One year ago, Mayor J. Crompton began the Mayor's Report with the following:
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of many in our community, impacted our businesses, and continues to evolve by the day.
We do not know how long this new reality will last. In these uncertain times, we must follow the advice of our public health officials, and work together as a community in doing our part to help flatten the curve.
Our focus right now is on the health and safety of our community.
One year later, while these words are still true, it is important to acknowledge that the pandemic we are in today is very different from the one Mayor Crompton spoke of last year.
We have learned a lot about this virus, how it transmits, what we can do to prevent the spread within our community, the layers of protection that work, and now we have vaccines as an additional tool in our toolbox.
As tough as this is for our community, we must continue to focus on slowing the spread of COVID and getting to the other side of this pandemic. In Whistler, this means avoiding all indoor gatherings with people not in our household, even if you have received a vaccine.
Even as we are faced with Whistler Blackcomb’s closure and other recent changes to business operations in Whistler, as ordered by the Province of British Columbia, Mayor Crompton is amazed at how quickly this community has moved from the sadness of losing spring on the mountain to planning summer cleanup and preparation efforts for what will be a very busy summer.
We are hugely grateful for Whistler Blackcomb for the excellent work they did at staying open for so long this winter and allowing us all to ski safely during a global pandemic.
We are also grateful to other Whistler businesses, organizations and community members for the excellent job adjusting to these challenging times.
For the latest information on the province’s vaccine program, visit www.vch.ca/vaccine.
Community Life Survey
The annual Community Life phone survey is continuing until April 19 and is being administered by Forum Research Inc.
Thank you to everyone, who has responded to the survey so far. This year we are giving residents the opportunity to sign up for the online version of the survey.
When you sign up, the survey will be delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the online survey at www.whistler.ca/survey until April 19. The online survey runs from April 23 to May 10.
Delayed Date for Property Taxes
For the second year in a row, property owners will be receiving relief in the form of a delayed penalty date for property taxes, should it be required.
The 2021 due date for property taxes will remain unchanged at July 2, 2021, with the penalty date for late payments delayed to September 30, 2021.
Tax notices will be delivered to all property owners at the end of May, and property tax questions can be directed to the Finance Department at [email protected]
Transit Schedule
Whistler Transit is now operating on their spring/summer/fall schedule.
The Late Winter schedule will continue with extra buses until April 10 to help transition from the Full Winter service to the Spring-Summer-Fall transit service schedule.
For more information on specific route and schedule changes, please visit bctransit.com/whistler.
Bear Season
It is bear season in Whistler. Whistler’s bears are waking up and emerging from their dens.
This means it’s time for a spring clean of any attractants from around our homes and cars.
Common attractants are garbage, bird feeders, compost and pet food. But even recycling, paint cans, citronella, and sunscreen have strong enough smells to attract bears.
Keeping bears safe – and wild – means everyone has to do their part.
Watercraft Rack Storage
Watercraft rack storage will be available to rent for the 2021 season next week, with staggered reservation dates.
Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) storage spaces will be available online from April 13 at noon. Canoe/kayak storage spaces will be available online from April 14 at noon.
For information, reservation tips and the link to the online reservation system please see www.whistler.ca/SUPStorage.
Opportunities and Permit Updates
The RMOW is seeking to provide additional food and non-alcoholic beverage service opportunities in multiple parks as part of the Whistler Summer Experience 2021 Plan.
The Whistler Parks Food Service Opportunities Request for Proposal (RFP) is open until April 19. More information is available at www.whistler.ca/bids.
The RMOW is streamlining the application and renewals process for Temporary Use Permits for patios, enabling these businesses to safely serve patrons while complying with physical distancing limitations ordered by the Provincial Health Officer. Existing Temporary Use Permits holders may renew their permit at no cost through to the end of October 31, 2021, providing the patio plans are consistent with their 2020 permit. Visit whistler.ca/patios for information.
Arts Update
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is temporarily closed and will reopen April 29. The SLCC will open with a new exhibit Boarder X which will feature local and international indigenous artists who focus on skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing to show their knowledge of and their connection to the land.
Audain Art Museum - get your culture fix Thursday through Sunday at the Audain. They featuring Rebecca Belmore’s Reservoir and of course their incredible permanent collection including the largest permanent display of Emily Carrs as well as historical and contemporary BC First Nations artists.
Coming up April 24 it’s the Illuminate Gala. A delicious meal from the Lazy Gourmet will be delivered to your home. Online silent auction as well as a Live Auction are available to attendees and those not attending. Fine Art is on the block. Go to Audainartmuseum.com to participate. You could take home an original Gordon Smith or Jack Shadbolt.
The Whistler Museum is open. The Land of Thundering Snow avalanche exhibit continues. If you have kids be sure to pick up the free Activity Book.
Reach Out! Arts Whistler and Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) have partnered in a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Mental Health.
Artist Aurora Moore has designed a pin to show your support. Individuals and businesses are asked to go to ArtsWhistler.com to order “Reach Out” pins. I’ve already placed my order and added a donation. Reach out to WCSS Outreach are there with no cost.
Teeny Tiny Art Show is on now at the Maury Young Art Centre. Hundreds of tiny pieces of art are available for you to enjoy and available for purchase so that you can take them home and enjoy them forever.
Lifting the Community is an art project that brings retired Cat Skinner chairs to new life as works of art and will be auctioned later this year.
Other Updates
Councillor Grills noted April marks the one-year anniversary of living with COVID and all that entails such as working remotely with Mayor, Council and staff, and all the various challenges of moving to a remote environment. Councillor Grills hopes there will be no anniversary in 2022.
April 6 marks a three-year anniversary of the Humboldt Bus Crash, which killed 16 people and 13 others, a tragic event in Canadian history. Our hearts go out to the hockey players, parents, teachers and all those that were involved.