Doug Wylie’s Impact on Whistler: A Journey from Visitor to Community Builder

Doug Wylie’s First Visit to Whistler

In April 1971, Doug Wylie made his inaugural visit to the Whistler area. His stay, intended as a brief getaway, saw him and his wife lodging at Doug McDonald’s Alpine Lodge in Garibaldi. During their four-day stay, they indulged in skiing on Whistler Mountain, an experience that remains etched in Doug’s memory as he prepared for his engineering role on Vancouver Island—though he humorously recalls starting that job with an “absolutely sunburned face.”

From Skiing Aspirations to Relocation

Having grown up skiing in Ontario, Doug’s passion for snow sports was ignited after skiing at Sunshine in Alberta. This experience left him convinced that a move out west was essential to fully embrace the bigger mountains. After completing his graduate studies, he accepted a position in Victoria, unaware that the city was situated on an island. Shortly after, Doug purchased a plot at Forbidden Plateau, where he and his wife built an A-frame lodge, an ideal spot for their daughters to learn skiing.

Weekend Skiing Adventures

Every winter, Doug often journeyed to Whistler, skiing on two or three occasions with the Victoria branch of the Alpine Club of Canada. The club members would gather in a van, arriving on Friday evenings and hiking up to their cabin from the parking lot. Their weekends were filled with skiing thrills before heading back to the island.

Club Cabin Development

The Club Cabin area, positioned close to Whistler Mountain, was part of a vision initiated in 1964 by planners from the Garibaldi Olympic Development Association (GODA). They envisioned a space where outdoor clubs could develop cabins for their members, ensuring a steady clientele for the lift company. When the provincial government granted permission for this area in late summer 1965, the first cabin—a project of UBC’s Varsity Outdoor Club—was already under construction, having been surveyed independently by its members.

Other clubs, such as Simon Fraser University, BC Hydro, and the Alpine Club, also constructed cabins. However, these cabins lacked direct road access and shared a parking area near the current pedestrian bridge. The area underwent redevelopment beginning in 1982 and was renamed Nordic Estates in the mid-1980s.

Doug Wylie’s Return to Whistler

Doug’s return to Whistler coincided with this redevelopment. Before returning to the area, he and his family spent two years in Prince George, where he worked as a municipal engineer. A pivotal moment occurred during a staff meeting when he spotted an advertisement for a municipal engineering position in Whistler. After the meeting, he discreetly pocketed the ad, ultimately leading him to apply for the role.

The Interview Process

During the interview, Doug met Al Raine, an alderman on the Whistler council. The two took a stroll along the railway tracks, where Al outlined various municipal projects and pointed out the sewers. Later that evening, Doug received an invitation to a party hosted by Al and Nancy. A twist of fate occurred, as Doug recognized Nancy from a previous encounter at a university sports banquet; she had kept a gift presented to her—an engraved sterling silver box for storing cigarettes or cigars.

Following a night of festivities, Doug had an amusing mishap when he accidentally locked his rental car keys inside his vehicle at 2 a.m., necessitating Al’s assistance. Despite this uncommon introduction, Doug secured the job.

Influencing Municipal Engineering in Whistler

Doug began his new position with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) in May 1981, just weeks before Muni Hall relocated to Function Junction. At that time, the staff was minimal, and the engineering department was tasked with overseeing various projects including the sewage treatment plant, water systems, park development, and early phases of the Valley Trail.

Contributions Beyond Engineering

Throughout his tenure at RMOW, Doug contributed to establishing the Blackcomb Ski Club, collaborated with the fire department, and took on the role of “Chief of Transportation” for the World Cup Downhill in 1984. Although he left RMOW in the late 1980s to join West Vancouver, his fondness for the mountains drew him back for weekend skiing. Ultimately, he returned to Whistler full-time after retirement, continuing to influence the local skiing community.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impression of Doug Wylie

The journey of Doug Wylie from his first visit to becoming an integral part of Whistler exemplifies the community spirit that defines this iconic ski destination. His contributions resonate through the infrastructure and programs that serve both locals and tourists alike. Engaging in tourism here offers countless opportunities to explore not only the stunning landscapes but also to participate in cultural and adventure activities that reflect the heart of Whistler.

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In summary, Doug Wylie’s legacy in Whistler is marked by dedicated community engagement and a commitment to enhancing the local lifestyle. His experiences narrate an adventurous spirit intertwined with tourism, highlighting the potential of travel experiences such as museum tours, eco-friendly wildlife safaris, and more. Each visit to Whistler promises memorable adventures, confirming its place as a premier travel destination.