COVID-19 in Whistler
Mayor J. Crompton advised that information relating to COVID-19 in Whistler and access to resources will now be shared in a weekly update every Tuesday over the holiday period. The current public health orders are in place until January 8, 2021. The newsletter will include the latest COVID-19 news, information on COVID-19 resources in Whistler, and a list of COVID-safe events in Whistler. To receive the updates by email, sign up at www.whistler.ca/connect.
WHISTLER 101 Online Video Series
Mayor J. Crompton advised that the RMOW’s first-ever online video series, WHISTLER 101, launches on December 16 at 7 p.m. Council will get a sneak peek of the trailer later this evening and hear about the project from John Rae, Manager of Cultural Planning and Development. The full episode will be available for viewing on the RMOW Facebook Page and online at www.whistler.ca/101.
Winter Conditions
Mayor J. Crompton reminded everyone to be adventure smart with the wintery weather. Hikers and bikers should bear in mind that trails aren’t winter maintained. He reminded everyone to be prepared, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and be cautious of bridges heavily loaded with snow. He also advised that the ice on Whistler’s lakes isn’t monitored for thickness and safety. If anyone plans to skate or walk on ice this winter, please educate yourself on ice thickness and be prepared to self-rescue. Finally, Whistler’s significant backcountry terrain has avalanche risks. Learn safe travel and prepare for changes in conditions and weather when snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding. Read more about safety at Adventure Smart dot CA www.adventuresmart.ca.
Councillor Jewett’s Arts Update
- Whistler Museum and Archive - Avalanche Exhibit
- Whistler Blackcomb Foundation - 50-50 Draw Tickets available online
- Cultural Organizations - for gift ideas
- Arts Whistler
- Audain Museum - Rebecca Belmore
- Community Wellbeing.
12 days of Whistler Joy
Councillor C. Jewett advised that the 12 Days of Whistler Joy begins December 20 and until December 31. The Community Well-being Subcommittee of the Whistler Recovery Working Groups is excited to share “12 Days of Joy” for Whistler starting December 20. The 12 Days of Joy includes 12 ideas for local activities for residents to lift your spirits, inspire outdoor time and create connections. A calendar with 12 Days of Joy can be found on Arts Whistler’s website at www.artswhistler.com. She advised that some of the ideas to inspire joy include baking, snow sculptures, and random acts of kindness. Community members are encouraged to snap a pic of themselves engaging in or spreading joy and sending it to joy@whistler.ca for a chance to win prizes. In addition, as part of the Joy- the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre will be offering free admission from December 20 to January 24. The month of free admission is being offered in partnership in Truth and Reconciliation with the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Councillor C. Jewett encouraged all community members to include a trip to the SLCC as part of their 12 Days of Joy, participate in activities at the SLCC and learn about the history and culture of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.
Reflection on 2020
At the last Council meeting of the year, Mayor J. Crompton took a few minutes to reflect on the last twelve months.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that at the beginning of 2020 our community was in the middle of another busy ski season.
In February and early March, Whistler celebrated a landmark moment in Whistler’s history, the 10th anniversary of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It was fun to remember the Games and all it has meant for Whistler. In the midst of it all you’ll remember John Furlong started promoting a 2030 Vancouver bid.
Mayor J. Compton noted that his favorite part of that remembering was the story telling.
- From Lindsay Debou’s recounting of the days surrounding the Paralympics to John Montgomery’s illegal beer on the stroll, the stories were fun to tell, listen to and remember.
- One of the most memorable stories heard was told by Britt Janyk. Before every race Britt would visualize being at the top of the Dave Murray Downhill standing in the start gate. She would pulled down her goggles, close her eyes and visualize looking out across the valley at Rainbow, Sprout, she’d take a deep breath, tap her poles and settle into the gate for her race.
- On February 17, 2010 Britt stood in the start gate, pull down her goggles, opened her eyes wide and looked out across the valley at Rainbow, Sprout, she took a deep breath, tapped her poles and settled into the gate for her race on the Dave Murray Downhill.
- It was a sweet time for our town.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the skiing was good. Whistler businesses were busy and Whistler was talking a lot about the kind of tourism we wanted to promote and what really resonated with our community. Then everything stopped. Public spaces that were teaming with people from around the world sat empty only days later. It was jarring. It was devastating. We were all in new territory.
From the very beginning of Our Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor J. Crompton stated that he was amazed by the resilience of the Whistler community and the willingness to pull together and care for one another.
