Blog

When farmers and writers talk shop

This is the time of year when the farm machines roll full-tilt out of winter hibernation. At least, that’s how Andrew Budgell speaks of it.…

New de-icing technology could make short work of ice-covered windshields

Discovery has residential and commercial applications

While de-icing things can be a real pain, it’s considered an inevitability of living in a cold climate. Yet according to an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, it doesn’t have to be.…

Heating up Part II: The climate climate

In a previous column (Pique, May 2), I mentioned that Canada’s current toxic political climate and discourse had muted discussion on the release of a long-awaited national climate assessment, and that I would backstop the cause by condensing what it contained. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature and meteorological data, the work that resulted in Canada’s Changing Climate Report was launched in 2017 by Environment and Climate Change Canada to answer the how and why of climate change in this country, and what we can expect for the future under both low- and high-emissions scenarios.…

The ultimate ski-bum road trip

Australian Jaden Munro snowboarded 30 resorts in five months thanks to his Epic and Mountain Collective passes Like a lot of seasonal workers, Jaden Munro left Whistler wishing he’d done a lot more riding.…

Squamish businesses shine at 2019 awards

11 businesses and locals honoured by Squamish Chamber of Commerce

Hundreds donned their party best to celebrate the Squamish Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards at Quest University on May 16. Eleven winners were chosen from almost 200 nominations for the annual ceremony.…

Electric vehicles are selling at an astonishing rate in B.C.

British Columbians put in orders for an estimated 1,300 electric vehicles in a span of just two weeks, according to Blair Qualey, CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. To put that in context, a total of 3,270 EVs and hybrids sold in B.C. for the entire year in 2017, according to Fleetcarma.…

Who’s paying the B.C. Speculation and Vacancy Tax?

Province announces most homeowners’ declarations have been filed – but there’s still time for latecomers

Most of the Speculation and Vacancy Tax declarations have been received from homeowners in the affected areas, according to a statement from the provincial government issued May 17. The Ministry of Finance announced that, as predicted, more than 99 per cent of British Columbian homeowners who have filed a declaration are exempt from the tax.…

Whistler Children’s Festival announces lineup

Annual event set to mark 36th year from July 5 to 7

The Whistler Children’s Festival has unveiled its lineup. Set to run for the 36th year from July 5 – 7, this year’s performers include a mix of new faces and old favourites.…

B.C. government bargaining stance upsets teachers

B.C. teachers say they’re shocked and disheartened by the provincial government’s tough position in collective bargaining. Educators said they didn’t expect the B.C. NDP, which supported their legal battle against the former B.C. Liberal government, to table the same changes to class composition and teacher ratios that led to the teachers’ 2016 landmark Supreme Court victory.…

B.C. residents urged to stay safe and aware of wildfire risks over long weekend

The province is reminding the public to take precautions and be fire and emergency safe

British Columbians spending the Victoria Day long weekend in the beautiful, great outdoors are being urged to stay aware of wildfire risks. The province is reminding the public to take precautions and be fire and emergency safe.…

National organization links landowners and farmers

Young Agrarians supports young and new farmers through online resources and personalized assistance

Given the dramatic rise in the value of farmland in the Pemberton Valley and Squamish area, young farmers are increasingly turning to leasing land as a way to live their farming dreams. Yet getting established (and finding a landowner willing to rent you a parcel) can be challenging.…

The pros and cons of being a tightwad

As an expat Winnipegger, I like to think I’m adept at saving money. Not squirrelling funds away and letting them grow like a wise person would do, but when I do decide to make a purchase, you best believe I’m aiming to spend as little as possible.…

No clarity regarding Ironman Canada’s future in Whistler

Sports briefs: Zucht qualifies for Ironman Worlds; Welsh’s Spruce Kings sit at 2-0

Though it appears Subaru Ironman Canada will hold its final race in Whistler in July, the race’s regional director for the Northwest U.S. and Canada said nothing is yet set in stone. The City of Penticton council voted on May 7 to allow its staff to try to woo back the race, which was held in the Okanagan city between 1983 and 2012, for a five-year contract running from 2020 to 2024.…

Whistler’s 10 Valley Express to continue

BC Transit presents implementation review to Whistler council

with several happy customers and ridership targets met, Whistler’s 10 Valley Express will continue into 2020. The pilot-project route was introduced in December as a commuter-oriented service for people north and south of the village.…

Mountain landscapes and culture on display at Audain Art Museum

Artistry Revealed: Peter Whyte, Catharine Robb Whyte and Their Contemporaries opens on Saturday, May 18

The Audain Art Museum is offering a bit of winter in the summertime. Its new exhibit, Artistry Revealed: Peter Whyte, Catharine Robb Whyte and Their Contemporaries, is set to open on May 18 with over 100 works—primarily mountain landscapes—many of which feature snowy scenes.…