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Canadian Arctic has all the mineral ingredients for prized blue gemstones

Baffin Island holds some of its treasures in plain sight with rocks that produce rare gems sitting exposed to the elements, scientists say. A new study from the University of British Columbia shows the area is home to a mineral that is prized by jewellers and collectors.…

Whistler boarders excel at nationals

Pelchat earns pair of wins, Smith second

No matter the level, Whistler’s snowboarders impressed in slopestyle competition all over at the Air Nation finals at Calgary Olympic Park last month. Juliette Pelchat led the way, winning both the Western Canadian Championships and the Junior Nationals events while also earning sixth at Senior Nationals.…

Crowning a ‘junk’ tree with overdue appreciation

“What’s this?” asked my clutter-resistant husband, observing the giant mason jar of oily plant matter on the counter. “Ohh, it’s medicine!…

Devonian destiny

The other day, after our first good March rain in the valley, a friend texted me a photo of a Western toad crossing a snowy trail at Lost Lake. When the toads start to move in Whistler, it always reminds me of the time I spent studying such things as a biology graduate student.…

Remembering the ‘glamorous’ World Cup days

Longtime locals gather to remember downhill racing at its finest

Longtime Whistler locals packed into the Whistler Museum on Thursday, March 28 to celebrate the resort’s fascinating history of hosting World Cup downhill skiing in the 1980s and ’90s. The Museum’s speaker series talk—titled “Whistler’s World Cups: From Fiasco to Fiesta”—featured a short presentation from Whistler ski-god Rob Boyd and former World Cup ski-race organizer Alex Kleinman.…

Delivering the news

In this space, I’ve touched on how enjoyable it is to see an edition of Pique all the way through, from writing the stories and taking some photos, to putting together some pages and proofreading the copy. I’ve subsequently gone a step further.…

B.C. eyes smaller pot growers to fight product shortage

Province may move to marijuana microproducers to meet demand, minister of solicitor general and public safety says

B.C. has a marijuana shortage. At least that’s the story with government-sanctioned cannabis products in the wake of the national legalization of marijuana last October.…

B.C. government to consider ‘relief’ for record gas prices: Horgan

Premier John Horgan says the B.C. government will consider “some relief” for those who can’t afford record high gas prices. Horgan said his government will monitor prices at the pumps over the summer after they reached a record of almost $1.64 a litre Thursday in Metro Vancouver.…

B.C. public schools to provide free menstrual products for students

BURNABY, B.C. — Free menstrual products are being made available in every British Columbia public school. Education Minister Rob Fleming says a ministerial ordered requires all public schools to provide free menstrual products for students in washrooms by the end of the year.…

UPDATED: Squamish Valley wildfire under control

Eight firefighters continue on scene as of Friday morning

The wildfire burning at the 28-kilometre area of Squamish Valley Road remains under control as of Friday. It has seen no significant growth, said Donna MacPherson, fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Service, on Friday morning.…

Whistler will be well represented in YVR’s restaurant expansion

Purebread, Whistler Brewing Company slated for new marketplace concept

Whistler has long been known for welcoming the world. Soon that warm welcome will extend all the way to Vancouver International Airport—and better yet, will include craft beer and fresh-baked treats.…

Whistler Mountain Bike Park has new manager

Brad White takes over from Brian Finestone

New Whistler Mountain Bike Park manager Brad White has been in the resort for much of mountain biking’s ascent. He’s had a hand in plenty of Whistler’s cornerstone runs, ranging from Lost Lake, the Flank Trail, Into the Mystic and Lord of the Squirrels to working with Paddy Kaye and the Joyride crew on the namesake Joyride trail.…

Jam-packed lineup of music and arts during WSSF

Pique‘s guide to all the cultural happenings at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival

For Kristen Robinson, or KR as she is best known, the 2019 edition of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) represents something of a full circle for the longtime event producer. KR cut her teeth at WSSF, working as a producer between 1996 and 2002.…

Pemberton moves forward with 6.32% municipal tax rate

Capital expenditures will total $6,551,589, largely funded by $5.3-million federal government grant

The Village of Pemberton (VOP)council gave readings one to three of its five-year financial plan at its April 2 regular council meeting, raising the tax rate to 6.32 per cent, 0.57 per cent more than council recommended last month at budget meetings. The discrepancy is to account for for new property assessments stemming from the Revised BC Assessment Role, which the province provided to the VOP on Friday.…

Mountain News: Banff gateway town looks into dimming glaring lights

CANMORE, Alta.—Towns and cities have been shifting to LED lights, because they’re more energy efficient. But brighter isn’t necessarily better.…