International Overdose Awareness Day
Mayor J. Crompton noted that yesterday, August 31, 2020, was International Overdose Awareness Day.
COVID-19
Mayor J. Crompton thanked all those who have been respectful and patient while Whistler has adapted to meet COVID-19 guidelines. He noted that he is proud of the community for being creative and working together to continue to make Whistler a safe place where people want to live, work, and play. He reminded people to be vigilant in following measures that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the long weekend approaches, and whether spending time in Whistler or travelling around the province, remember that COVID-19 is not on vacation.
Mayor J. Crompton reminded residents and visitors new regulations from the Province of British Columbia allow fines of up to $2,000 for anyone violating B.C.’s public health orders. The RMOW and partners, Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, and the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, have been working with Whistler businesses on the importance of having a safety plan in place. He noted that if a business is looking for resources to help implement COVID-19 safety measures, more information can be found online at whistler.ca/saferestart. There are resources including occupancy posters, physical distancing floor stickers for indoors and outdoors, “Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19” awareness posters and a business toolkit. Businesses with adequate COVID-19 safety measures in place can receive a “We are helping prevent the spread of COVID-19” window sticker to display for customers.
Mayor J. Crompton reminded people to wear a face-covering when physical distancing is not possible. He asked community members to lead by example. When residents wear a mask around town and inside businesses it is clear to visitors that masks are required in Whistler. He noted that it is up to each community member to model the behaviour we wish to see in the community. Mayor J. Crompton noted that face coverings are now mandatory on all transit buses. Transit drivers work hard to get people safely around town. Please respect the drivers and wear a face covering. He noted that purchasers of a September transit pass, or holders of a current transit pass, can receive a free reusable face mask at the Municipal Hall Customer Service desk (while supplies last).
BC Transit schedule
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the BC Transit schedule changes take effect on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. In addition to the annual seasonal adjustment from summer to fall service levels, trip times of routes north and south of Whistler Village will change and there will be increased frequency on the route 10 Valley Express. For more details on service adjustments to routes 10, 20 and 30, visit engage.bctransit.com/whistler.
Back to School
Mayor J. Crompton noted that students return to school next week, and for information on B.C.’s back to school plan, visit gov.bc.ca/backtoschool
RMOW Solid Waste Technician
Mayor J. Crompton invited community members to come and chat with the RMOW Solid Waste Technician to learn more about reducing food waste and get answers to any waste-related questions. The RMOW Solid Waste Technician will be at the Nesters Depot on Wednesday, September 9 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. He noted that for anyone not able to make it, they can email the Solid Waste Technician at [email protected].
Councillor C. Jewett Arts Update
Councillor C. Jewett congratulated Arts Whistler for their event ‘Art on the Lake…Literally’.
Councillor C. Jewett noted the following events:
- ‘Anonymous Art Show’ at MYAC
- Whistler’s Writers Festival
- Dinner at the Audain
- SLCC pole carving
Councillor R. Forsyth
Councillor R. Forsyth thanked the trails crew for their work on the mountain bike trails in the valley.
Councillor J. Grills
Councillor J. Grills noted that the number of visitors will decline in the fall, and encouraged people to eat and shop locally when the number of visitors drops off.
Condolences
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the family and friends of Kike Redondo. He was one of Whistler’s early culinary pioneers and was the owner of the family-run village Mediterranean restaurant Kypriaki Norte for 19 years before choosing to close and move back to Spain.
Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the friends and family of Michael Messenguer.
Councillors J. Ford and C. Jewett shared condolences with the friends and family of Mary Murray.