In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1982. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: In December 1982, the Whistler Council decided to terminate a contract with Alpine Security Services Ltd., who had been patrolling the Whistler Village. Officially, security was not a function that the municipality could provide under the Municipal Act unless property owners in a designated area petition council to do so and unless the security costs would be recovered from taxpayers in the area benefitting from the service. At the time, there were no indications that a petition from village business owners was in the works.
Question: Do you think there will be problems as a result of the lack of Village security?
Pauline Lepatourel – Typesetter/Secretary – Alpine Meadows
There already have. Working here late at night is getting pretty dicey. A drunk came leering through the office door one night and one of my friends was accosted in the underground parking a few evenings earlier.
Nobody’s going to want to come here if they don’t feel safe. The merchants in this town better get their budget priorities straight or else the damage that’s done will cost much more in the long run.
Dennis Waddingham – Village Store Owner – Whistler Cay
Yes, I sure do and I think Alpine Security should have been kept on. Protection is definitely needed and the local police force is just not big enough to handle this.
As a village merchant I’d be willing to pay my portion of the cost of hiring security. I think the proportion each merchant pays should be determined by its location and the nature of the business. Those that serve liquor, for example, would pay more.
Ida Noze – Local Seer – Microwave Road
Not to worry. Before long the situation will get so out of hand that nice people will automatically avoid the village altogether, not wanting their tires slashed or wives assaulted. Then the vandals will be alone with each other while everyone else is elsewhere.
WHISTORICAL 