COVID-19
Mayor J. Crompton asked that all community members wear a mask when they go out. He noted that in Whistler, there are many compelling reasons to wear a mask:
- To help protect vulnerable community members;
- To help protect front line workers;
- To help local businesses survive; and
- To help protect the winter season so everyone can ski and ride this year.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that B.C. is in a second wave of COVID-19 and everyone needs to be vigilant to flatten the curve and help keep Whistler open. He added that mask wearing is important but needs to be combined with other COVID-19 prevention measures including maintaining physical distance, washing hands regularly and, most importantly, staying home if sick – even with mild symptoms.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that like many aspects of 2020, this Thanksgiving weekend will look different to previous years, noting that now is not the time to host a large dinner with friends and family. He encouraged people to reduce the size of their personal bubbles and plan to connect virtually instead.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Halloween is also coming up, and this year families are encouraged to Trick or Treat in their own neighbourhoods and keep gatherings small. He noted that Tapley’s Farm will not be hosting an event this year due to the public health orders around large gatherings.
Provincial General Election
Mayor J. Crompton noted that a Provincial General Election has been called for Saturday, October 24, 2020. He encouraged everyone to make a plan to vote. Visit electionsbc.ca to learn what they are doing to ensure a safe and accessible voting process, and answer any questions about the upcoming election.
Expanded electric vehicle charging network
Mayor J. Crompton noted that on September 22, 2020, he joined Councillor Arthur De Jong, RMOW project staff and contractors to formally activate the expanded electric vehicle charging network. He added that 14 dual-port public EV charging stations have been installed in strategic locations throughout Whistler to expand the community electric vehicle (EV) charging network. All chargers are Level 2, to ensure compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles available in Canada. He thanked the Government of Canada and Province of B.C. for providing this funding to make climate action initiatives like this possible. To locate a charging station visit whistler.ca/EV.
Climate Big Moves survey
Mayor J. Crompton announced that RMOW has launched a Climate Big Moves survey. The survey is an opportunity for the community to provide input on Whistler’s six proposed Big Moves and to explore how everyone can take action to dramatically reduce the community’s greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. The Climate Big Moves Strategy aims to accelerate action on climate change by focusing the community’s efforts on six Big Moves that need the most attention. The survey is open until Sunday, October 18, 2020. To take the survey and find more information go to whistler.ca/BigMoves.
UBCM convention
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) annual convention took place September 22 - 24. The UBCM Convention is the main forum for policy making and is attended by more than 2,000 delegates from local government, the provincial government, related associations, media, and staff. This year, the convention took place virtually. A Whistler delegation, including members of Council and senior staff, participated in forums and workshops and engaged in discussions with other municipalities. Mayor J. Crompton congratulated UBCM for hosting a successful virtual convention and felt that it was a valuable experience for Council and the RMOW.
Meadow Park Sports Centre
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Meadow Park Sports Centre's main pool has re-opened for lap and family session swim. The main 25 metre pool is available for 60-minute pre-booked timeslots which can be reserved online, or by phone, up to 72 hours in advance. The leisure pool (children’s) pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna remain closed. Public access to Meadow Park Sports Centre will be restricted to facility users with a reservation. To learn more about what services are currently available and how to be prepared for your upcoming visit please go to whistler.ca/swim.
Climate march
Mayor J. Crompton thanked all those who met with him and Councillor De Jong after the climate march on September 25. He noted that the Whistler chapter of Protect our Winters (POW) marched from Lost Lake to Municipal Hall in support of Fridays for Future, a Greta Thunberg initiative.
Rainbow Lake alpine trails
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Rainbow Lake alpine trails are closed until further notice due to a grizzly bear in the area.
WORCA AGM
Mayor J. Crompton noted that WORCA held their annual general meeting last week. He thanked the organisation for their efforts this year, and their commitment to the community.
Canadian Home Builders Association
Mayor J. Crompton noted that he and Councillor Jackson met with the Canadian Home Builders Association on September 18, 2020. He noted that they talked about the challenges that this industry faces.
Councillor C. Jewett - Arts Update
Councillor C. Jewett noted the following events:
- The Anonymous Art Show took place at MYAC last month and there are still some pieces of art available.
- The Extended Moment exhibition at the Audain Museum ends on October 19. Tours will also be starting up again soon.
- The Christmas Eve celebration will be pre-recorded this year.
Councillor C. Jewett noted that she and Councillor D. Jackson attended the online Climate Leadership program with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Councillor C. Jewett noted that Waste Reduction Week October 19-25.
Councillor A. De Jong joined the Meeting at 5:47 p.m.
Councillor J. Ford joined the Meeting at 5:51 p.m.