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Practicing smart home economics

I'm going to set up a lemonade stand on Highway 99. This return to my childhood is not because I enjoy serving beverages nor is it because I like the pang of lemon juice in my eyes.

I'm going to set up a lemonade stand on Highway 99.

This return to my childhood is not because I enjoy serving beverages nor is it because I like the pang of lemon juice in my eyes. I'm setting up a lemonade stand - a toonie a cup - because I've always dreamed of being known as a prudent entrepreneur.

Let's face it: we're in an extreme economic crisis. But that doesn't mean it can't be exciting. People are thirsty for some sort, any sort, of respite. And as the wild flowers bloom and the sun stays up closer and closer toward bedtime, it's going to quickly become obvious to passersby that Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵis a magical oasis of complimentary fun.

Don't worry city boy, this one's on the house.

C'mon folks, pick a place and we can profit under the radar. Let's see Brohm Lake. A hot Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵday draws swarms of swimmers to the lake. Some come prepared with trunks and towels but for others it's the spur of the moment dip off the highway that cools their jets before continuing to Whistler.

So when that unprepared swimmer shivers his or her way onto the rocks I'll be there with a towel for rent draped over my left forearm - a toonie a pop. The visitor leaves dry, happy, and having contributed some spare change to the community.

Whoop, whoop - can I get a "local economic impact"?!?!

Now let's try The Stawamus Chief. Last week in The Chief newspaper's Soundoff, B.C. High Performance Biathlon Team head coach iLmar Heinicke suggested (facetiously, I trust) building a gondola leading to a five-star restaurant at the top rather than building a gaming centre. I see a more discreet way of making money off the monolith.

Piggyback rides. There are a couple popular spots where hikers stop to rest and enjoy the view to the south, such as the clearing where that big boulder sits. After water's gulped and a snack is munched it's pretty tough to turn down a piggyback ride the rest of the way - a toonie for the south peak, two toonies for the middle peak and a cool two toonies and a loonie for the north peak. It's such a great deal that they'll scramble down feeling like thieves, but I'll be reaping all the rewards. I mean really, piggybacking someone up the Chief - what a personal accomplishment!

The entrepreneurial opportunities are truly endless and will surely lighten the burden of a tight budget. You just have to be creative and take advantage of all the free stuff around town. Since it costs so much to do a lot of things in Whistler nobody will mind chipping in here in return for a few extra comforts.

But for starters, it's the lemonade stand next to Highway 99 for me. And as the constant construction keeps cars idling through town on their way to Whistler those involved in the exodus from the city will choke on their own exhaust and want cool refreshments that will be ready at hand. I'll be there with a big Squampton grin - a toonie a cup.

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