Tag Archives: Whistler Question

Whistler’s Answers: March 29, 1984

Posted on March 30, 2023 | Leave a comment

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: According to an article in the Whistler Question in the March 29, 1984 edition, the provincial government granted Whistler and other BC resorts the power to levy a municipal sales tax, a first for the province. These powers applied to resort towns with a population under 10,000 (at the time, Whistler did meet this requirement) and allowed these municipalities to levy a local sales tax of up to 2% on liquor sold by the drink, day ski lift passes, meals, hotel accommodations, condominiums rented for under 30 days, food, clothing, and other retail merchandise. According to Minister of Municipal Affairs Bill Curtis, the provincial government had realised that “resort areas often unduly tax local ratepayers to provide needed resort amenities” and this tax would shift some of that onto the visitor. While this article was revealed as an April Fool’s joke in the editorial of that edition, the tax proposed was similar to the Municipal and Regional District Tax that was introduced by the provincial government in 1987, which still applies today. Learn more about the MRDT program in Whistler here.

Question: Do you think a municipal sales tax is a good idea for Whistler?

Roger Galibois – Surveyor – Dawson Creek

I think that by and large people in Whistler are getting the benefit of the tourists. I just don’t agree that sales taxes are a good idea, period. Everybody knows that tourists pay a pretty penny as it is.

Jim McKay – Restaurateur – Prince Albert, Sask.

No, in my opinion. I think people here should pay the money and leave us poor people alone. Somebody’s going to have to pay, it’s just a matter of how.

Carl Wassersleben – Mechanic – San Francisco

Sure, that would be a great idea. I wouldn’t mind it at all. A lot of American visitors look at the exchange rate and it’s not too bad. If they can take two per cent and turn it around to make it work for the community it’s all right.

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Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the ‘First Annual Mascot Race’

Posted on March 28, 2023 | Leave a comment

During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games it was common to see mascots Quatchi, Miga and Sumi around, as well as their sidekick Mukmuk the marmot. However, before these mascots descended on Whistler a different marmot mascot ruled Whistler. That marmot was known as Willie Whistler.

The Whistler Resort Association (WRA) began operations in 1980 with the aim ‘to promote, facilitate and encourage the development, maintenance and operation of the resort land.’ The new mascot of the WRA, Willie Whistler, was introduced in 1981 to promote Whistler. The name ‘Willie Whistler’ was chosen through a competition for local children to ‘Name the Whistler Marmot’. Eight-year-old Tammi Wick won a Blackcomb season pass for choosing the winning name.

Willie Whistler with Ski Scamps on Whistler Mountain, February 1982. Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation (WMSC) Collection.

Willie’s first big event was the Fall Festival, an event to celebrate the upcoming winter and bring life to the time of year still known as the ‘shoulder season’. Each day of the festival had a scheduled meet and greet with Willie Whistler so everyone could get a picture with the new mascot.

Mascots were so popular in the 1980s that the ‘First Annual Mascot Race’ was held on Blackcomb Mountain on March 26, 1983. The race was held as part of the Yukon Jack Challenge, which also saw the Pacific Western Pro Tour Finals race on upper Springboard and a ‘Hospitality Cup’ – where local hospitality staff were tasked with minimising spillage while carrying loaded trays through a challenging obstacle course.

Mascots making their way up Blackcomb Mountain for the First Annual Mascot Race in 1983. Whistler Question Collection..

There was no shortage of local mascots to compete in the Mascot Race. The Whistler Question did not mince words when discussing the popularity of suited figures. ‘Though Pro Tour racers are supposed to hold centre stage for the weekend, they just might lose it for a while to a herd of furred, feathered, and finned mammals who will ramble, scramble and swim their ways up Blackcomb Mountain to participate in the First Annual Mascot Race.’

‘Confirmed entries in this unpredictable contest include: Whistler’s own famous marmot, Willie Whistler; the race’s sponsor Yukon Jack; E. Bunny, the mystery rabbit, from Blackcomb Mountain; The Mountain Inn’s Delta Duck; the A&W Root Bear, Hemlock the friendly sasquatch; and Bee Bob the Beluga Whale from the Vancouver Aquarium. It will be strictly a case of survival of the fittest in that event.’

From left to right: Delta Duck, Moose, Bee Bob the Beluga, Willie Whistler, Yukon Jack, E. Bunny, Hemlock the sasquatch and A&W Root Bear. Whistler Question Collection.

Though the mascots featured on the front cover of the Whistler Question the following week, it is unclear who won the First Annual Mascot Race. We also could not find any evidence of the mascot race continuing annually.

Willie Whistler was always in the middle of the action greeting visitors, shaking hands with dignitaries, playing golf, skiing and presenting awards. After a busy life eventually it was only mice that wanted to be inside the mascot suit. Ultimately, Willie went the way of Dusty the Horse and finished up in the landfill.

Willie Whistler was popular with celebrities and dignitaries. Here Willie Whistler tees off with Arnold Palmer during the construction of the Whistler Golf Course in 1981. Whistler Question Collection.

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Whistler’s Answers: March 22, 1984

Posted on March 23, 2023 | Leave a comment

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: Whistler Village was still growing through the 1980s and while more businesses were opening, not many catered to those under the age of 19. Bars, nightclubs, and many events were limited to those of legal drinking age.

Question: Do you think there is enough for people your age to do in Whistler, especially at night?

Richard Day – Student (age 13) – Toronto

We usually go out and have dinner, then wander around. A lot of the hotels have arcades and swimming pools. There are a lot of young people here, so a dance or a theatre would be good ideas.

Rob Tupper – Student (age 12) – North Vancouver

In World Cup we tried to sneak into the festival tent, but couldn’t. We just walked around and loitered. Nothing much else to do for a kid our age. We could get into a dance, and you know, a place where you feel comfortable with a ski video and a bar of some sort, not serving drinks, would be good.

Tia Tutti – Student (age 14) – North Vancouver

Not really. The only thing you can do is watch television and veg out. In the village you can go into the cookie shops at night. It’s not vey fun. They should put up something for kids. I’m sure my parents would like it.

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Whistler’s Answers: March 15, 1984

Posted on March 16, 2023 | Leave a comment

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 March 1984, Whistler hosted its second officially successful World Cup Downhill race on Whistler Mountain. From March 7 – 11, Whistler also hosted Winterfest, a celebration including competitions, dances, parties, and even a five-course dinner.

Question: What do you think was the most special thing about Winterfest and World Cup Week?

Larry Legal – Waiter – Brio

The opening ceremonies were great. It just opened up a feeling that Whistler didn’t have for a while. The town was all together, there was a good glow in the air. usually everybody is so busy with their own job they’re not a community. I’d say Saturday night was the peak, the night before the race and everybody praying for it not to rain.

Wendy Balmer – Liquor Store Employee – Alta Vista

The best thing about Sunday was sitting down by Tokum and watching all the people jumping down the cliff, about six feet. It was the only way to get down the course because you couldn’t cross over. Some of the ladies didn’t know what to do; it was a comedy act. Some guys were going for it and jumping down six feet. That was the most entertaining spot on the whole course. The rest of the time I was working.

Brock Innes – Carpenter – Richmond

Watching the first racer down the course, Ken Read. I’d never seen them go like that before. Just being here live was great. We have a place here, but this time came here for the race. I was at Coaches Corner, and got there early for good seats.

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