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 1983. 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: Construction began on the Whistler Village Resort/Recreation Centre in March 1980. It was still under construction when, in 1981, a recession hit North America and the Whistler Village Land Company (WVLC) found themselves with debts of almost $8 million, liabilities coming to $30 million, and assets in the form of land that nobody wanted to buy. In January 1983, the provincial government formed Whistler Land Co. Developments (WLC; a Crown corporation) and took over the liabilities and assets of the WVLC, including the unfinished Resort Centre. WLC began reconstructing the site as a conference centre without the extra recreational facilities originally planned for the Resort Centre and the facility became known as the Sports & Convention Centre, today the Whistler Conference Centre. Find out more here.
Question: Are you satisfied with the progress being made on the Sports & Convention Centre?
Sue Rosser – Book Store Manager – Alpine Meadows
I think they should be moving much faster than they are on summer facilities because that’s what Whistler really needs. Rather than village clean-up and other projects I think they should have made finishing the convention centre a priority. I am glad they’re considering changes to the original plans and taking time to improve them.
Doug Fox – Chartered Accountant – Emerald Estates
Sure I am, considering the problems they are faced with in that structure. I don’t think people appreciate how complex that building is. The WLC board is only realizing now how complex and critical it is to put together the right components. I’m not surprised at all at the time taken and I’m glad they’re moving ahead on it.
Chris Moore – Real Estate Agent – Alpine Meadows
If the rec centre had been in the hands of the private sector it would be on line by now. I have an inkling of how the public sector works though, and can understand the delay. I’m sure they’ll eventually come up with an appropriate marketing strategy for the building.
WHISTORICAL 