Introduction to Doug Wylie
In April 1971, Doug Wylie’s brief visit to the Whistler area marked the beginning of a lasting connection with the landscape and community. This journey started at Doug McDonald’s Alpine Lodge in Garibaldi, where he and his wife enjoyed four glorious days skiing on Whistler Mountain. After his short advent in this stunning ski haven, Doug prepared to commence his engineering career on Vancouver Island, a transition that began with an amusing note—an “absolutely sunburned face” from his days on the slopes.
The Call of the Mountains
Doug’s love for skiing blossomed in Ontario, but a memorable experience at Sunshine in Alberta sparked a desire for larger mountains. After completing graduate studies, he embarked on a new chapter as a municipal engineer in Victoria. Not fully realizing that his new job was on an island, he soon secured a plot of land at Forbidden Plateau. Here, a cozy A-frame home was erected, where his daughters would learn to navigate the snowy terrains.
Winter Adventures with the Alpine Club
During winter months, Doug eagerly skied Whistler on two or three occasions with the Victoria branch of the Alpine Club of Canada. The camaraderie of the group was unforgettable—piling into a van and hiking up to the club cabin near Whistler Mountain.
Expansion and Development of Whistler
When the lifts were proposed for Whistler in 1964, planners envisioned a dedicated area for outdoor clubs to establish cabins for their members. This foresight served to ensure a steady stream of customers for the lift company. By the time official permissions were granted in late summer 1965, the first club cabin, belonging to UBC’s Varsity Outdoor Club, was already taking shape based on their self-conducted surveys.
Several clubs, including SFU, BC Hydro, and the Alpine Club, followed suit in constructing their cabins. With limited road access, these members shared a parking area close to the highway, where a pedestrian bridge now stands. The area’s redevelopment began in 1982 and it was later rebranded as Nordic Estates.
Doug’s Return to Whistler
Doug’s return to Whistler coincided with this redevelopment. However, it wasn’t without detours; after his stint on Vancouver Island, the Wylie family spent two years in Prince George, where Doug worked as a municipal engineer.
A Stroke of Luck
During a meeting one day, a flyer for a municipal engineer position in Whistler caught Doug’s eye. After pocketing the ad, he applied for the job, leading to an interview with Al Raine, a council member. As they walked along the railway tracks, Al painted a picture of current municipal projects, which intrigued Doug. After the interview, Doug attended a party hosted by Al and Nancy where he humorously managed to lock his keys inside his rental car, all while still being offered the job.
Embracing Responsibility
In May 1981, Doug commenced work with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, just before pivotal moves like shifting Municipal Hall to Function Junction and relocating the Keg building from Alta Lake. With a minimal staff, the engineering department handled crucial tasks, such as managing sewage treatment and constructing parks while laying the groundwork for the Valley Trail.
Contributions to Whistler’s Community
In his journey with the RMOW, Doug was instrumental in various initiatives, including the founding of the Blackcomb Ski Club, taking part in the fire department, and even working as a Weasel Worker. Notably, he served as “Chief of Transportation” during the 1984 World Cup Downhill. Even after leaving RMOW to join West Vancouver in the late 1980s, Doug’s weekends remained dedicated to the mountains, culminating in a full-time return after retiring.
결론
Doug Wylie’s journey showcases the profound relationships formed with the community, land, and sport over the years. His contributions resonate through the development of the infrastructure that supports skiers and visitors alike today in Whistler. For those planning a visit to this iconic destination, it’s worth noting how crucial reliable transportation, like that offered through LocalsRide, can elevate the experience. Users can effortlessly choose their specific vehicle and enjoy a seamless transfer experience, providing transparency often unmatched by traditional booking systems. Whether heading to the slopes or exploring the charming surroundings, a convenient, personalized transfer can set the stage for an adventure to remember.
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