Condolences
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, I would like to share condolences with the family and friends of Jessie Van Roon.
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, I would like to share condolences with the family and friends of Robin Scott MacDonald.
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, I would like to share condolences with the family and friends of Jonathan Kellock.
Winter Safety
Be adventure smart when you head outdoors in the winter.
Mayor J. Crompton advised Whistler’s lakes are not monitored for ice thickness, and everyone should be aware of the factors that contribute to ice stability.
Mayor J. Crompton advised everyone to make sure to educate yourself on ice conditions and if going on the ice, be prepared for self-rescue.
Mayor J. Crompton noted AdventureSmart recommends staying off any ice that has a thickness of seven centimeters or less.
Alta Lake VORR
The RMOW is seeking public input regarding an application for a Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation (VORR) to regulate the use of internal combustion vessels on Alta Lake.
Mayor J. Crompton noted should the community support an application and it gets approved, the regulation would only permit the use of human-powered and electric-powered vessels on the lake.
Mayor J. Crompton noted the intent of exploring this regulation is to increase the safety our lake users and to preserve Alta Lake’s water quality and sensitive habitat.
Mayor J. Crompton hopes lake users and stakeholders can provide their input on the proposed regulation by completing an anonymous survey at www.whistler.ca/vorr.
Mayor J. Crompton noted the survey will be open until March 1, 2021.
Improving Whistler Transit System
BC Transit and the Resort Municipality of Whistler are seeking the public’s feedback on ways to improve transit in the Whistler Transit System.
Mayor J. Crompton noted the feedback shared will help develop a Transit Future Action Plan, which will support transit decision-making, service and infrastructure improvements in Whistler.
Mayor J. Crompton noted feedback can be provided through an online website and survey available at: engage.bctransit.com/whistler.
Mayor J. Crompton noted the public engagement window is open until February 7, 2021.
Cheakamus Crossing Housing
Information on the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood and resident housing can now be found at www.whistler.ca/cheakamuscrossing.
Mayor J. Crompton noted the newly developed landing page features links to neighbourhood development information and construction notifications.
Mayor J. Crompton noted the Upper Lands is now an active work site, with site clearing for the ‘Parcel A’ development.
Mayor J. Crompton noted this work has been approved by development permit and advances the delivery of new rental employee housing that helps to meet the housing objectives of the RMOW.
BC Assessments 2021 Valuations
Mayor J. Crompton noted Whistler average valuations are flat (+1%), and Squamish and Pemberton are up. Despite COVID-19, much of the Lower Mainland is substantively up and other areas of the province vary widely depending on the region.
Mayor J. Crompton noted as a community we do well to pay close attention to changes like the ones released by BC Assessments.
Mayor J. Crompton advised he is pleased to know we have our Strategic Planning Committee at work building models to understand and respond to factors like long-term trends regarding economic cycles, property values, population and many others, while the Economic Partnership Initiative keeps an eye on ongoing market factors such as the value of the Canadian dollar, travel trends and geographic travel patterns.
Mayor J. Crompton advised he encourages Whistler business owners to be attentive to these kind economic shifts.
Mayor J. Crompton advised he is eager to hear thoughts from our community on what these kind of changes and others mean for us. If you have thoughts please reach out to me at [email protected].
2021 Community Enrichment Program
Applications for the 2021 Community Enrichment Program open Monday, January 25.
Mayor J. Crompton noted to qualify for a grant through the CEP, applicants must operate in one of the following categories: Environment, Social Service, Community Service, Recreation and Sport, or Arts and Culture.
Mayor J. Crompton advised visit www.whistler.ca/CEP for details.
Coexistence Workshop
Mayor J. Crompton noted last week, AWARE and The Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative hosted a workshop, Coexistence: Recreations and Grizzly Bears in the Backcountry.
Councillor C. Jewett’s Arts Update
Whistler Museum and Archives - Avalanche Exhibit 'Land of Thundering Snow', on loan currently from the Revelstoke Musem. This exhibit opened in December 2020 and has many interesting stories of historical avalanches in BC.
Audain Art Museum - Tuesday Night Talks are continuing. I had enough time to make the James Hart TNT after our last council meeting, I’m all set to catch tonight’s TNT with Angela Grossman, a major Canadian artist now leading emerging artist at Emily Carr Institute and UBC.
Arts Whistler has a small announcement: Teeny Tiny Art Show is returning in March. There is a call for artists.
A new exhibit will open Jan. 22nd - Picturing Pemberton highlighting the work of 4 artists: Karen Love, Simon Bedford, Heidi Denessen and Ron Denessen. Our neighbours are more than just great potato farmers!
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre - Admissions are still free until January 24. Take some SLCC and bring home the bannock.
Councillor A. De Jong
Councillor De Jong gave thanks to the Whistler firefighters for their rescue of a man on Alta Lake, afternoon of Saturday, January 9, 2021. Rapid Deployment Craft were used to reach the spot on the lake where the individual needed rescue. Firefighters used the man's skis to prop him up off the ice and maintain his body heat. The scene was described as "gravely tense and inspiring."
Councillor De Jong would like to thank emergency response personnel, RCMP, EMTs, firefighters, helicopter pilots and all those who teamed in on the rescue.
Councillor J. Grills
Whistler is home to many Americans, on behalf of Council and staff, Councillor Grills would like to wish President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris the best of luck and good health.
Councillor J. Ford
Councillor Ford gave a brief update of Whistler Health Care Foundation’s fundraising for an upgrade of the trauma room at the Whistler Health Care Centre.
Councillor Ford would like to remind all Whistler Housing Authority purchase waitlist members to confirm their position on the waitlist.
Councillor R. Forsyth
Councillor Forsyth had a brief announcement regarding the Whistler Public Library:
- Cookbook Club
- Potluck group
- Lunch and Learn
- Community Book Club