Community Life Survey
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Community Life Survey began last week with the annual phone survey. He noted that the random phone survey will continue until 3,000 full-time residents and 200 second homeowners have completed it. A web version of the survey will be available to all residents on February 3, 2020. Mayor J. Crompton noted that the results of this annual survey help Council and RMOW staff better understand community priorities to inform plans, municipal services and other community initiatives. He added that the survey results are part of tracking how well Council and the RMOW are doing with the Corporate Plan, and provides input into the Community Monitoring Program.
Whistler Podcast
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the sixth episode of The Whistler Podcast is live. He advised that this episode is a discussion between the Sea to Sky mayors: Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott, Pemberton Mayor Mike Richmond and himself. He noted that they discuss regional transportation, the Sea to Sky evacuation plan and affordable housing. The episode can be found online at whistler.ca/whistlerpodcast.
Ten-year Anniversary of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Mayor J. Crompton announced that February is the ten-year anniversary of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Games celebrations will run from February 12 to 28, and March 12 to 21. He noted that throughout the two-month period, there will be programming at the Whistler Public Library and throughout Whistler Village to bring the community together and to provide a reunion for everyone who participated in the Games.
Whistler Alert
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Whistler Alert is Whistler’s community emergency notification system that the RMOW will use to notify residents and visitors when there is an emergency related to health, safety or property. He added that this is different to the federal emergency alerts because Whistler Alert covers a broader range of emergencies: such as boil water advisories, evacuation orders and alerts. To sign up, go to whistler.ca/whistleralert.
Whistler Community Foundation – Vital Café
Mayor Jack Crompton noted that the Whistler Community Foundation hosted their Vital Café on the Climate Crisis on January 15, 2020. He thanked all those who attended, and the organizers and presenters, including Councillor A. De Jong.
Whistler RCMP Night Shift
Mayor J. Crompton noted that he spent Friday night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. with the Whistler RCMP. He said that it was a privilege to walk alongside them during such a busy time and see the way they serve the community. He noted that Whistler is a unique place to police and that he was struck by their clear focus on protecting people from the weather, the crowds and even themselves. He added that Whistler has an extremely professional, effective and caring police force. He thanked the Whistler RCMP for their very good work.
Youth Olympics
Mayor J. Crompton congratulated Whistler’s Caitlin Nash and Natalie Corless for their silver medal in the Youth Olympics in the Doubles Luge competition in St. Moritz.
Retirement
Mayor J. Crompton announced the retirement at the end of February of General Manager of Resort Experience, Jan Jansen. Mayor J. Crompton thanked him for his passion, wisdom and leadership, and as well as his service to the organisation and community. Councillors C. Jewett, R. Forsyth J. Grills and A. De Jong shared their thanks for his contributions.
Councillor C. Jewett
Councillor C. Jewett attended the final day of the Emily Carr: Fresh Seeing show at the Audain Museum, and noted that there is a new exhibition beginning on February 8 called The Extended Moment: Fifty Years of Collecting Photographs.
Councillor C. Jewett encouraged community members to check out the Winter Feast at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which is on twice a week.
She also noted that the Winter Arts Scene has ongoing events and exhibitions, with more information on the Arts Whistler website.
Councillor C. Jewett noted that the Winterstoke Backcountry Festival is happening from January 24 to 27, and there will be a discussion in Whistler about this year’s anomalous snowpack.
Councillor A. De Jong
Councillor A. De Jong reminded the community about snow safety and thanked Claire Ogilvie at the Pique for her recent article.
Councillor A. De Jong attended the quarterly AWARE board meeting, and noted that they will be running another “Close Your Door Campaign”. He also noted that they have been seeing unattended outdoor heaters, and added that there is still a lot of work to be done.
Mayor J. Crompton
Mayor J. Crompton thanked roads, and parks and trails crews for all the work they have done in clearing all the snow we have had recently.