Turning on the evening news, scanning CNN on your iPhone or even flipping through the pages of any newspaper can leave even the most dedicated optimist a little deflated. Years ago, I went to a journalism workshop featuring CBC anchor Ian Handsome-Man-Thing. One of the attendees spoke earnestly about the absence of good news and asked the venerate journalists why he thought this was so. He shared the widely held opinion that news, by its very definition is about dysfunction. For example, you never read a story about the hundred of flights that annually land safely at YVR, instead the ink gets spilled on the one plane that skidded off the runway. This all fits with the old adage “no news is good news.”
But sometimes there is good news that the media picks up. In fact, Whistler’s been enjoying a recent spate of good news. Whether you’re looking for an excuse to crack that bottle of Veuve Clicquot or just a reason to get out of bed, there’s a number of things worth celebrating in Whistler this week.
The proposed design for the Audain Museum
Simple and clean, the drawings and models for the new Audain Museum show an elegant building that is an outstanding example of contemporary architecture. The 39,000-square-foot building to be located between lots four and five will seamlessly blend into the natural environment while creating a point of visual interest — no easy feat. Architect John Patkau has created a magnificent structure reminiscent of the traditional First Nations long house. Throw in one of the most impressive private collections of art in Canada we’ve got a community asset on the way that’s going to make the resort a whole lot hipper.
Taxes that reflect the current economic reality
For the second year in the row the RMOW has developed a budget without an increase in properties taxes. A zero per cent tax increase, again? Whoa, that’s something to celebrate. In fact take the two-per-cent to four-per-cent you’re saving and do something fun with it. After all, having fun is an essential part of celebrating.
WinterPride
You don’t have to be queer to enjoy WinterPride. Three thousand well-behaved guests from around the globe descend on the Village for 10 days, throw some great parties everyone is welcome to attend and drop a considerable number of pink dollars into our economy. For more than two decades — this year the event formerly known as Gay Ski Week turns 21 — the resort has been welcoming gay and lesbian travellers to enjoy everything we have to offer. And we’ve gotten pretty good at it.
Florence Peterson Park
Florence Petersen, undoubtedly the leading pioneer behind Whistler’s cultural and historical preservation has become an enduring part of Whistler’s history with the naming of a park in her honour. Appropriately, the park is located behind the museum, an organization that benefitted massively from her participation. While Florence may have left this mortal coil, her legacy will live on. And that’s a great thing.
The entrepreneurial spirit of Ross Rebagliati
With plans to open two cannabis — sans cannabis for the time being— cafés in Whistler, the Olympic gold medallist has decided it’s time to leverage his reputation.
It seems Ross’s plan is to be well positioned for the expected changes to Canada’s medical marijuana legislation. (In March the feds should release their plan for private production/distribution.)
Even if you don’t agree with legalization of marijuana, you have to be inspired by anyone opening a business in Whistler. Someone simultaneously opening two businesses?
Break out the bubbly.
