National Indigenous Peoples Day
Mayor J. Crompton noted that June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and there will be celebrations hosted virtually by the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. He added that June is also National Indigenous History Month.
Whistler Re-Opening
Mayor J. Crompton thanked the Whistler community and visitors for their continued patience while the RMOW works to re-open safely. He noted that some students have been returning to classrooms as of June 1, businesses are re-opening with modified operations, and there has been an increase in the number of people out and about in Whistler and the Village. He advised of the continued importance of physical distancing and to continue to follow the recommendations of the provincial health officer.
Municipal Hall Customer Services
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the upstairs customer service area at municipal hall re-opened to the public last week and offers limited services, with physical distancing measures in place. Residents are able to purchase bus passes, tickets and parking passes, pay property taxes, purchase licences and pay fines. He noted that services on the lower level of municipal hall, including the Planning and Building departments, are not yet available in-person, but almost all municipal services continue to be available online, and residents are encouraged to access these services remotely when possible, to limit in-person contact. Mayor J. Crompton asked people to be aware that WorkSafeBC’s mandatory physical distancing measures mean there may be lineups to access in-person services at municipal hall as only a limited number of people are allowed in the building at a time. Access services online at whistler.ca/onlineservices.
Whistler Public Library
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Whistler Public Library launched their new initiative, Library to Go, on Monday, June 1. Library users can now place holds on books and DVDs using the library’s website and pick them up at the library using the new, contactless procedure. Library To Go will be available Monday, Wednesday and Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; during this time, book drops will be accessible for materials return. Library staff have worked hard since March 16 to bring many of their services online, and these virtual offerings will continue as the reintroduction of in-person services is underway. To learn more about Library to Go, visit whistler.ca/library-to-go.
Minister of Tourism
Mayor J. Crompton noted that he has spoken to Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare and advocated for Whistler’s needs moving forward through the phases of re-opening. Mayor J. Crompton added the he and CAO V. Cullen had a phone call with Premier John Horgan.
Climate Action Big Moves Strategy
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Resort Municipality of Whistler is more committed than ever to tackling the serious threat of climate change and has launched the Climate Action Big Moves Strategy to focus Whistler’s efforts. This climate action strategy is crucial to Whistler’s future and for this reason, it will underpin the community and economic recovery efforts. The Big Moves Strategy prioritizes action on transportation and buildings – which together account for 90 per cent of Whistler’s emissions. The Big Moves Strategy identifies six specific areas where Whistler can have the biggest impact to dramatically reduce the community’s contribution to greenhouse gases and energy consumption. The Big Moves Strategy incorporates and prioritizes CECAP developed in 2016. Both CECAP and the Big Moves Strategy support and help deliver the Official Community Plan’s vision for Whistler to be a resilient, lower carbon community. Learn more about the Climate Action Big Moves Strategy at whistler.ca/BigMoves.
Canada Day
Mayor J. Crompton noted that this Canada Day’s 153rd celebration will be a little different. He noted that the traditional parade, street entertainment and evening concert will not happen this year; however, RMOW staff remain busy exploring and developing new ways to celebrate Canada Day in Whistler. Many elements of the celebration will go virtual and be presented online. There will also be pop-up animation dispersed throughout Whistler Village, in several parks, and in some neighbourhoods. Community safety is central to all the plans for the event. The RMOW has also announced that due to the current situation there will not be a Whistler Presents: Outdoor Concerts Series at Whistler Olympic Plaza for 2020. Stay tuned for a uniquely Whistler way to share our passion for music, as programming is re-imagined for this year.
Food Truck Program
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the 2020 Whistler parks food truck season started on Friday, June 5 with a modified early season program. There are food trucks operating at Lost Lake Park and Rainbow Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Friday, June 26. He noted that the regular summer program will run Saturday, June 27 through Monday, September 7, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather dependent. For more information, and to see the food truck schedule, visit whistler.ca/foodtrucks.
