to the great outdoors in order to practice social distancing, B.C.’s search and rescue groups are reminding everyone to plan ahead and stay safe while adventuring. While there hasn’t been a great surge in callouts so far, North Shore Rescue team leader Doug Pope says he’s definitely noticed more people out on trails and even using local greenways as they look to safely maintain social distance while keeping busy amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.…

Whistler Blackcomb to open designated uphill skiing routes on both mountains

Access will be available to the general public—no Epic Pass necessary

Amidst the near-constant updates related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, here’s one from Whistler Blackcomb (WB) that may put a smile on skiers and riders’ faces. WB announced today that it would open designated routes for uphill skiing on both mountains.…

Vail Resorts updates financial position following COVID-19 impact

Negative impact of US$180M to $200M anticipated

Even with the current closure of all of its North American resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Resorts believes it is in position to weather the COVID-19 crisis. In an update to its prior statement released on March 9, Vail CEO Rob Katz said the company, which operates 37 mountain resorts and urban ski areas, is anticipating a negative impact in the range of US$180- to $200-million compared to its Resort Reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) as of March 1.…