COVID-19 Update
Mayor J. Crompton noted that we are well into the first week in May, but Whistler will look different in May this year. He noted that the provincial health officials have reiterated that physical distancing will remain in place for some time. Mayor J. Crompton noted that the provincial state of emergency was extended on April 29, 2020 to support the continued response to COVID-19. He added that this is the third extension since the original declaration on March 18, and will continue through the end of day on May 12, 2020. The premier also announced the province will provide details this week about a phased-in approach to re-opening and re-starting certain industries. Common protocols and guidelines will allow more businesses to re-open and most importantly, do so in a way that the public feels that they their safety is a priority and that they can practice physical distancing while patronizing these businesses and industries. Mayor J. Crompton noted that the RMOW is able to provide most services on-line or virtually. While the RMOW buildings remain closed, staff are at work and he advised that people can reach out to any of the departments, whether that’s a planning inquiry, a business permit or paying property taxes. Mayor J. Crompton noted that the RMOW will reopen parks and municipal facilities with protocols and clear guidelines for users when it is safe to do so. He advised that Vancouver Coastal Health has expanded testing for COVID-19, and noted that for anyone showing cold, influenza, or COVID-19 like symptoms should call 8-1-1 or their local physician’s office to arrange a test. Testing is not recommended for those that are not showing symptoms. He asked the community to continue to live physically distanced, yet socially connected.
Whistler Podcast
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the latest edition of the Whistler Podcast is now live. He joined registered counsellor Greg McDonnell to discuss mental wellness in the community during COVID-19. Greg McDonnell has extensive experience offering psychotherapy for youth, young adults and adults, family therapy, critical incident response and sport performance counselling and offers his insights to help individuals build resilience during challenging times. They discussed the importance of self-care during the pandemic, Greg’s hope equation, normalizing grief and anxiety, and finding creative ways to stay connected while we are physically apart. To listen to the podcast go to whistler.ca/podcast.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that there are a variety of programs and resources available to support the health and wellbeing of the community. Whistler Community Services Outreach Workers can help with a range of needs including no-cost, confidential support for those experiencing challenges with mental health, assistance filling out government forms, advice on counselling options, advocacy for client rights, and help finding food and shelter. For information about local resources and support, as well as an overview of all provincial and federal government resources available to individuals and businesses during COVID-19, visit whistler.ca/community support. For anyone in crisis, he advised to contact the BC Crisis Line at 1-866-661-3311. Mayor J. Crompton noted that the medical team at the Whistler Health Care Centre would like to remind everyone that they are here to help. Additional sanitary and physical distancing measures have been put in place for the safety of all patients visiting the clinic. For primary care needs, please continue to contact a family physician. For those without a family physician, visit divisionsbc.ca/sea-sky to access the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice’s virtual walk-in clinic, and noted that as always, to call 8-1-1 to access Health Link or visit healthlinkbc.ca.
Grizzly Bear Sighting
Mayor J. Crompton noted that on April 29, 2020 the Conservation Officer Service (COS) received a report of a grizzly bear sighting on Crabapple Drive. The COS is urging all Whistler residents to remain vigilant as the grizzly bear remains in the Whistler area. This includes managing all attractants around homes and staying alert when out in the neighbourhood or on trails. He provided the following advice:
- Clean barbecues thoroughly after every use. Burn off all food particles, clean grease from inside surfaces, empty and clean the grease pan (do not dump grease in the yard).
- Ensure that garbage, recycling, compost and all pet foods are properly stored in a secure building (not on a patio or in a car).
- Remove all bird feeders.
- Keep all dogs on leash. Dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears.
- Keep at least 100 meters away from any bear, back away slowly and leave the area.
- Securing attractants is just as important for black bears as it is for grizzlies.
- Report any bears in residential areas by phoning 1-877-952-7277. Early reporting allows the COS to intervene before a bear becomes habituated, and allows them to shepherd the bears back into the wild.
