Questions were submitted in advance of the Meeting by email.
Dawn Titus, 8440 Bear Paw Trail, regarding OCP Adoption
Ms. Titus asked the following questions:
- Was it considered that members of the Community would have liked to attend a council meeting where this important document would be discussed for final adoption?
- With regards to the future 'Cheakamus Base' that is included in the OCP, how well has information been communicated to the community that the proposed Cheakamus base location sits outside of the CRA, and the possible implications for future growth in the 'South Base' region?
- Where can one find 'long term targets' determined by the Strategic Planning committee?
Mayor J. Crompton responded that he will not be able to answer these questions as it is after the Public Hearing, but the OCP will be discussed later in the agenda.
Dawn Titus, 8440 Bear Paw Trail, regarding Farmers’ Market
Ms. Titus asked what solutions are being considered regarding finding a location for the Whistler Farmer’s Market and when might a temporary market be established to prevent this food from going to waste.
Mayor J. Crompton responded that the RMOW only found out the farmers market was not going ahead last week. He added that the RMOW has been working to help facilitate options. He noted that vendors are welcome to operate in the upper village.
Garry Watson, 2317 Boulder Ridge, regarding RZ1157 5298 Alta Lake Road
Mr. Watson asked how can the proposal be considered to be consistent with Council’s Private Sector Employee Housing Initiative when the Guidelines required that a project: “optimize the amount of employee housing within the proposed development” but the original proposal provided for only 7 small units of employee housing to go to the WHA waitlist compared to the proposal for 22 large at a massing ratio of 6 to 1. The subsequent negotiations by staff increased the number of employee units to 20 but made no reduction in the number of market units left still at a massing ratio of 2 to 1.
Mayor J. Crompton responded that the property already had rights to a certain amount of units on there, and Council will be considering how to move ahead with changes to this as part of the rezoning process.
Mr. Watson asked if the third party mentioned in the staff report is a qualified quantum surveyor and asked if the pro forma financial statements were reviewed by all members of Council.
Mayor J. Crompton responded that Council is considering a property that already has entitlement to it, and that is a balance that Council is seeking to understand and deliver on. The report informs Council and staff in their considerations.
Mr. Watson asked that Council either reject the application for rezoning and not proceed with first and second readings, or table the rezoning application until such time as the Province cancels its Emergency Declaration and a normal public hearing process can be proceeded with.
Mayor J. Crompton responded that it is something that council could consider if that is a direction they choose to go.
Stephanie Redmond, 6243 Palmer Drive, regarding Whistler Transit Schedule
Mayor J. Crompton responded that it feels like there has been some good advocacy on this subject and that Council is looking for ways we can respond quickly. He noted that he expects the RMOW to share some changes shortly.
Taylor Green, 5205 Jordan Lane, regarding Environmental Report for 5298 Alta Lake Road
Ms. Green asked if the results of the Environmental Report can be summarized so Whistler residents may be informed of the environmental costs of this project. She asked how Council can vote to move forward on this proposal tonight, not knowing what the impacts will be. Ms. Green also asked if Councillor De Jong believes the health of the Whistler wildlife and ecosystems must be considered in development projects such as this one, not only for the future of tourism here, but for the health and well-being of the residents
Mayor J. Crompton responded that there will be an opportunity to speak to this later in the meeting and Council will be seeking to ensure the environment and lakes will be protected.
Cheryl Green, 5205 Jordan Lane, regarding RZ1157 5298 Alta Lake Road
Ms. Green asked why the traffic study and report for 5298 Alta Lake Road will not be released. She asked if Council has reviewed the report and if so, asked if it deals with the impact of the 74 additional cars that will be using Alta Lake Road and the difficulties with the additional cars trying to access Highway 99 on a typical weekend.
General Manager T. Metcalf responded that the study can be provided as requested.
Geoff Weddell 1-8116 McKeevers Place, regarding Whistler Transit Schedule
Mr. Weddell asked if Council could reconsider the change to the Whistler Transit schedule and if they would consider please an extension to the hours of operation.
Mayor J. Crompton responded that the RMOW is actively working on this issue, and hope to deliver some news of changes soon.
Stacey Betteridge 21 Steps Owner, regarding Whistler Transit Schedule
Ms. Betteridge asked how are hospitality staff able to get home safely if bus service ceases at midnight.
Mayor J. Crompton responded as above.
Allie Warner, 6191 Eagle Drive, regarding Whistler Transit Schedule
Ms. Warner asked if employees who do not have cars have to either walk, bike or take taxi’s home or when they work later than midnight, and asked if employers should be responsible for getting staff home when they work later than midnight.
Mayor J. Crompton responded as above.
Mackenzie Roway, 21-2110 Whistler Road, regarding Whistler Transit Schedule
Ms. Roway noted that starting July 1, the buses will not run after midnight. She asked how staff are supposed to get home after work, how is this helping the community reduce our footprint and how will this get people out of cars. She asked how this contributes to the safety of the community now having to walk or bike home in the dark.
Mayor J. Crompton responded as above.
Sandra Durrans 5200 Jordan Lane, 5298 Alta Lake Road
Ms. Durrans asked if Whistler is addressing the problem that cars create when considering a proposal such as 5298 Alta Lake Road, and asked if this is this consistent with Whistler’s emission targets and the just announced new initiative “Climate Action Big Moves Strategy".
Mayor J. Crompton responded that one of the benefits of this development is that it is walkable to Creekside where there is transit. He added that he shares the concern about emissions, and added that developments like this that are close to transit are good for the community.
Cara and Murray Sinclair, 5217 Jordan Lane, 5298 Alta Lake Road
Mr. and Ms. Sinclair noted that they are concerned with the Empire application to significantly increase the density of the area. They asked what due diligence has been undertaken regarding a separate entrance off Alta Lake Road into the Empire development.
Mayor J. Crompton responded that this item will be on the agenda later in the meeting. He noted that the public will have lots of opportunity to comment and participate throughout the process for this development.
General Manager T. Metcalf added that she will look into providing the Environmental Report in due course.