The RMOW focused all of its attention on safety, ensuring we were in a position to provide safe experiences for our residents and visitors.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that he is proud of our community and all that’s been done since March 16 when we launched our emergency operations centre and entered a provincial state of emergency. The municipality, businesses, and community members have pivoted and responded in creative and flexible ways to each and every challenge this pandemic has presented:
- The Whistler Health Care Centre, Divisions of Family Practice, Whistler Medical Clinic, Vancouver Coastal Health, ambulance, nurses, cleaners, doctors, administration and everyone in the health care rose to this challenge. They shifted everything about how health provision works and have sustained that over the long run.
- Social service organizations like WCSS, S2SCS, Howe Sound Women’s Centre to name a few pulled together and delivered services beyond what they ever had before.
- WCSS and TW worked together to open a food bank in the Whistler Conference Centre.
- The business community pulled together and the Whistler Chamber advocated hard for recovery programs that work… that advocacy changed policy and made things better.
- The community pulled together and gave money to support community services during what was a very difficult time for their own families and finances.
- Restaurants switched to take-out and delivery, they got creative with their seating capacities and if you walk into any restaurants in Whistler today the commitment to safety is obvious;
- The RMOW pivoted services like transit, waste management, parks, library, finance, planning and protective services to respond to our new environment;
- Businesses like hotel, retail, transportation and recreation came up with new ways to meet guest expectations in a safe way.
- Virtual performances were held from members of our arts community, and everyone working together to help raise funds for our community food banks, and those in need during these difficult times.
- We clanged pots and pans and cheered at 7pm…. Its still happening in a lot of neighborhoods.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that, in April, we welcomed Ginny Cullen as the RMOW’s new CAO and have benefitted from her leadership from day one during these unprecedented times.
Mayor J. Crompton expressed his sincerest gratitude to all staff that have worked so hard this year, and business owners who have worked tirelessly to stay open and to continue to support our community. During the summer, Whistler had a small reprieve in restrictions and increased access to outdoor spaces. We saw increased visitation which helped to support our local businesses and community.
He noted that with the RMOW’s focus beginning to move towards recovery, a series of virtual community conversations were held in July:
- The conversations focused on the four characteristics of Whistler’s shared vision: Sense of Place, Environment, Tourism-based Economy and Community.
- The information collected is being used to identify and shape Whistler’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Business and resort partners continue to collaborate and work together as we build back better.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the summer saw our community come up with some really innovative ways to connect with each other:
- Art on the Lake
- Online Anonymous Art Shows
- Physically distanced cul de sac dinners.
- Ed Archie Noisecat and Redmond Andrew carved a pole outside while physically distanced.
- Online WORCA Toonie rides.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that in September the teachers and school administration in the school district opened schools, with all kinds of new protocols and responsibilities new to those people. They have continued to educate our kids with high quality education during this difficult time.
In October we had a provincial election which saw Jordan Sturdy re-elected to serve the Sea to Sky.
On November 26 Whistler-Blackcomb opened for the winter season. Everything changed. Mayor J. Crompton noted that he found the WB mantra of “get open and stay open” incredibly compelling. They did it and they are doing it.
Mayor J. Crompton advised that as Whistler moves into winter, we have been asked to redouble our efforts in slowing the spread of COIVD-19 in our community. We have been asked to further reduce our social interactions and we have risen to it. The first vaccinations in B.C happened today. That is so exciting and I hope it inspires us all to finish strong and keep our Covid guard up until we are done.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that despite the challenges of the pandemic, several milestone projects moved forward:
- The RMOW, Lil’wat Nation, Squamish Nation, Province of BC and Vail Resorts signed a Framework agreement that furthers reconciliation and shared goals between all parties.
- Following a substantial community effort and many years, Whistler adopted an updated Official Community Plan and Vision. Our new vision ‘Whistler: Where Community Thrives, Nature is Protected and Guests are inspired’. It very much has ties back to who we are and looks to what is ahead.
- The new OCP and vision are as relevant and important as ever, and are critical to community recovery planning as we evolve during and out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Climate Action Big Moves Strategy launched to address the serious threat of climate change, identifying six specific areas where Whistler can have the biggest impact to dramatically reduce the community’s contribution to greenhouse gases and energy consumption.
Mayor J. Crompton shared that one of the great things about this year for him has been getting to know Dr Bonnie Henry and, although most of us have never met, please continue to be kind.
Mayor J. Crompton noted that it has been a long year, with many challenges, and there will be more to come. Through all of this, he stated that he has been amazed by Whistlerites. We have cared for family over Zoom. We have learned to share and show warmth from behind a mask and through plexiglass.
On behalf of Whistler council, Mayor J. Crompton extended their best wishes to Whistler’s residents, visitors, and community partners for a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.