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Employment sinks in B.C. with 8,400 jobs lost in September

Jobs in B.C. declined significantly on a monthly basis

B.C.’s dominance in the labour market took a sizeable hit when closing out the summer, shedding 8,400 jobs between August and September. Data released Oct. 11 from Statistics Canada also revealed a big disparity between the province and the nation, with Canada as a whole adding 54,000 jobs last month.…

Tourism Whistler is predicting a slight downturn this winter

Bookings down from U.K., Australia, while U.S., Mexico remain strong

Tourism Whistler (TW) is predicting a “slight decline” in room-night bookings to the resort this winter due in part to a softening global economy that is impacting a handful of key international markets. “Our forecast is based on economic trends and we’re looking at a slowing in the growth of our global economy,” said Karen Goodwin, TW’s vice-president of destination and market development, adding that tensions over Brexit and U.S.-China trade wars are creating economic uncertainty internationally.…

District exploring low-cost campground for vanlife tourists

Squamish also looking into new policies for year-round vanlifers

In the latest development in the vanlife saga, the District is trying to develop a low-cost campground in partnership with the province. This is intended for tourists who’d otherwise park and sleep in their vehicles overnight throughout the community.…

Cybercriminals could potentially shut down hospital operating rooms: report

Health care sector facing increasing cybersecurity problems

In the absence of proper precautions, cybercriminals can shut down hospital operating rooms, expose highly personal health data and damage the ability of health professionals to provide service, new research shows. “Today’s attacks target people, not just technology,” said a report released Oct. 10 by California-based global online security firm Proofpoint, Inc.…

Pemberton clarifies responsibility for animal control

Council briefs: School District property amendment; fuel-thinning project application

Village of Pemberton (VOP) council passed a resolution to add an amendment to its bylaw enforcement policy at this week’s Oct. 8 regular council meeting. The change was made to clarify the role of bylaw on strata properties when it comes to animal control, explained VOP Mayor Mike Richman, following the meeting.…

For the love of mushrooms

Chef Bruce Worden hosting gourmet mushroom tasting as part of Fungus Among Us Festival

Lobster, shaggy manes, pine, hedgehog, honey, rainbow chanterelles. The above isn’t a list of adorable fur-babies at the local pet store, but a selection of the many edible mushrooms found around the Whistler area.…

Whistler riders create chain damper

Chris Kovarik behind new drive-train technology

Two local mountain bikers are looking to create a quieter ride. Local pro legend Chris Kovarik, who boasts the largest margin of victory in a UCI World Cup race, and Jaan Hurditch, have started STFU (Silent Technology For Ur Bike, technically, though they acknowledged the cruder connotation with the term also applies).…

Get stoked for winter

Ski and snowboard film premiere scene is upon us with three new flicks screening this month

The snowline is creeping down the mountains, dead-season dinner deals are in full swing, and the forecast is jam-packed with rain. That can only mean … well, one of several things (fall, sober October, cabin fever, to name just a few), but we’re focusing on the hype machine that is ski and snowboard film premiere season.…

Being an ally means asking uncomfortable questions

Last month, the Maury Young Arts Centre hosted the world premiere of útszantszan, Yvonne Wallace’s compelling portrait of a biracial woman navigating her place in a Lil’wat family that was at turns raw, charming, melancholy and humourous. Enough cannot be said of Wallace’s ambitious, bilingual performance, her sheer humanity and touching portrayal of generations of loved ones showcasing just how effectively art can bridge across cultures.…

MLA for Joffre Lakes Provincial Park concerned about backcountry vehicle break-ins

Jackie Tegart asks to meet to B.C.’s solicitor general on issue

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart has written to B.C. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth asking for his office to investigate ways to address the problem of vehicle break-ins at parks and trailheads. “I felt that it was pertinent to send a letter to the minister and make sure that he’s aware that this is an issue in many of our recreational areas,” said Tegart.…

Deadly decisions

Critics say the BC Conservation officer Service is overly reliant on lethal force—it maintains they are only seeing a ‘snapshot’ of what they do

This summer, tensions between the public and B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service (COS) seemed to hit a new level. In July, conservation officers were pursuing a sow and her cubs in a residential neighbourhood of Coquitlam when residents allegedly intervened.…

How do the federal climate plans stack up?

Weighing the proposals on one of Canada’s top election issues

As Canada’s 43rd election campaign winds down, climate change has emerged as one of the top issues for Canadians ahead of the vote. And when it comes to ranking the climate plans of Canada’s federal political parties, there are some well-defined contrasts.…

Meth, clones and syphilis: Happy Thanksgivin’er

Since it’s the time of year to publicly acknowledge all the things we are thankful for, let’s start off with a public service announcement: British Columbia’s syphilis infection rate is the highest it’s been in 30 years (919 new cases); Alberta announced their own 187-per-cent syphilis increase back in July. Add to that the US Centers for Disease Control’s recent announcement that gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia hit a 38-year record high last year and I think it’s safe to say, “Take a bow, Tinder, you’re killing it.”…

Whistler hosts successful Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium

Organizer pleased with progress at biennial gathering

After years of holding its symposiums in emerging centres, the Western Canadian Mountain Bike Tourism Association brought its biennial event to the mecca of Whistler from Oct. 2 to 4. With more than 200 people in attendance, executive director Martin Littlejohn was thrilled with how the conference, held in Creekside at Dusty’s and Legends Whistler, played out.…

Local musicians compete in Whistler Music Search

Long-running event takes over the Crystal every Thursday until Oct. 24 finals

When Meaghan Mullaly first stepped on stage at the Crystal Lounge for the Whistler Music Search nearly a decade ago, it wasn’t necessarily to win. Back in 2008, she had only been in Whistler for the summer season and was desperately seeking accommodations for the winter ahead.…