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The wonderful national parks of western U.S.A.

The concept of National Parks was developed in the United States, so it is no surprise to discover that some of the best parks in the world are here. I recently toured through a number of western parks and was amazed by the beauty and diversity I saw.…

Attempting to understand actions without clear reason

Humans are capable of doing some nasty things. One just needs to listen to a world-news report a couple of times a week to hear what violent and senseless acts are taking place in all parts of the world.…

Childcare concerns need to go higher up, stakeholders say

Frustration abounds for whistler parents

while some Whistler parents remain frustrated with childcare options and a perceived lack of urgency at municipal hall, the issue expands far beyond Whistler, say local stakeholders. “It’s got to go bigger picture,” said Kari Gaudet, executive director at the Whistler Children’s Centre.…

Moose-Greyhound collision lawsuit dismissed

Moose took out brakes, steering in collision, sending bus into swamp.

Greyhound and a driver aren’t liable for damages after a bus wound up in a swamp after hitting a moose near Clearwater, a B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled. “The moose was not visible until it was too late for (the driver) either to take evasive action or to avoid the collision,” Justice Elaine Adair ruled.…

Whistler Sailing regatta coming to Alta Lake

Briefs: Whistler runners complete 50/50 in Squamish

Keep an eye on the waters of Alta Lake this weekend. The 2019 BC Circuit Regatta is returning on Aug. 24 and 25 and will have more local content than ever.…

Vergez wins Dirt Diaries

Also in arts news: Squamish ArtWalk planned; music and a movie at The Point

Damien Vergez held on to first place at Dirt Diaries again this year. The France-based director and producer earned the top spot—and a $5,000 cheque—for his short film Men in Bikes, which screened at the event in Whistler Olympic Plaza last Wednesday, Aug. 14.…

It takes a village

Whistler Village Beer Festival returns Sept. 9 to 15 with expanded lineup of events

Liam Peyton has experienced the Whistler Village Beer Festival (WVBF) in almost every conceivable way.
The former Gibbons Whistler staffer not only co-founded and ran the festival in its first three years alongside Harrison Stoker, he has also attended as a beer lover, a bottler for Whistler Brewing Company, and, this year, as a brewer: Slackwater Brewing, the Penticton-based microbrewery and taproom he opened with his wife just a few short months ago, is taking part in the festival for the first time.…

Ties that don’t bind

In an obsessive drive to rid Creekside of the scourge of invasive burdock (I’ll write about this in another column), I’ve spent much time mucking along the sides of the Valley Trail, the verge of ditches, the margins of peoples’ yards, and the edges of gardens, sidewalks, parking lots, and roadways in general. As I cut and hack and shovel up the offending greenery, much is revealed about the habits of humans who frequent such areas.…

New report shows ‘dramatic’ improvements in safety records at Canada’s helicopter- and snowcat-skiing operations

Landmark report says single-location reporting system still needed

It’s widely accepted that over the years technological advancements have improved safety at Canada’s helicopter- and snowcat-skiing operations. But until now, there hasn’t been a definitive study that documents industry-wide safety records over time.…

Squamish Nation not properly consulted on fish allowance: court

Latest in years-long case to increase Fraser sockeye salmon catch

The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that Fisheries and Oceans Canada did not properly consult the Squamish Nation when it denied a requested increase in their allowance for sockeye salmon. Fisheries and Oceans Canada – then known as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) – denied the Squamish Nation’s request to increase their allowance for Fraser sockeye salmon from 20,000 to 70,000 in 2014, and the Squamish Nation asked for a judicial review of the decision.…

Whistler Blackcomb COO Pete Sonntag to take new role with Vail Resorts

Sonntag’s new role will give WB a ‘more amplified’ voice, company says

Some big changes are coming to leadership at Whistler Blackcomb (WB), as Chief Operating Officer Pete Sonntag is taking on a bigger role with Vail Resorts. The company announced on Friday, Aug. 23 that Sonntag is relocating to Broomfield, Colo., where he will oversee WB and Stevens Pass, as well as Vail Resorts’ three resorts in Lake Tahoe and three resorts in Australia.…

Squamish RCMP confirm Sea to Sky Gondola cable cut

RCMP have confirmed that the cable to the Sea to Sky Gondola has been cut. “The investigation to date has confirmed the preliminary assessment,” reads a release from Squamish RCMP.…

Global warming causing Pacific salmon decline: DFO

State of Canadian Pacific Salmon report comes in midst of disastrous year for Fraser River sockeye

Global warming is almost certainly the cause of declines in Pacific salmon in Canada, a report released today by Fisheries and Oceans Canada concludes. The report, released Aug. 22, comes in the midst of what is shaping up to be what could be the worst year on record for Fraser River sockeye returns.…

How mountain biking has changed in the past 15 years

Growing up in Kamloops, I was obsessed with mountain biking. Along with a handful of close friends, I took full advantage of the freedom the sport gave me, building dirt jumps and spending countless hours exploring seemingly endless singletrack.…

Whistler artists pop up on Granville Island

Catch The Ninety Nine Collective in Vancouver until Sept. 2

Three Whistler artists are set to take over a space on Granville Island for a two-week pop-up shop. The Ninety Nine Collective, made up of painter Allison van Gruen, artist and surface pattern designer Julie Hamilton, and jewelry maker Sarah Sladen, will have their work on display—and host a few workshops as well—until Sept. 2.”I think I can say for all of us, we’re just excited about new opportunities and meeting new people,” van Gruen says.…