Community Conversations
Mayor J. Crompton thanked everyone who has participated in one of the Community Conversations, or shared their experiences through Thoughtexchange. He noted that three community conversations have been held over the past week, talking about Sense of Place with Heather Paul, the Environment with Mike Douglas, and our Tourism-based economy with Danielle Kristmanson. He noted that these conversations help the RMOW understand the individual and shared experiences through the COVID-19 pandemic. The feedback and ideas shared will help inform the path forward. The final Community Conversation is taking place on Thursday, July 23 at 5 p.m. and it will be about community with Chris Wrightson. Mayor J. Crompton noted that members of the community can also share their thoughts online through the platform Thoughtexchange until July 25. He encouraged people to revisit the site and add more thoughts and see new thoughts that have been added by our community. For more information visit whistler.ca/communityconversations.
Face Masks
Mayor J. Crompton noted that everyone has a role to play in protecting ourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. He asked people to consider wearing a mask when it is difficult to maintain proper physical distancing. He added that masks are not a replacement for hand washing, staying home when sick, and maintaining a 2 metre distance, but should be considered in places where physical distancing is challenging, such as Whistler Village. He noted that the RMOW has placed new signage around Whistler Village to help share this message.
Adventure Smart
Mayor J. Crompton reminded everyone that before heading out on the trails in Whistler this summer, to make sure they are adventure smart by being prepared and, be kind and always respect fellow trail users with physical distancing. This includes taking the 10 essentials, respect the environment and always staying within your ability. More information can be found online at whistler.ca/adventuresmart.
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District new Chief Administrative Officer
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District announced the appointment of their new Chief Administrative Officer last week. Melany Helmer will be joining the SLRD as CAO, effective September 8, 2020. Her previous experience includes being CAO at the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. On behalf of Council and the RMOW Mayor J. Crompton welcomed Melany and her family to the region.
Outdoor fitness classes at Meadow Park Sports Centre
Mayor J. Crompton noted that outdoor fitness classes at Meadow Park Sports Centre began again on July 13. For the class schedule, details about how to purchase a COVID-19 class pass, and to register for outdoor classes go to whistler.ca/fitness
Kids on the Go
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Kids on the Go program will be moving to a contactless registration process this year. This means families will not line up in person to register for Kids on the Go programs for the 2020/2021 school year. As with previous years, families are asked to register only for the days they are certain they will require afterschool care to accommodate as many families as possible. Families with children who attended Kids on the Go from January 2019 to August 2020 need to email [email protected] by Monday, August 3, 2020 with all of their requested dates for the 2020-2021 school year. New families will be able to register for a waitlist position on Sunday, August 9. Visit whistler.ca/kotg for more information.
Western Toadlet Migration
Mayor J. Crompton noted that residents and visitors heading to Lost Lake Park will notice some excitement over the next few weeks as tens of thousands of tiny Western “toadlets” will soon start the great migration from the shores of Lost Lake into the surrounding forest. Lost Lake Park is the breeding ground for Whistler's largest Western Toad population. Whistler is lucky to host such a large population of this sensitive species. Despite being barely the size of a dime, the Western toadlets are an integral part of the Lost Lake ecology. The RMOW has been monitoring the Western Toads at Lost Lake since 2005. Mayor J. Crompton noted that due to COVID-19 protocols, this year the RMOW will not allow volunteers to help move the toads. However, new for this year, the RMOW has built new infrastructure to help the toads migrate safely. A toad underpass has been constructed under the Valley Trail just behind the events lawn and a toad boardwalk has been constructed under Blackcomb Creek Bridge, at the intersection of Lost Lake Loop and Cedar Way. These are the first of several infrastructure upgrades that are planned to be built over the next few years. The RMOW has also installed a permanent migration corridor fence that safely guides the toadlets out of the park area. In addition to the fencing, some temporary signage will be installed during the migration to advise the public where the toadlets are migrating. Mayor J. Crompton noted that these efforts should greatly reduce toadlet mortalities and help reduce trail closures and detours. Currently there are thousands of tadpoles congregating along beach area in the warm, shallow water of Lost Lake, and Mayor J. Crompton asked people to avoid touching them as they are extremely sensitive and oils from our skin can harm them. Migration should start shortly and typically takes two to four weeks. During migration, the Lost Lake access road and parking lot will be closed to all vehicle traffic. The Beach Cut trail will also be closed when the toads start to migrate as it is a migration path which they use every year. Lost Lake Beach and adjacent lawn areas will remain open but may be subject to closure if toadlets begin to migrate through the area. Learn more at whistler.ca/toads.
Whistler Podcast
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the latest edition of the Whistler Podcast is now live. He was joined by Whistler personality Feet Banks to discuss the characteristics that make Whistler a one-of-a-kind place to live and visit. Feet Banks is a longstanding member of the Whistler community and Editor in Chief of Whistler-based Mountain Life Magazine. He is also the co-creator of the Heavy Hitting HorrorFest. Listen to the podcast at whistler.ca/podcast.
Whistler Transit Schedule
Mayor J. Crompton noted that BC Transit, the RMOW, and Whistler Transit are working together to optimize the transit schedule for September 2020. Changes to the new schedule aim to serve Whistler residents and visitors more efficiently. To review the upcoming changes and provide feedback, visit whistler.ca/transit.
Councillor C. Jewett
Councillor C. Jewett noted the following Arts and Culture events and activities:
- Audain Museum has started their Friday night dinners catered by Alta Bistro. The dinner also includes the opportunity to tour the museum with a trained docent.
- Flagstop Theatre under the stars is returning on August 9, 10 and 11 at the Point Artist-Run Centre.
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is open Thursday to Sunday, with late opening on Friday and Saturday.
- The Whistler Farmers Market is being held at the SLCC on Sundays.
- The Whistler Museum and Archives is open.
- Valley of Dreams walking tours are ongoing.
- Crafts From the Park hosted by the Whistler Library is on Saturdays July 25 and August 1, 8, 15, 22.
Councillor C. Jewett encouraged community members to explore some of the cultural offerings in the community.
Councillor A. De Jong
Councillor A. De Jong noted that he has received a number of enquiries about fuel-thinning programs in the last week, and a common theme is to provide more education on the purpose and methodology and explaining the fire triangle, and explaining why fuel thinning is the most effect way to reduce the risk. He thanked all those who have already made their properties safer. He noted that the Forest and Wildlands Advisory Committee, and Council will be taking a field trip with fire behaviour experts to treatment sites in August.
Councillor J. Grills
Councillor J. Grills agreed with Councillor A. De Jong and noted concern with the reduction in the amount of funding received in the form of grants from the Province.
Condolences
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the family and friends of Robin (Robert) Walker Crumley.
On behalf of Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Mayor J. Crompton shared condolences with the family and friends of Brigitte Eva Richters.