Mayor's New Year Message
Mayor J. Crompton read his New Year's Message:
Mayor J. Crompton wished everyone a happy holiday season and New Year. He noted that it was great to see so many people from near and far getting into the festive spirit at the Whistler Holiday Experience, and enjoying activities such as Family Après at Whistler Olympic Plaza and Skating at the Plaza. He thanked everyone who braved the elements and took advantage of the New Year’s Eve festivities. Mayor J. Crompton noted that the RMOW is looking forward to a successful year ahead for the community. He thanked all the incredible Whistlerites who worked hard to deliver incredible food and beverage experiences, clearing snow, and teaching people to love skiing and snowboarding. He added that the Whistler Blackcomb staff made a really challenging snow situation work and thanked them for their efforts.
Fires in Australia
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Whistler’s thoughts are with Australia as the country is faced with a horrific wildfire season. He added that with so many residents and visitors in Whistler with strong Australian connections, he can only imagine how difficult it must to witness the fires from abroad, and noted that British Columbia knows the devastation of wildfires only too well. He added that he hopes everyone stays safe as firefighters work hard to put out the fires.
Whistler Podcast
Mayor J. Crompton noted that he is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the RMOW’s newest channel, The Whistler Podcast. Twice a month, he will be hosting candid conversations with community leaders and special guests about current events, local government and everything Whistler. He noted that he has already recorded several podcasts and is looking forward to many more interesting conversations. He added that the goal of this new RMOW channel is to connect with Whistler residents by discussing topics of municipal and community interest with podcast guests from across Whistler and beyond. The community will be encouraged to participate in the podcast by providing feedback, asking questions and suggesting topics for discussion. More information about where to find and subscribe to the podcast will be released in the coming weeks.
Free Transit
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the RMOW is launching a pilot project that will put all Whistler students in secondary school on Whistler’s local transit for free in 2020. He noted that Council endorsed this pilot project, presented by the Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) at their regular meeting on November 5, 2019. The funding will come from an increase to monthly parking passes in Day Lots 1, 2 and 3. All Whistler high school students will receive a pass valid from January 2020 until September 30, 2020. Passes are currently being produced by RMOW staff and will be distributed to the students through the schools in January. He added that this is one of many initiatives underway to empower our community to choose cleaner forms of transportation. For more information go to whistler.ca/transit.
Dog and Business Licences
Mayor J. Crompton noted that dog and business licences are now available for renewal. He noted that dog Licences must be renewed annually, starting on January 1, and added that 100 per cent of the proceeds from new or renewed licences purchased at the WAG shelter before March 31, 2020 will be donated to the shelter. To find out more about purchasing and renewing your dog’s licence, visit whistler.ca/dogs. Mayor J. Crompton noted that business licences must be renewed on or before January 31 each calendar year, and more information about all of the convenient payment options can be found online at whistler.ca/businesslicences.
Lost Lake Nordic Trails
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Lost Lake Nordic Trails opened Monday, January 6 for the winter season. Approximately 8 km of ski trails for classic and skate technique are open, including Lost Lake Loop, Lower Panorama and Old Mill Road, and approximately 3km of snowshoe trails and night skiing will be available. He added that half-price tickets will be offered for the first few days of operations, due to early-season conditions. Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Nicklaus North Golf course trails and the Chateau golf course trails will remain closed until there is more snow. He advised that the trails are closed to walkers, hikers, runners, dogs, ice skaters and bikes. More information about the trails, passes, and daily grooming reports can be found online at whistler.ca/Nordic.
Christmas Tree Drop Off
Mayor J. Crompton advised that real Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Function Junction or Nesters waste depots until January 15. He noted that this service is offered to make it easy to dispose of trees properly and reduce fire risks in summer months. The depots are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Whistler Place Branding
Mayor J. Crompton congratulated Tourism Whistler on their work on their Whistler Place Branding project.
BC Assessments
Mayor J. Crompton noted that BC Assessments had released their 2020 valuations over the holidays. He added that although Whistler and Pemberton average valuations are up, and Squamish is flat, much of the Lower Mainland are substantively down, and other areas of the province vary widely depending on the region. He noted that it is important for a community to pay close attention to changes like the ones released by BC Assessments, and the he is pleased to know the Strategic Planning Committee is at work building models to understand and respond to factors like long term trends regarding economic cycles, property values, population and many others, while the Economic Partnership Initiative keeps an eye on ongoing market factors such as the value of the Canadian dollar, travel trends and geographic travel patterns. Mayor J. Crompton encouraged members of the community to contact him with their thoughts on what these kind of changes and others mean for Whistler at [email protected].
Vital Café on Climate Crisis
Mayor J. Crompton noted that on Thursday January 16, the Community Foundation of Whistler (CFOW) will be hosting a Vital Café on Climate Crisis. Interested community members can attend at the Whistler Public Library at 5pm for a presentation and dialogue. He added that these Vital Cafes are great ways to connect to the community, and he thanked the CFOW for their work.
Councillor C. Jewett
Councillor C. Jewett noted that the Whistler Secondary School Art Show starts on January 8, 2020 at MYAC. She also noted MYAC’s collaborative work with First Nations during 2019, with several art exhibitions, and a play written and performed by Lil'wat Nation artist Yvonne Wallace. Councillor C. Jewett noted that the Emily Carr exhibition at the Audain Museum has been extended by one day to January 20, 2020, and added that there are a couple of events being held. She added that Whistler has been very fortunate to have this exhibition in Whistler. Councillor C. Jewett noted that a new exhibition begins in February called 'The Extended Moment: Fifty Years of Collecting Photographs' in collaboration with National Gallery of Canada.
Councillor A. De Jong
Councillor A. De Jong thanked all the front line employees, from snow clearing to dishwashers, for taking care of guests and visitors in Whistler throughout the holiday period.