whistler - November 19th, 2005
Hi Duane,

I'm sorry for the delay in responding to your well thought-out questions regarding the future and viability of "Arts" in the Whistler community.
Your questions really get me motivated to brainstorm on a couple of different ideas that I have had brewing for a while on "local" business opportunities and how to best create an atmosphere for entrprenuerialism and risk-taking without causing the playing field to be too tilted in one direction or another when it comes to existing enterprises.
Honestly, my thoughts were not limited to the arts, but I think that perhaps this idea may be most applicable to them. I believe that there is a real oppportunity to create a municipally owned retail/ service operation that is part of the sledgehockey arena. Already we have zoning for commercial rights on Lot 1/9. If the municipality were to retain ownership and be the landlord we could set the lease rates to be more affordable. In addition I would propose a limited occupancy term retricted to local tenants that perhaps favours artists. For example, a local art painter could lease 600 sq. ft. of village space for both retail and production at $25. per sq.ft. triple net included. The maximum term on the lease could be 2 to three years so that a new qualified local artist would be given a chance. This is just a concept but it has been well received by local entrepreneurs and I think it would be very encouraging and appropriate for the arts community.
About the other questions, I would love to respond in detail, however, these ideas are best expressed in conversation and perhaps as part of a focus group. As Mayor I will encourage that we really acknowledge the arts as a viable business opportunity to grow Whistler's tourism and give added value to our guests.
Thanks for asking the questions. It was a great idea to raise the awareness of these important issues to the candidatesand our community.
Kind Regards,
Kristi Wells


From Ted ...Nov 18
Hi Duane,

Thanks for your email.
You and I have had some discussion on the various questions you put out to the candidates,and I think you know I support the direction that you would like to see in whistler when it comes to create a much better infrastructure and opportunities for our local artists.
It would maybe take me a morning or afternoon to address the many questions with a proper responds and considering that we have 36 hours left to get out the vote, I am sure you understand that it is important for me to focus all my time on that final stretch of the race.

and spend all the time needed with the Arts Culture and Heritage community to indeed create a new foundation to build up from, to make
that sector a strong component of the reasons for visitors to come to Whistler.
Very best regards.
Ted.