The RMOW funds the bulk of its future infrastructure needs by contributing annually to reserve funds.  Monies will be withdrawn from these reserves, rather than borrowed, to pay for projects.  It is our responsibility to maintain the resort for today while investing in the future through healthy reserves.
 

Proposed Reserves for 2012:

• $53.6 million excluding AHRT/RMI balances
• Reserves are a primary source of funding for maintenance and replacement of municipal assets valued at $575 million (2011 dollars)
   

All projects (with a few exception) are funded from reserves and/or external sources.  Projects can be roughly categorized as: Capital, Infrastructure Maintenance (IM), or Non-Capital.

There are three basic types of reserves:

• Capital reserves to fund capital and IM projects
• Operating reserves to fund non-capital projects
• Reserves for funds that must be used for other special purposes (grant funding from the Resort Municipality Initiative, RMI and Additional Hotel Room Tax, AHRT).

Reserves for special purposes have more restrictions to consider when funding projects and, in some cases, must be agreed to by the Province.

For budget purposes, projects are always shown separately . Operating expenses are generally those things that occur on a regular basis and in the same manner from one year to the next.

Municipal staff are working on aligning the reporting of budgeted financial plan amounts with actual expenditures.

This will enable better summary comparisons of actual to budget and year-over-year changes.

At the March and April Open House, the Finance and Audit Committee is asking for your input on which communication channels and reporting tools would be most useful to share financial information. 

Take a moment to vote on your preferences or email your ideas to budget@whistler.ca.

AHRT and RMI funding makes up over 10% of the budgeted revenues for the RMOW and varies from year to year. There are specific goals tied to this funding: increased visitation, enhanced visitor experiences, a higher average annual occupancy level.

AHRT = Additional Hotel Room Tax, revenue that comes directly from the tourism market (a customer-based user pay tax model)

• AHRT funding received is directly related to room nights & rates.
• AHRT funds can be held in reserve for future investment.
• AHRT funding must be invested in tourism programs and amenities.

RMI = Resort Municipality Initiative, a provincial grant to support tourism.

• RMOW must invest these funds in programs and projects that enhance resort programming and resort infrastructure.
• Funds must be deployed during the fiscal year in which they are received.

The municipality does provide funding to not-for-profit organizations. Not all of the organizations funded can issue charitable receipts for donations from members of the public.

• 2012 budget includes $146,200 for Community Enrichment Program and$856,000 for Fee for Service Agreements.
• Most of this funding pays not-for-profits to provide services that the RMOW would otherwise provide at its own cost. e.g. fee for service funding has been allocated to WAG(Whistler Animals Galore), the Whistler Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Whistler.

Provincial law (as outlined in the Community Charter), requires municipalities to invest only in securities where the principal is guaranteed or pooled funds of the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA).

This does not include corporate stocks that are traded in the open market. Certainly interest rates are lower than they have been in the past, but investment balances have not declined as a result of principal being lost.

All municipalities in BC must fund long-term debt through the MFA.  Municipalities are not permitted to operate a deficit so borrowing is necessary from time to time.

Yes. As per Council-adopted RMOW Carbon Neutral Operations Plan (CNOP), and our commitments as signatories of the BC Climate Action Charter, the RMOW seeks to achieve carbon neutrality through a three step process:

1. Measure our emissions (the RMOW has 6 years of detailed corporate energy consumption and emission records for every division, department, task and workgroup within the organization)
2. Reduce our emissions (2011 GHG emissions were 2,085 tCO2e – 7% less than 2010) – however, this is slightly more than our targeted emission level for 2011 (i.e. we need to do more)
3. Offset remaining emissions (as per the CNOP, all offsets purchased must be third party validated, verified and registered on an internationally recognized registry. Moreover, 50% of the offsets must be BC-based and consistent with the relevant BC Offset Protocols, and 50% should be international Gold Standard (one of the most rigorous standards on the planet)

Section 5.2.3(c) of the CNOP directs staff to explore local offset products that can meet the stringent quality standards noted above and fit within the target offset budget of $25/tCO2e. Staff understand that many members of the community would rather the annual carbon neutrality expenditure be kept within the community, and have been working hard with the Province and other local stakeholder to make this possible.

Currently, the most likely source of offsets that could meet our needs would be likely be created through third party verified ‘Improved Forest Management (IFM)’ techniques/approaches within our Cheakamus Community Forest (CCF). Staff are hopeful that the new Provincial Forest Carbon Offset Protocol will define the rules, standards and certifications to make this possible in the next 1-2 years and are actively working with the CCF board and the Province to make this possible.

