Community Conversations
Mayor J. Crompton noted that last month, the RMOW invited the public to join four virtual community conversations that focused on the characteristic of Whistler’s shared vision: Sense of Place, Environment, Tourism-based Economy and Community.
Face Coverings
Mayor J. Crompton noted that BC Transit, in alignment with TransLink and other transportation agencies, will be proceeding with the mandatory use of face coverings on buses across the Province as of August 24, 2020. The advice from health professionals, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, has been to wear face coverings when physical distancing is not possible, including on transit vehicles. He encouraged riders to start wearing a mask today, and added that wearing a face covering creates a safe and comfortable environment for all those on board. Mayor J. Crompton noted that, as part of BC Transit’s ‘Together we Ride’ campaign, he and members of Council will be handing out reusable face masks to transit riders on August 21, 22 and 25. Mayor J. Crompton noted that wearing a mask on transit is important because physical distance is difficult. He asked that people also wear a mask in the village and inside public buildings. More information can be found online at bctransit.com/covid
Meadow Park Sports Centre
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Meadow Park Sports Centre welcomed pass holders back on August 17, 2020 with the reopening of the fitness centre and squash/basketball courts. He added that pre-booked timeslots need to be reserved prior to visiting the facility up to 72-hours in advance. Public access will be restricted to facility users with a reservation, and drop-in visits will not be permitted at this time. For more information on current availability, process changes, and what is required prior to arriving at the facility visit whistler.ca/mpsc.
Bear Attractants
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Conservation Officer Service (COS) continues to receive reports of bears accessing garbage and other attractants at multiple locations throughout Whistler. He reminded community members to manage garbage, recycling and other attractants so bears can’t access them, at home or in cars; never feed or approach a bear; and to report bear sightings in residential areas by phoning the BC COS. Calling the COS when the bear is first seen in a neighbourhood or yard provides more options to manage the bear. Visit Whistler.ca/bears to learn more.
Fuel Thinning
Mayor J. Crompton noted that fuel thinning work will begin on Thursday, August 20, 2020 the forested area west of Nesters neighbourhood, and given the interconnected layout of the trails, all trails on Nesters Hill will be closed for the duration of the project. Work is expected to take five weeks to complete. For a complete list of trail closures, and more information about the project, visit whistler.ca/fuelthinning.
Strategic Planning Committee
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Strategic Planning Committee met on July 22 for their first meeting since the pandemic began. They discussed current challenges as well as thinking about how Whistler moves forward. He noted that public input and public expertise is critical to the success of our community.
Tourism Sector Meeting
Mayor J. Crompton noted that last week he (and some other Sea to Sky community representatives) spoke with the Minister of Economic Development, the Honourable Joly and our M.P. Patrick Weiler, about Canada’s tourism sector. He heard their thoughts on how Canada is responding, and shared some of the unique challenges the Whistler community faces.
Annual Climate Caucus Summit
Mayor J. Crompton noted that he attended the second annual climate caucus summit, and added that over 250 councillors, mayors, and regional directors from across Canada are working together to create and implement policy to address Canada’s climate challenges. He noted that COVID-19 has changed the way municipalities do things but it hasn’t dampened the commitment to taking serious climate action.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Mayor J. Crompton announced that Councillors C. Jewett and D. Jackson are among the 93 elected officials selected to participate in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities first ever climate leadership course.
Condolences
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the family and friends of Mike Suggett.
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the family and friends of D’Arcy Burke. He noted that D’Arcy became an inspiration and pioneer in the world of mountain biking, and helped to build some of Whistler’s most iconic trails.
Councillor C. Jewett
Councillor C. Jewett noted the following events:
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre: Lil’wat artist Ed Archie NoiseCat
- Arts Whistler: Art on the Lake, August 27, 2020
- Audain Arts Museum with Bearfoot Bistro: dinners al fresco under the Museum.
- Whistler Museum and Archives: Valley of Dreams and Discover Nature Tours, and Crafts in the Park in conjunction with the Whistler Library.
Councillor A. De Jong
Councillor A. De Jong reflected on the passing of Mike Suggett, and noted that he was the first avalanche forecaster for Whistler. He was a true steward to the Valley.
Councillor A. De Jong recognised the efforts of municipal staff with the annual toad migration in redirecting the toads under the trail.
Councillor A. De Jong noted that a bear was recently destroyed due to the mismanagement of food waste. He reminded people to be vigilant about food waste in construction bins, and also with the home delivery of food packages. He noted that the fire hazard level is high and asked people to FireSmart their home.