The Birth of a Whistler Courier Service

From Race to Business Venture

In 1979, an unexpected event during the Great Snow Earth Water Race sparked the initiation of a courier service in Whistler. Cherie Chaffey’s involvement as a cyclist for “Nearly Normal Racing Team” transformed into a life-altering experience. A collision with a vehicle while competing at Whistler Mountain prompted a career shift that led to the creation of Whistler Courier Service.

A Pivotal Moment

This relay race, founded by Bryan Walhovd, incorporated an exciting mix of skiing, cycling, canoeing, and running. Cherie, the cyclist for her team, faced a challenging route leading to a mishap at Emerald Estates. While details from the accident are hazy, Cherie recalls waking up to the sight of Chuck Blaylock assisting her, as the impact involved an off-duty ambulance driver providing immediate care.

Following this incident, Cherie returned to Ontario for recovery, but her Whistler journey had only just begun.

The Early Days in Whistler

Three years prior to her accident, Cherie and a friend ventured from Ontario to Whistler. Despite a slow start to the 1976/77 ski season, they found jobs with Garibaldi Lifts Ltd., under Ron Johnson’s guidance. She recalls the amusing moment when she inquired how to ski upon reaching the Red Chair, summing it up with the advice, “Go straight until you fall, get up, and do it again.” Her persistence led her to improve her skiing skills significantly.

Finding a Groove

Cherie gradually worked various roles within the lift company, with her favorite position being lift supervisor during the Toni Sailer Summer Ski Camps. Driving an “old army truck” to manage the gondola, she embraced her duties while still finding time to enjoy windsurfing on Alta Lake.

A New Business Opportunity

Upon returning from Ontario after recovering from her accident, Cherie’s father invested in her by helping purchase a car, a Honda Civic. With aspirations to establish herself in Whistler, she decided to open a courier service, thereby launching the Whistler Courier Service.

Service Offerings

Commencing operations on August 10, 1979, she provided delivery and pickup services across Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler three times a week. Customers were charged $15 for a Vancouver delivery, with an additional $2 for extra stops, while deliveries to Squamish were priced at $7, with a minimal extra stop fee of $1.

Cherie advertised her service as “No job too big or small”, and quickly found herself handling everything from envelopes to groceries, and even taking pets to the vet.

Growth and Evolution

As Whistler Village developed, the nature of her courier work also evolved. Document deliveries transformed her operation into a more professional endeavor by spring 1981. At this point, Cherie had expanded her services to two runs five days a week and hired her first driver, Brian McPherson. Eventually, she transitioned from a home-based business to an office setup.

Transitioning to Property Management

After a successful stint operating her courier service, Cherie caught the eye of Jeff Wuolle, the owner of Twin Peaks property management company. He proposed a partnership that led to her stepping away from the courier business and venturing into property management, eventually leaving Whistler behind.

Conclusion

The journey that began with an unexpected accident blossomed into a thriving delivery service in one of Canada’s iconic ski destinations. Cherie’s story illustrates the resilience and creativity required to turn challenges into opportunities.

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