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 1984. 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 1982, in the midst of a major recession, work on the Resort Centre (also known as the Conference Centre) stalled. The provincial government stepped in and formed Whistler Land Co. Developments, a Crown corporation, in January 1983 in order to take over the development of Whistler Village, including the Resort Centre. However, by May 1984 work had still not resumed on the structure and its future was uncertain. Work would eventually resume by the end of the year and the Conference Centre was operational by 1986, though very different from the original vision for the building.
Question: Do you think construction on the Conference Centre will resume?
Jack Robertson – Recuperating Bartender – Whistler Cay
I don’t agree that it should be sitting idle. I wish they would do something with it – whether it turns into a conference centre or a recreation centre, it’s costing a lot for it to just sit there. Let’s do something with it.
Jean-Jacques Aaron – Nightclub Owner – Whistler Village
Of course it’s going to go ahead. Financing takes a long time to organize. It’s coming up fast. If they open a casino here it could make enough to pay for the Conference Centre in a year.
Larry Broadway – Mechanical Contractor – White Gold
Yes. The necessity of the Conference Centre to Whistler and its profile towards investors means it has to go ahead. If it doesn’t it will stifle a lot of growth in Whistler. It’s the focal point of development here.
WHISTORICAL 