Staff are also pursuing smaller project opportunities for local offset generation (a heat recovery project at the Whistler Compost Facility is nearing completion), however the scale of these opportunities are small (price per tonne, ownership issues, transaction costs on small projects etc…) and in the near to medium-term future would not eliminate the need to pursue other options for neutralizing annual corporate emissions.

The Finance and Audit Committee is actively involved in finance and budget matters.

The committee is meeting twice monthly and staff has been instructed to develop more rigorous and understandable financial reporting for review.

For example, quarterly reporting of actual to budget amounts with explanations for significant variances will be developed this year.

Email your ideas to the committee at budget@whistler.ca

There are a combination of factors that will contribute to your property tax bill each year.

• BC Assessment determines market value of land and improvements for each property class and enters those values on the Assessment Roll.
• Tax rates differ between municipalities and may vary depending on the "class" of property.
• Tax “mil rates” are calculated based on revenue needs set out in municipality’s financial plan and total assessed value for each class of property.
• Most residential parcel taxes and utility fees are a flat rate per property.  Amounts are calculated by dividing revenue requirements by number of properties.
• Business parcel taxes and utilities may be different depending on the type and size of business.

The library receives funds from the Province and from the municipality, and the library board manages the library budget, sets hours and programming.

The Library is funded primarily through the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Public Library Services Branch of the Ministry of Education.

See the Whistler Library website for additional information.

Property tax notices are normally mailed to Whistler property owners before the end of May, after the final assessment roll has been received and the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw has been adopted.

Regular updates are posted at whistler.ca/budget.

Budget 2012 Timeline –

What can you do to get involved?

• Submit questions to the Finance and Audit Committee to: budget@whistler.ca
• Download the RMOW Budget Basics pamphlet at or pick up a copy at Municipal Hall
• Review Open House materials and feedback forms available online at whistler.ca/budget
• View videos from the March Open House presentations at whistler.ca/budget
• April 17: Attend the  Budget 2012 Open House,  4 - 5:30 p.m. at the Millennium Place Gallery
• April 17: Attend or watch the Council Meeting online
• May 1: Attend or watch the Council Meeting online - first three readings of financial plan bylaw
• May 8: Attend or watch the Council Meeting online - adoption of financial plan bylaw.

The Home Owner Grant is a provincial program to help qualified property owners reduce their property taxes. To qualify for this grant:

• you must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and a permanent resident of British Columbia; and
• you must be the registered owner of the home on which the grant is being claimed; and
• the home must be your principal residence.

The Home Owner Grant is administered by the Province. Find more information online.

There are two ways to apply:

• Apply online with your folio number and access code found on your tax notice; or
• Complete the application at the bottom of your tax notice and return to Municipal Hall by July 3, 2012 to avoid penalties.

NOTE:

Apply for your Home Owner Grant, even if you are unable to pay the full amount of your property taxes, as penalties for late payment also apply to the home owner grant portion of your taxes. Read more about payment deadlines here.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler offers a Pre-authorized Withdraw Plan (PAWS) to make one-time or monthly tax and utility payments. To qualify, all taxes must be paid in full prior to starting either plan. Carefully read the forms below and when sending the forms to the municipality, include a blank, VOID cheque with the completed form.

• Annual Payment Plan form
• Monthly Payment Plan form
• Change or cancel your monthly plan payment.

Payment is accepted at most Canadian financial institutions either through online banking or in person.  Use the tax notice folio/roll number for the account number (9 digits, no decimal). If paying in person, present the original remittance slip with payment. Photocopies will not be processed through the banking system. If paying on the due date, please check the bank stamp to ensure the proper date is noted. If using a bank machine, keep your receipt as a record.

NOTE:

• If you have sold your property or moved, contact your financial institution to update the account information to ensure you are paying the correct property tax account.
• You must apply for your Home Owner Grant online or at the Municipal Hall.

The Province of British Columbia Land Tax Deferment Program allows some eligible home owners to defer the payment of annual municipal property taxes. Property Tax Deferment is a low-interest loan program that assists qualifying homeowners in British Columbia in paying the annual property taxes on their principal residences.  Find out if you qualify for a tax deferment here.

