Liz McDonald, Pique NewsMagazine Journalist Profile

Articles

Whistler doubles down on zoning enforcement as home-swapping flagged under short-term rental

1 week ago | piquenewsmagazine.com | Liz McDonald

A recent bylaw warning issued to a local resident for home-swapping has sparked confusion-and clarification-around how Whistler's short-term rental bylaws are enforced. According to municipal staff, residents offering their homes for exchange on platforms like HomeExchange or People Like Us are still running afoul of Whistler's long-standing zoning laws. "It's the intent of the bylaw," said Mayor Jack Crompton.
Tourism Whistler board seats filled by acclamation at AGM

1 week ago | piquenewsmagazine.com | Liz McDonald

Three returning directors were confirmed to the Tourism Whistler board during its virtual Annual General Meeting on May 22, with all seats filled by acclamation. Saad Hasan, general manager of Lodging Ovations, retained his position representing the Single-Managed Lodging - Small category. Steve Seatle, regional director of Vacasa Canada, also remains on the board, representing Multi-Managed Lodging - Benchlands. Seatle continues as board chair.
Whistler sets stage for 50th anniversary celebration

1 week ago | piquenewsmagazine.com | Liz McDonald

Whistler is gearing up for its half-century anniversary this year with a renewed commitment to community engagement, updated design principles, and a village-wide celebration anchored in inclusivity, local storytelling, and future visioning. In a detailed presentation to council on May 21, Resort Municipality of , outlined how staff are applying lessons learned over the past two years to strengthen public trust and build more meaningful connections across Whistler's diverse population.
Whistler council advances Northlands rezoning to fall consultation

1 week ago | piquenewsmagazine.com | Liz McDonald

A proposed rezoning for 4500 Northlands Boulevard that could bring more than 300 new homes to a prominent site near Whistler Village is moving forward to public consultation this fall-though not without hesitation from council over the developer's $47-million Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) offer and the potential long-term risk to community benefits.
Whistler RCMP seek help locating missing man, Paul Hothersall

1 week ago | piquenewsmagazine.com | Liz McDonald

The Sea to Sky RCMP in Whistler is urgently seeking the public's assistance in locating 46-year-old Paul Hothersall, who was reported missing May 26, 2025. Hothersall was last seen the same day and may be travelling in a black 2013 Ford Flex with B.C. license plate RP095W.
Missing person found - Squamish Chief

1 week ago | squamishchief.com | Liz McDonald

—UPDATE— The Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP is pleased to report that the 46-year old male reported missing on May 26, 2025, has been located safe and sound. The Sea to Sky RCMP (Whistler Detachment) wishes to thank the media and the public for their assistance. —Stripped original story— The Sea to Sky RCMP in Whistler is urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 46-year-old male who was reported missing May 26, 2025.
Grizzly sighting shuts down part of Nicklaus North golf course

1 week ago | piquenewsmagazine.com | Liz McDonald

Several holes at Nicklaus North Golf Course were closed May 26 after a staff member spotted a grizzly bear on the western edge of the course, prompting a response from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS). "We've definitely been impacted. Not everyone wants to play a 13-hole golf course," said Gavin Eckford, general manager at Nicklaus North. "We've had to cancel some tee times and offer discounted rates.
The Post

2 weeks ago | thepost.co.nz | Liz McDonald
Fire crews extinguish illegal campfire near Green Lake

2 weeks ago | piquenewsmagazine.com | Liz McDonald

Whistler Fire Rescue Service (WFRS) is reminding the public to stay fire smart after crews extinguished a large illegal campfire near Green Lake on Sunday night. At approximately 9 p.m. on May 18, ten firefighters-both career and paid-on-call-responded to a report of a wildfire east of the lake. Crews were dispatched from all three local fire halls and faced challenges accessing the area.
Nature training aims to build community action through interpretation

2 weeks ago | piquenewsmagazine.com | Liz McDonald

After years of leading Whistler Museum's Discover Nature interpretation program at Lost Lake, local biologist and educator Kristina Swerhun is launching a Whistler Nature 101 & Interpretation course to the public. The three-day training, hosted at HI Whistler at 1035 Legacy Way from May 28 to 30, is designed to introduce participants to Whistler's natural environment while developing their skills as effective communicators of ecological information.