British Columbia Legislature 42nd Parliament, 4th Session (2023) Statements, 8 May 2023

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From YouTube: MAY 8 2023 Statements Jordan Sturdy

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The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
4th Session
42nd Parliament

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Member for West Vancouver, City sky. Thank you, Mr Speaker, when you think about Whistler about what sets it apart about what makes it unique, you're, probably thinking about things that Gary Watson had a hand in envisioning or a hand in administering or a hand in persuading Gary Watson. One of whistler's founding fathers died this past April at the age of 89..

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It's no surprise to whistlerites that the Legacy Gary leaves behind after more than seven seven decades of calling Worcester home is matched only by the global reputation of the community that he helped Envision, create and Steward the Bold vision for what Whistler was to become began for Gary, with a climb up. What was then called London mountain in 1961 and over the years Gary played many roles as an alderman in the First Council.

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As a chair of the planning committee seeking to bring the 68 Olympics to Whistler guiding the team that persuaded The Province the crazy idea of building from scratch a destination ski resort, managed through local governance, was a good idea, something almost Unthinkable today in today's world, and certainly no small task than then as there were strong competing interests in private landowners whose preference was a series of independent developments on their own properties, strung out along the highway.

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Fortunately, Gary Watson and Al Rayne and others whose Vision was inspired by a by walkable and intimate European ski Villages, were successful in locating a town center between Whistler and blackcomb mountains and BC is certainly better for it. Gary leaves one of the richest contributions, any British Columbian indeed any Canadian can can make. He was able to move his community from a local Vision to a place deserving of an international rep reputation.

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He always had an idea to share the drive to push these ideas into reality in the time to ma, to support and Mentor, always with the community's interest at the Forefront. Thank you Gary for your unwavering commitment for your contribution to the community's evolution and for the difference you make to how we experience where we live, work and play every day. Thank you.