Send the payment several weeks in advance to ensure delivery by the due date as the Resort Municipality of Whistler will not take responsibility for delayed mail service.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is bound by provincial legislation to enforce a levy of 10 per cent on taxes not received by the due date of July 3.  The penalty is applied under provincial law and is not reversible.  In an effort to mitigate the penalty, the municipality has created the Tax Penalty Amendment Bylaw No.1736 whereby the 10% penalty is split and 5% percent is charged on any outstanding balances at the due date and the remaining 5% is charged only if there is still an outstanding balance on September 30.  There is no penalty if taxes are paid in full at the due date. 

To ensure your tax payment is received on time, please note:

• Property owners mailing tax payments from outside of Canada should allow sufficient time to ensure delivery by the due date.
• The RMOW updates property records directly from BC Assessment.  It is the responsibility of the new property owner to contact the municipality if they do not receive a tax notice.  British Columbia Provincial Courts have upheld the principle that property owners are responsible for paying property taxes whether or not they receive a tax notice.
• Payments returned by the bank are considered non-payment of taxes in all circumstances.

Avoid the late payment penalty and pay your taxes by July 3, 2012.

Note: 

If you are eligible for a Home Owner Grant you may now complete your application online.  The access code and folio number from the tax notice are required for the online Home Owner Grant application.  Alternatively you can still fill out and submit the paper application at the bottom of your tax notice.  To avoid late payment penalties you must apply for your Home Owner Grant by July 3, 2012. 

Payments returned by the bank are considered non-payment of taxes in all circumstances.  Late payment penalties will apply.

The RMOW is bound by provincial legislation to enforce a levy of 10 per cent on taxes not received by the due date of July 3.  The penalty is applied under provincial law and is not reversible.  In an effort to mitigate the penalty, the municipality has created the Tax Penalty Amendment Bylaw No.1736 whereby the 10% penalty is split and 5% percent is charged on any outstanding balances at the due date and the remaining 5% is charged only if there is still an outstanding balance on September 30.  There is no penalty if taxes are paid in full at the due date. 

BC Assessment mailed the 2012 assessments to property owners December 31, 2011. Contact BC Assessment’s Vancouver Sea to Sky Office toll free: 1-800-661-1780, email: vancouver@bcassessment.ca, or go online to bcassessment.ca for more information.

Contact the municipality to ensure your information and maining address is current.  The Resort Municipality of Whistler updates property records directly from BC Assessment.

It is the responsibiltiy of the new property owner to contact the municipality if they do not receive a tax notice. British Columbia Provincial courts have upheld the principle that property owners are responsible for paying property taxes whenther or not they receive a tax notice.

If you have recently moved, provide a written notification of change of address. Only registered owners are authorized to alter mailing address records. Complete the Change of Address form and return it to the municipal Finance Department by fax, mail or email it to finance@whistler.ca

Since its inception in 1991, the Whistler Transit system has been a success, experiencing the highest ridership per service hour in British Columbia, even when compared to the cities of Vancouver and Victoria. It serves 2.7 to 2.8 million riders per year on 25 buses, which are now all low-floor and wheelchair accessible. Buses run from 5:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. every day in Whistler. BC Transit also provides limited commuter service to Pemberton and Squamish to complement the existing Greyhound service.

Sixty to 70 per cent of trips occur in the winter (November to April), while 30 to 40 per cent of trips occur in the spring, summer, and fall (May to October). Accordingly, almost twice as many service hours are provided in winter as in the spring, summer, and fall.

Ridership is highest on the route #1 and #2, serving areas south of Whistler Village, which have the highest population. The lowest ridership is on the Alta Lake Road route, which services a small resident population with only five trips per day.

The Whistler Transit System is part of the BC Transit Municipal Systems Program and consists of a partnership between:

• The provincial partner - BC Transit
• The local government - Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW)
• The operator - Whistler Transit Ltd., a division of Pacific Western Transportation

The RMOW shares in the funding responsibilities, approves all service plans and fares, accounts for revenue, maintains all transit facilities (such as bus stops, exchanges, shelters, and benches).

BC Transit is responsible for the provision of funding, vehicles, facilities, professional planning, marketing services, contract administration, service audits, and financial accounting.

The operating company (Whistler Transit Ltd.) is responsible for the employment of drivers and mechanics and the operation of the service approved by the municipality. The selection of a company to manage and operate the transit system is conducted through a public RFP every seven years.

Route planning is done in partnership between BC Transit, the RMOW, and Whistler Transit Ltd. Some factors that are considered when making service changes are: new neighbourhoods or housing developments, service comments and complaints, and observations by transit operators.

The Regulations of the BC Transit Act set out the formula for cost-sharing between BC Transit and its municipal transit partners.