Transportation Advisory Group
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Transportation Advisory Group revised their recommended summer 2020 actions due to COVID-19. Summer transportation services have been thoughtfully considered to balance service levels and climate action progress with reduced budgets and improved safety measures. There will not be an increase in parking rates this summer, as previously proposed. This also means there will be fewer new transportation actions implemented this summer. Seasonal pay parking in Day Lots 4 and 5 is delayed from June 15 to July 1 and will be in effect until September 15. Revenue generated by parking fees in Day lots 1 to 5 will continue to fund our summer transportation programs and services such as the installation of more EV charging stations, free weekend transit service, continuing the reduced $50 monthly transit pass price, and secure bike parking in the library underground parking lot and bike valet service on peak-days in the village and Farmer’s Market. Whistler residents and employees are encouraged to purchase their parking passes online at whistler.ca/parking
Climate Footprint
Mayor J. Crompton noted that as businesses reopen and trips increase, taking action on Whistler’s climate footprint continues to be a shared responsibility. Until October 1, the RMOW challenges residents to switch out one private passenger vehicle trip each week for a lower-carbon transportation choice. Visit whistler.ca/MayTober to learn more about the programs and infrastructure in place to make it easier than ever to choose a lower carbon transportation option.
Whistler Transit Fares
Mayor J. Crompton noted that as of June 1, Whistler Transit is now collecting fare payment. Transit riders may now purchase one-month bus passes and bus tickets at Nesters Grocery, Creekside Market and Forecast Coffee, Kitchen, Grocer in Function Junction, in addition to municipal hall. The RMOW thanks these businesses for their willingness to provide more ways for transit riders to purchase fare products. Changes to the summer transit schedule that typically begin mid-June have been delayed to July 1. The Lost Lake shuttle and free weekend service on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays will begin on July 1 and end Labour Day, September 7. Late night service reductions also begin July 1. Due to decreased demand, transit service in Whistler will end just after midnight. Visit BCTransit.com/Whistler for the latest schedule information.
Construction Projects
Mayor J. Crompton noted that construction is moving ahead on several priority projects for community infrastructure and utilities, following a delayed start to the spring construction season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several projects began earlier this month, and other projects will commence in the coming weeks based on the 2020 budget amendment approved by Council last month. Daytime construction is now underway from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until June 26 for sewer maintenance along Village Gate Boulevard. Expect traffic disruptions and transit delays on Village Gate Boulevard between Highway 99 and Northlands Boulevard. Please use the detour via Lorimer Road if possible. For detailed construction information, including budgets, timeline, locations and impacts, visit whistler.ca/ConstructionTracker.
Water Main Flushing Program
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the municipality’s annual Water Main Flushing Program, which began in April, runs until October this year. The flushing cleans the water pipes, maintains water quality, and improves the integrity and durability of the piping system. During flushing, neighbourhood water service may be interrupted briefly. If you notice water is discoloured, run the cold taps until the water runs clear again. Learn more at whistler.ca/WaterMainFlushing
Fuel Thinning
Mayor J. Crompton noted that fuel thinning work continues above the Spruce Grove and White Gold neighborhoods along the western boundary of Lost Lake Park. He noted that work is tentatively scheduled to last until August 2020, but it will stop once the fire danger rating reaches extreme. He thanked everyone for staying off closed trails while this important wildfire prevention work is completed to keep our community safe. Go to whistler.ca/Fuel Thinning for more information and trail closure details.
Condolences
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the events in Minneapolis and at home in B.C. expose the fact that racism continues to be a problem. Whether experienced in overt public acts or hidden in people’s own bias, it’s something we must recognise and correct. He noted that he appreciates the reminder of the need, here, now, to promote justice, and fairness and speak up against racism. Racism has no place in the Whistler community. He reminded the community to be kind, be calm, and be safe.
Councillor C. Jewett
Councillor C. Jewett shared her condolences for the friends and family of Eddy Kubyar, known as “Fast Eddy”. He was a character from the early days of Alta Lake. She also shared condolences for friends and family of Jacques Barbeau who passed away last month. He and his wife Margaret Owen gathered an impressive collection of B.C. artist E.J. Hughes, some of which are displayed at the Audain Museum.
Councillor C. Jewett noted that both the Audain Museum and the SLCC will be re-opening on Friday June 26, 2020. The Children’s Art Festival will be held online on June 12, 2020, and Councillor C. Jewett noted that the Whistler Museum and Archives will be holding their AGM on June 10, 2020.
Councillor A. De Jong
Councillor A. De Jong thanked the RMOW staff for opening and maintaining the parks and trails, and noted that working operationally with distancing restrictions is challenging.
Councillor A. De Jong noted that he participated in a David Suzuki Climate Webinar last week.