B.C.’s Restart Plan – Phase 3 Update
Mayor J. Crompton noted, as the community welcomes more visitors to Whistler and people begin to move around the province, it is important to remember that everyone has a different comfort level with regards to their risk tolerance and the potential for spreading COVID-19 increases. Everyone travelling to and within B.C. is asked to follow the provincial health officer’s guidelines:
- Complete a pre-trip plan and research available resources at arriving destinations;
- Respect any local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities;
- No travelling for anyone who is sick, and if symptoms develop while travelling – self isolate immediately and contact 8-1-1 for guidance;
- Practice safe physical distancing of two metres at all times;
- Spend time in small groups and open spaces;
- Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing and cleaning; and
- Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
Mayor J. Crompton thanked the businesses that have already put in appropriate measures to keep their employees and community safe, and thanked the community for respecting these new processes and guidelines. Safely restarting Whistler is a full community effort. For businesses looking for support and industry specific resources, visit whistler.ca/saferestart.
Framework Agreement between the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Lil’wat Nation, Squamish Nation, Province of British Columbia, and Vail Resorts
Mayor J. Crompton noted that on June 26, the Resort Municipality of Whistler reached a Framework Agreement with the Lil’wat Nation, Squamish Nation, Province of British Columbia, and Vail Resorts that furthers reconciliation and shared goals between the parties. The Framework Agreement builds on several other Agreements between the parties including a 2017 Memorandum of Understanding, and 2018 government to government Protocol Agreement between RMOW, Lil’wat Nation and the Squamish Nation. The Framework furthers Whistler’s reconciliation path with the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation through greater participation in economic and cultural opportunities in Whistler. The Framework was achieved through an awareness and recognition of each party’s concerns and interests, and formulated through open government-to-government communications. It also paved the way for provincial approval of the RMOW’s Official Community Plan (OCP), and updated community vision: Whistler: A place where our community thrives, nature is protected, and guests are inspired. The OCP was adopted by Council at the June 23 Meeting, as well as the enactment of recent legislative amendments to the RMOW Act, which were announced today by the Province of British Columbia. Fulfilling this commitment requires ongoing work, open dialogue and collaboration in moving forward.
Virtual Canada Day celebrations
Mayor J. Crompton thanked everyone who participated or contributed to the virtual Canada Day celebrations. He noted that it was amazing to see the community come together while staying physically apart.
Virtual Community Townhall Meetings
Mayor J. Crompton noted that beginning July 14, the RMOW will be hosting four Virtual Community Townhall Meetings to bring the community together and provide an opportunity for everyone to share their experiences, thoughts and ideas as Whistler continues to manage the impacts of COVID-19 and plan for recovery. Each townhall will focus on a theme taken from the Community Vision Characteristics: Sense of Place, Environment, Tourism Economy and Community. The virtual gatherings will take place via Zoom on July 14, 16, 20 and 23.
Re-opening of activities
Mayor J. Crompton noted the re-opening of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and the Audain Art Museum on June 26 and noted that Whistler Blackcomb opened on June 29 for the summer with Bike Park and sightseeing access.
Farmer’s Market
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the first Farmer’s Market of the season was held this past Sunday. Twelve vendors set up at the new venue, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Mayor J. Crompton thanked the Whistler Farmer's Market Board and the Cultural Centre for their work in getting this set up.
BC Transit and paid parking
Mayor J. Crompton noted summer transportation changes took effect on July 1. The Lost Lake shuttle and free weekend service on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays began July 1 and end Labour Day, September 7. After careful consideration and feedback from the community, the Whistler Transit Management Advisory Committee made the decision to maintain late night transit service. For schedule information, visit bctransit.com/whistler.
Peak season parking rates in the Day Lots 4 and 5 began July 1, delayed from June 19, and will be in effect until September 15. All parking prices remain unchanged this summer. Visit whistler.ca/parking for details.
Maytober
Mayor J. Crompton reminded the community that Maytober is almost half way through. The RMOW is challenging residents to switch out one private passenger vehicle trip each week for a lower-carbon transportation choice such as walking, transit, biking or carpooling to take action on the community's climate footprint. Emissions from private passenger vehicles make up the largest part of Whistler’s community carbon footprint – at 57 per cent. If every registered vehicle owner made one less trip by car every week from May 1 to October 1, the RMOW calculates this would cut 600 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions locally in Whistler. Learn more at whistler.ca/maytober.
Temporary outdoor patio areas and liquor licensed areas
Mayor J. Crompton noted that food and beverage businesses can apply for a licence for dedicated temporary outdoor patio areas (including liquor licensed areas) on both public and private lands. A streamlined application process is helping businesses increase their capacity outdoors and not delay their ability to take advantage of patio season weather. The Resort Municipality of Whistler recognizes that not all restaurants may have adjacent space available for use as an outdoor patio, so municipal staff will be increasing the number of picnic tables in select locations throughout Whistler Village to increase public seating for take-out opportunities. For more information visit whistler.ca/temporarypatioareexpansions.
Millar Creek Trail closure
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Millar Creek Trail is closed between Function Junction and Alta Lake Road Mondays to Fridays until November 2020 for trail upgrades and asked that people use the alternate Valley Trail route via Spring Creek. Visit whistler.ca/valleytrail for more details.
Sewer relining work on the valley trail
Mayor J. Crompton noted that sewer relining work was completed last week. The Valley Trail between Blueberry Drive and Whistler Village has now re-opened. He thanked everyone for respecting the trail closures while this work was performed. To learn more about the project visit whistler.ca/sewerrelining.
Whistler Public Library
Mayor J. Crompton noted summer programming at Whistler Public Library will look a little different this year: all programs will be offered virtually, and the team is introducing a new series called 'Explore Your Inner Universe'. For seven weeks, starting this past Sunday, July 5, the Library will be sharing activities and resources on their website and Facebook page to encourage the public to celebrate and explore mental wellness. Each week will focus on a different theme, including Rest and Relaxation, Creativity, Social Connection, and more. Visit whistlerlibrary.ca for more details.
Mike Furey
Mayor J. Crompton noted Mike Furey’s last day with the Municipality was June 30, 2020. From everyone at the RMOW, Mayor J. Crompton thanked Mike for all he has done for the municipality and for the community of Whistler.
Councillor C. Jewett
Councillor C. Jewett noted that the Whistler Museum and Archives reopened on July 1, and tonight is the first of the Virtual Speaker Series with Highways of the Past: Canoeing the Grand Canyon of the Liard. She also noted the Valley of Dreams Walking Tours, the Discover Nature walks, and Crafts in the Park. Councillor C. Jewett noted that the Audain Museum hours have changed. Councillor C. Jewett noted that the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is open, and reminded everyone that the Children’s Arts Festival is still running for a few more days.
Councillor C. Jewett noted that Jackie Dickinson has stepped back into the Executive Director role at the Whistler Community Services Society. She thanked Lori Pyne, and noted that she is moving into a new position.
Councillor A. De Jong
Councillor A. De Jong noted that the Habitat Improvement Team (HIT) will not be operating this summer due to physical distancing measures.