New Chief Administrative Officer
Mayor J. Crompton welcomed Virginia (Ginny) Cullen as RMOW’s new Chief Administrative Officer, and noted that her first official day as CAO was April 20, 2020. He noted that Ginny has been embedded into the RMOW’s operations and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on a volunteer basis for the past four weeks, and has now assumed all the responsibilities of the CAO role, including EOC Director. Mayor J. Crompton noted that Ginny Cullen comes to the RMOW from her previous role as Chief Operating Officer at BGC Engineering where she led operations and strategic planning. Mayor J. Crompton added that Mike Furey will support the transition which includes providing support for business continuity, municipal fiscal review and provincial engagement on tourism recovery, and noted that Mike Furey will also be focused on finalization of the RMOW’s Official Community Plan and completion of related Agreements with Squamish First Nation and Lil’wat First Nation. He added that Whistler is fortunate to have Mike continue with the RMOW until June and benefit from his last nine years with the RMOW during these challenging times.
Easter Weekend
Mayor J. Crompton thanked all the people who decided to honour the request to not visit Whistler over the holiday weekend. He noted that it was the quietest Whistler Easter Weekend in a very long time.
Whistler Podcast
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the latest Whistler Podcast is a conversation with our RCMP Officer In Charge Kara Triance regarding policing during a pandemic, and the next episode features Greg McDonnell a Whistler clinical counsellor. They will be focusing on how to deal with the isolation of this pandemic in a healthy way.
Bear Activity
Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Conservation Officer Service (COS) has received reports of black bears in the Nicklaus North and Whistler Cay neighbourhoods. Bears have been entering backyards and patios to gain access to barbecues and other attractants. He asked the community to be extra vigilant at this time and ensure all attractants are secured:
- Always burn barbecues clean and remove all grease and food scraps after every use.
- Remove all bird feeders.
- Ensure that garbage, recycling, compost and all pet foods are properly stored in a secure building (not on the patio, porch or car).
He advised people to report any bears in residential areas by phoning the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. Early reporting allows the COS to intervene before a bear becomes habituated and allows them to shepherd the bear back into the wild.
Valley Trail Guidelines
Mayor J. Crompton advised that new guidelines for the Valley Trail were released to help allow for physical distancing. These include:
- No groups.
- When passing users going the same direction: wait until there is at least 2m of space to pass.
- When passing users going in the opposite direction: move to the far right of the trail, walk single file.
- Leash dog(s).
- Avoid the Valley Trail during busy periods.
He noted that signage has been added along the Valley Trail to further share these guidelines, and thanked all those who have been respectful of the municipal park closures, especially during the long weekend and warmer weather. For the latest COVID-19 information from the RMOW whistler.ca/covid19.
Alta Vista Services Upgrade Project
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Council has awarded the contract for the first phase of the Alta Vista Services Upgrade Project to upgrade critical water and sewer infrastructure in the Alta Vista neighbourhood. The Alta Vista services upgrade will take place in three phases, with the first phase occurring between mid-May and November 2020. Phase 1 of the Alta Vista Services Upgrade Project includes replacing water, sewer and storm water infrastructure. The water and sewer pipes in Alta Vista are some of the oldest utility pipes in Whistler. The other phases will take place in 2021 and 2022. This marks the first capital project the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has advanced since the COVID-19 crisis began. The Province of British Columbia has approved construction of essential services as long as safe work procedures are followed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All RMOW contractors must abide by these procedures. Given the global economic uncertainty, which will affect tourism levels, and the risks to municipal revenue sources, the RMOW is currently working through a process to review its financial situation. This will take into consideration a review of its spending levels while balancing the need to maintain critical infrastructure. Consideration will also be given to investments that may support Whistler’s local economy and recovery efforts, so Whistler is in a strong position to welcome visitors back when the time is right. Details on the Alta Vista Services Upgrade Project are available at whistler.ca/AltaVistaupgrades.
Court of Appeal of British Columbia Case Dismissed
Mayor J. Crompton noted that on April 7, 2020, the Court of Appeal of British Columbia dismissed the appeal of a case against the RMOW concerning the municipality’s tourist accommodation regulations. The Phase 2 covenant and bylaws requiring the strata units to be placed in a rental pool operated by a single licensed rental pool manager were challenged and upheld. The Court of Appeal decided that the RMOW does have the statutory authority to enact the zoning amendment bylaw. The Court of Appeal concluded that the covenant did not exceed the RMOW’s statutory authority, and it is not vague or uncertain by requiring the use of a rental pool arrangement. The decision upholds the municipality’s regulation of the approximately 4,000 Phase 2 hotel accommodation units in Whistler, which is the core bed base of visitor accommodations for the resort, and is one of Whistler’s competitive advantages. Mayor J. Crompton noted that this is an incredibly important decision for Whistler as it confirms the legality and efficacy of some of our most important tourism management tools.
Residential Yard Waste Disposal
Mayor J. Crompton noted that free residential yard waste disposal is now available at the Function Junction Waste Depot. The depot is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Commercial waste and trailers are not permitted at the Function Junction Depot. Residential loads larger than a pickup bed full must be dropped off at the Callaghan Transfer Station. Yard waste drop off is not available at the Nester’s Waste Depot. More information can be found online at whistler.ca/YardWaste.
2020 Property Taxes
Mayor J. Crompton noted that Council sympathizes that some residents and businesses may have significant concerns about paying their 2020 property taxes. He advised that for homeowners, the Province of British Columbia has a property tax deferral program that some residents may qualify for (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/defer-taxes). The RMOW will share any updates related to property tax payments online at whistler.ca.
Earth Day – April 22, 2020
Mayor J. Crompton noted that April 22, 2020 is Earth Day. Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement and this year is the 50th anniversary. He noted that a healthy natural environment in Whistler is critical to our ability to deliver world class tourism, recreation and a high quality of life. Mayor J. Crompton hoped Earth Day motivates people to get involved in climate action, highway clean-ups, zero waste, ecosystem rehabilitation or biodiversity protection and advocacy. Mayor J. Crompton also noted that AWARE is holding an online meeting.
Condolences
Mayor J. Crompton shared his deepest sympathies and condolences with the residents of Nova Scotia over the senseless killings in Portapique. Whistlerites and Canadians across the Country join Nova Scotia mourning the loss of these lives. As a community served by the RCMP Mayor J. Crompton especially acknowledged the loss of Constable Heidi Stevenson. He added that Whistler is grateful for the people who put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe here in Whistler and across Canada.
Councillor C. Jewett
Councillor C. Jewett noted that outreach services are available at mywcss.org including help with applying for government grants, mental health needs and the food bank. She also noted the great work that Arts Whistler is doing and encouraged the community to go to the Arts Whistler website.
Councillor A. De Jong
Councillor A. De Jong noted that this April has been the driest month since the mid-seventies, and reminded everyone to be vigilant with keeping their properties FireSmart.
Councillor J. Grills
Councillor J. Grills offered his condolences to the people of Nova Scotia, and requested that the RMOW flies a Nova Scotia flag on one of the municipal flag poles.