Blog

Feds float new changes to foreign worker program

With massive labour shortages predicted, how will Whistler fill the gap?

New proposed changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) have some in the ski and tourism industries on edge. The proposed changes would allow for occupation-specific work permits under the TFWP, which would allow foreign workers to leave their employer for a new one in the same occupation without having to apply for a new work permit.…

Elections BC preps new tech ahead of election

Council brief: Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Q1 Finances presented

the province of B.C. is looking to modernize voting ahead of the next provincial election. Changes being proposed include using electronic pollbooks for real-time strike-off and ballot tabulators for faster counting.…

Destination BC reports back on Sea to Sky destination strategy

Crown corp gives outlook on slowing global tourism

Marsha Walden, president and CEO of Destination BC, met with Whistler business leaders last week to share the latest update on the Crown corporation’s destination development strategy for the Sea to Sky.…

Wascally wodents … meet their match

I am not a violent man. Ornery, crabby, opinionated and cynical, but not violent. I religiously believe in turning the other cheek.…

Tim Hortons puts burgers on the menu for the first time, but they’re not made of meat

Tim Hortons is taking a turn into the burger sector nationwide, as the iconic Canadian coffee-and-donuts chain is expanding their menu with two new lunch and dinner items. This marks the first time Tim Hortons has put a burger on the menu, but that’s not the only noteworthy aspect: These are plant-based Beyond Meat burgers.…

Bat attack: This is how much of a threat rabies poses in B.C. in 2019

While they may look scary, bats aren’t generally known to attack people in British Columbia. In fact, there are only a few species of the nocturnal creatures that feed on animal blood, and none of them are found in Canada.…

Whistler’s annual great Western Toad Migration has begun

Watch your step at Lost Lake Park as tens of thousands of tiny toads journey to the surrounding forest

It’s that time of year again. The tiny toads are back, and that means a few big changes at Lost Lake Park.…

Ricard, Sands win at Red Bull 400 Worlds

B.C. defends home turf at Whistler Olympic Park

Beating the defending world champion isn’t easy at the best of times. Alexandre Ricard did it in an event he’d never challenged before during the Red Bull 400 World Championships at Whistler Olympic Park on July 13.…

B.C. on right road with tougher ride-hailing driver rules, says expert

Ride-hailing to launch in B.C. this September

VICTORIA— The British Columbia government’s firm position on tougher driver’s licence requirements for ride-hailing is a move in the right direction, given the experiences from other jurisdictions, a transportation expert says. “I would applaud the B.C. government for standing up, because most other governments have basically stood down,” said Garland Chow, an emeritus associate professor at the University of B.C.’s Sauder School of Business.…

$2.7 million B.C. tug fuel spill fine Canada’s largest ever

2016 Bella Bella spill dumped 107,552 litres of diesel fuel and 2,240 litres of lubricants

The October 2016 sinking of a tug boat near Bella Bella that released approximately 107,552 litres of diesel fuel and 2,240 litres of lubricants has resulted in Canada’s largest ever penalty under the Fisheries Act – $2.7 million. The Nathan E. Stewart was operating in Seaforth Channel near Bella Bella when it ran aground at Edge Reef on Oct. 13, 2016.…

Highway camera images being requested by B.C. police

Police routinely request footage taken by DriveBC cameras but images too poor for identification, government documents say

Those highway cameras that the province encourages you to consult for road and weather conditions for long drives are watching you. Documents obtained by Glacier Media from the provincial government under access to information laws shows police routinely request footage taken by DriveBC’s BC HighwayCams as part of police investigations.…

$2.7 million B.C. tug fuel spill fine Canada’s largest ever

2016 Bella Bella spill dumped 107,552 litres of diesel fuel and 2,240 litres of lubricants

Companies to appear before panel today in public inquiry into B.C. gas prices

The final report by the panel is due Aug. 30

Four oil and gas companies are expected to answer questions today about how they use the Trans Mountain pipeline, how refinery closures affect their prices and other factors that could contribute to British Columbia’s volatile prices at the pump. A three-member panel, chaired by B.C. Utilities Commission CEO David Morton, will listen to up to four days of oral hearings in Vancouver as part of a public inquiry into the high price of gasoline and diesel in the province.…

Free legal support offered to Sea to Sky residents in need

New program offered in Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton

More locals may now receive free and confidential legal advice thanks to a new Sea to Sky Community Services program. The Poverty Law Advocacy Program is available in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.…

Mom of Squamish girl who overdosed says laws have to change to help parents protect kids

Review of care shows hospital followed rules with Steffanie Lawrence’s care before she died

Squamish’s Brenda Doherty says if the rules were followed, and yet her daughter died, the rules have to be changed.…