Emergency Preparedness Week
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 3-9, 2020. He encouraged community members to take action to protect themselves, their families and the community. He advised the community to sign-up for Whistler Alert to receive alerts by text message, phone, and email, and noted that Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies. To register and to find out more on how to prepare for an emergency, visit whistler.ca/whistleralert
Mayor J. Crompton advised residents to make an emergency plan. Residents and businesses should be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours following a major emergency or disaster and be prepared to evacuate on short-notice. Mayor J. Crompton advised residents to familiarize themselves with the Sea to Sky Evacuation Plan and use a template to develop emergency plans for their household. For more information visit whistler.ca/evacuate.
FireSmart Chipper Service
Mayor J. Crompton noted that there are opportunities for residents to help reduce the impact of wildfires in our community. The free FireSmart community chipper service returns in early May. To take advantage of the chipper service please email the RMOW to receive a FireSmart assessment. Homeowners should clean up their property and pile natural woody debris with no gravel or loose leaves. He noted that fine garden debris is not accepted by the chipping service and should be disposed of as yard waste at Nester’s Waste Depot. Residents should then contact the RMOW to arrange for the FireSmart crew to chip and remove piles of material at a later date. For more information, visit whistler.ca/FireSmart.
Fuel Thinning
Mayor J. Crompton noted that fuel thinning work above the Spruce Grove and White Gold neighborhoods along the western boundary of Lost Lake Park resumed on April 30. He advised that work is tentatively scheduled until August 2020, but it will stop once the fire danger rating reaches extreme. Spruce Grove and White Gold residents can expect minor noise disruptions during construction hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Rotating trail closures in two locations of Lost Lake Park are planned between Centennial Trail and the western boundary of the park beginning April 30 until further notice. He thanked everyone for staying off closed trails while this important wildfire prevention work is completed to keep the community safe. For more information and trail closures go to whistler.ca/fuelthinning.
AWARE AGM
Mayor J. Crompton noted that this year AWARE took their annual general meeting (AGM) online while celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. They took the time to acknowledge the achievements of 2019, and provided and update on how work will change moving into 2020 in light of COVID-19. Mayor J. Crompton joined them for a conversation about conservation, climate actions and community during these unprecedented times.
Howe Sound Community Forum
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Howe Sound Community Forum also took place virtually with forty elected officials, staff and other observers who made time to join the virtual meeting.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Whistler looks forward to hosting the next forum at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on October 23, 2020.
Whistler Chamber of Commerce Advocacy in Action Panel
Mayor J. Crompton noted that on May 3, 2020 he had the pleasure of speaking with the RMOW’s new CAO Ginny Cullen, and Melissa Pace, CEO of the Whistler Chamber during the Chamber’s Advocacy in Action panel discussion.
BC Transit
Mayor J. Crompton noted that BC Transit has extended their rear door boarding procedures until May 31, 2020 to encourage physical distancing. He reminded riders to stay behind the red line, and to enter through the back doors unless requiring accessible boarding. Fares will not be collected for the month of May. For more information, please visit www.BCTransit.com/covid19.
Condolences
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Mayor J. Crompton shared his condolences with the family and friends of Scotty Hurren. Known as the Plow King, Scotty worked with Coastal Mountain Excavations from their beginning 43 years ago.
Mayor J. Crompton also shared condolences with the family and friends of Wayne Flebbe. Wayne and his brother were institutions in Whistler, and brought a lot of joy to the people he knew.
Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the family and friends of Terrill Patterson of Squamish, who sat as a District of Squamish alderman from November 1985 to December 1987, and ran for council on several occasions.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the RMOW flying flags at half-mast – in respect of both the victims of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Air Forces helicopter incident April 29 in the Ionian Sea resulting in loss of Canadian lives. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those lost.
Councillor C. Jewett
Councillor C. Jewett thanked everyone involved in the Whistler Community Foundation’s Stay at Home Gala hosted by Mo Douglas. She noted that there was lots of entertainment by local artists.
Councillor C. Jewett noted that tonight is the first night it the Audain Museum’s Tuesday night talks, and she encouraged the community to check it out. She also reminded community members to go to the Arts Whistler website for ideas of things to do, especially those with children.