History of Whistler Heliport Society

by Jose Malave I am an author.

Denis's history summary:

Denis Vincent a ardent passionate of the aviation world since 1991, (27 years ago) where he bought his first airplane et started commercial activities, became a qualified commercial pilot for airplanes and helicopters in 1996 with over 10,800 TT accumulated pilot hours. He is involved in leasing and selling airplanes and helicopters since. Also has an operation called Rockies Heli Canada, located in Alberta with over 26,000 customers. Denis has flown to Africa, Europe, South America, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and South Arabia. He has also performed three transatlantic flights with a single motor nonstop.

In 2008 Denis landed in West Canada by helicopter to pursue his passion of flying, camping and discovering West Canada and Alaska.

In 2012 he discovered his favorite destination was British Columbia, particularly Whistler, Squamish, Kelowna and Vancouver. In 2016, Denis sold the idea of a unique experience to a very successful and prominent family from Europe. (one of the richest fortunes in the world) All fourteen family members would spend a week in Whistler (backcountry) with a budget of 2.3 million. (aimed market)

In 2017 Denis becomes a permanent resident in Squamish.

Agreement with Spearhead and WHPS John Morris negotiations

At the end of 2016, negotiations begin with Spearhead Aviation to acquire their hangar in Whistler. By February 2017, an agreement under conditions is settled to buy the hangar.

In April 2017 through mid-October, Denis tries to reach out to John Morris, President of Blackcomb Aviation and President at WHPS, and continues his efforts daily via texts, e-mails, and telephone without success.

Meanwhile, curiously, in mid-July Spearhead Aviation receives notice of termination of their lease at Whistler Heliport.

Finally on October 2, 2017 we receive a response from Ken Glaze, Director at Whistler Heliport Society. Through a string of e-mail correspondences on October 22 2017 Ken invites us to attend the annual AGM, once a date has been set.

December 14, 2017 we are advised by Ken Glaze that the AGM meeting has been set for December 20th, however now retracts his invitation to attend, stating that the AGM meeting is now for members only and that the day schedule is to overloaded to be able to meet Denis.

On December 22, 2017, after the AGM meeting, we receive a communication via e-mail from Doug Hare, Vice President - Director of Whistler Heliport Society that we do not meet the membership criteria of the Whistler Heliport Society Bylaws. Wanting clarification, notably if the bylaws had been modified during the AGM meeting, (in favor of non-competition) our attempts of communications go unanswered.

January 5th, 2018 we receive communication via a letter from Dylan Thomas, the (new ?) President of Whistler Heliport Society accusing us of trespassing on a private property at the Whistler Heliport and threatened that a complaint to the RCMP, and Transport Canada would be filed, followed by possible legal action from Whistler Heliport Society. Again our attempts of communications go unanswered to this date.

John Morris - Non-competition - Conflict of Interest

It is clear to us that John Morris who sits as President of Blackcomb Aviation and who sat as President of Whistler Heliport Society (up until December 20th, 2017) does not want any competition. His convenient position is clearly a conflict of interest. Further proof of this conflict of interest lies in the fact that John Morris has since;

- Threatened a customer that should they continue to do business with Denis, John would expel the customer from the heliport.

- Threatened Liz Scemen from Spearhead Hut, a non-profit organization, once Denis landed with her, that Blackcomb would cancel their contract with her.

- Five other individuals and companies (whom prefer to stay anonymous, for fear of John Morris' repercussions, however, are ready to be named providing a Non disclosure Agreement Clause is signed) have also been approached with the same threats.

- Why after 27 years did John Morris suddenly change the bylaws to assure his non-competition interest ?

- Before John Morris knew of Denis' business activities, Denis Vincent was respected and very well liked by John Morris. However, since his knowledge of Denis' business interests has suddenly become an enemy, accusing him of having ties with criminal activities, non safe flying (too high too low), not having proper license to fly, flying without insurance and that Denis was not permitted to fly in Whistler.

Conclusion

WHS was built with public funds and designed to accommodate 5 different operators throughout the vast facility. The city, has an obligation to ensure that the governance is conducted correctly, as other heliport facilities of Canada (example Canmore)

We can understand that the lease dates back to 1991, however, as a good family father, must bring changes and modifications that align with equal competition.

We would appreciate a meeting with the Whistler Heliport Society, with the President of the Whistler Heliport Society, Dylan Tomas including one or two counsels, to finally put to rest this saga and find a solution beneficial for all.