Accessibility Initiatives in Whistler
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has several examples of programs and community features that support community accessibility:
Accessibility / Whistler Accessibility Map
This map works in conjunction with the ramp signage program and includes the slope of each ramp as well as indicating specific access features, such as elevators and washrooms.
Download the Whistler Accessibility Map.
Inclusive Village playground
A recently opened 4,000 square-metre inclusive playground provides play opportunities for children of all abilities or parents with disabilities to allow side-by-side play with their friends, families, and caregivers. Located on the perimetre of the new Whistler Olympic Plaza, the playground has become a gathering place for community and visitors alike.
Access Whistler
While the majority of Whistler seniors can be found leading active, healthy lives, many also have needs that must be met to enable them to continue enjoying the Whistler lifestyle.
Click here for the 2012 All Inclusive Resource Guide for Seniors.
Way-finding Improvements
Throughout the Village, way-finding improvements (including audible intersection crossing signals, and tactile curb cuts) have been implemented for persons with visual impairments, and testing new standards for accessible sidewalks. Signage has been provided at each set of stairs to show where the ramp access is for that particular building or concourse level.
Parking in Whistler Village
There are 20 of accessible parking stalls in the Whistler Village Day Lots in close proximity to the pedestrian exits along Blackcomb Way.
Accessible spaces per Day Lot are as follows: five spaces in Lot 1, nine spaces in Lot 2, 10 spaces in Lot 3, 10 spaces in Lot 4. There are also a number of accessible parking spaces located throughout the Village and Marketplace, which are marked on the Whistler Accessibility Map.
Parking Permits for accessible parking
Visitors can bring permits issued from their home community. Parking permits issued by the officially recognized issuing agencies from any of the provinces and territories in Canada, countries of the European Union, and the US can be used in British Columbia. Click here for more information. Residents can apply for a temporary or renewable Parking permit administered by the Social Planning and Research Council (SPARC) of BC. For more information, click here.
The RMOW honours out-of-province and out-of-country disabled parking passes.
Accessible Gas Station
Whistler Husky Market is an accessible gas station located at 2101 Lake Placid Road in Creekside. There are always at least two attendants available 24 hours a day, who will come to assist with refueling. Honk your horn for assistance, use the intercom button at the gas pump or phone them directly at 604-932-3959.
Taxis
Resort Cabs in Whistler has three wheelchair-accessible vans, which can be pre-booked at 604-938-1515.
BC Transit
BC Transit offers a fully accessible, low-floor bus fleet in Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton. These busses feature wider doors, extendible ramps, and hydraulics. For more information visit BC Transit.
The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program
This highly successful non-profit society and community partner provides year-round recreational programs for people of all ages with disabilities. Visit the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
Check out this video clip of accessible activities in Whistler. Join Paralympian and Whistler Adaptive Sports Program coach Brad Lennea and Jen Gauthier as they take a tour of Whistler, and get the scoop on all the amazing activities that are accessible for both abled and disabled people.
Whistler Mountain
Whistler Mountain is wheelchair-accessible with the gondola service to the top of Whistler Mountain available in winter and summer, as well as the Peak to Peak Gondola available for sightseeing only tours.
Meadow Park Sports Centre
Located north of the Village, Whistler’s Meadow Park Sports Centre is home to an indoor kids pool, lap pool, hot tub, steam room, arena, fitness studio, weight room and squash courts. The following design modifications are in place to ensure the facility is accessible:
- chairlift into lap pool
- pool wheelchair
- accessible showers and washrooms
- rehabilitation hand ergometer in fitness centre
- lift/elevator to fitness centre
Myrtle Philip, Whistler Secondary and Spring Creek community centres and the Spruce Grove Field House are wheelchair accessible.
Aging in Place Strategy
The Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), Mature Action Committee (MAC), and the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) worked in collaboration to develop an Aging in Place Strategy in 2010. The Aging in Place Strategy will work towards creating a fully age-friendly community where Whistler residents have the ability to remain in their home community as they age.
Aging in Place is defined as: The ability to remain in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability throughout life's stages. Governments and communities have a role in creating and implementing policies that are supportive of community interaction and programming which promotes healthy lifestyles and safe movement.
Review the report: Whistler Through the Ages