• BC Transit's share of transit system funding is 46.69% for conventional transit systems and is provided by the Provincial Government.
• The municipal share (53.31%) is made up of revenue from fares and property taxes.
• As of April 1, 2011, the Squamish-Whistler Commuter bus service will no longer be delivered through the Whistler financial agreement; however, it will continue to be delivered by BC Transit in partnership with the District of Squamish.

Two planning processes are now underway for the Whistler Transit System:

1. A short-term three-year “system overhaul” plan, which has begun and will continue through the winter 2010/2011 season with the goal of implementing changes in the 2011/2012 fiscal year.
2. A 25-Year Master Plan for the transit system, which will start in 2011 when the Whistler Official Community Plan (OCP) Update is complete.  BC Transit will take information from the OCP Update as the basis to start the Whistler Transit System Master Plan looking out to 2035.

100% of the transit buses used in Whistler’s fleet are low-floor buses, providing wheelchair, scooter and stroller accessible service on transit routes throughout the region.  

Bikes on Board: Bike racks are installed on Whistler Transit System buses in mid April, and are removed in early November. The bike racks hold most wheel and frame sizes, but are not designed to hold tandem or motor-powered bikes.

Skis and Snowboards: Bring your skis or snowboard on board with you. Please be mindful of other passengers and hold your skis or snowboard safely in front of you. Hold skis with their tips pointed down

Save when you buy a sheet of 10 tickets. For frequent transit users, Monthly, 6 Month and 12 Month Passes will offer a significant savings over paying cash fares. 

Ticket Vendor Locations:

• Alpine Meadows -Meadow Park Sports Centre
• Nester's Square - Nester's Market
• Whistler North - Municipal Hall (all passes including 6-month and 12-month passes)
• Whistler Village -The Grocery Store, Whistler 1-Hour Foto Source,  Whistler Visitor Info Centre
• Main Street -7-Eleven
• Whistler Creek - The Hub
• Cheakamus Crossing - Hostelling International Whistler
• Pemberton - Regional District Office

Managed by BC Transit, the hydrogen fuel cell demonstration project is a five-year program running until 2014 in Whistler. This project will test the operational viability of the buses, as the world’s largest hydrogen fuel cell fleet operating in a single location.

The hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet produces no greenhouse gas emissions at the tailpipe and will help the province reach its goal of lowering GHG emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.

During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the buses helped to provide BC Transit’s enhanced Games Time transit service in Whistler. Since then, the hydrogen fuel cell powered buses have been integrated into the Whistler Transit system, representing 70 per cent of the Whistler fleet.

Who owns the Day Lots?

The RMOW owns the parking lots. In 2008, Day Lots 1 to 5 were transferred to the RMOW from the Province of British Columbia. The transfer was part of a larger 2010 Land Legacy Agreement and was conditional on the RMOW entering a maintenance agreement with Whistler Blackcomb, committing that the parking lots are primarily for the use of Whistler-Blackcomb’s visitors and constructing a debris barrier on Fitzsimmons Creek. 

Who makes decisions about pay parking in the Day Lots?

A joint parking management committee comprised of two senior staff members from the RMOW and two senior staff members from Whistler Blackcomb is responsible for making decisions about parking rates, maintenance, operations, and the budget for the Day Lots.

Whistler Blackcomb is the parking lot operator responsible for the day-to-day management of the lots (including snow clearing and traffic control); The RMOW is responsible for pay parking equipment and operation (including the collection of revenue) and enforcement of bylaws and parking rules.

Are changes to user-pay parking in the Day Lots Council decisions?

Council has discussed the changes during budget discussions. Decisions about the Day Lots are made by the parking lot operating committee. Changes to user-pay parking in the Day Lots have been discussed and reviewed by the Transportation Advisory Group (TAG), a committee of Whistler Council that includes broad representation from the community with members from Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, the Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Highways and at large community members, as well as members of the business community.

How much is a parking violation fine and how can it be paid?

The fine is $20, if paid within 30 days.  Fines are issued for parking in a fire lane, handicap space, camping, not in a valid space, not paid and overnight.  Information about paying fines is on the back of parking violation tickets. Parking fines can be paid by phone, in person Municipal Hall (4325 Blackcomb Way), using the drop-box at Municipal Hall, or online.

How can I dispute my parking fine?

A parking dispute form can be found online.

Where can I find information about paying parking fines?

Parking ticket information is available on the municipal website online.

If my car is towed, where does it go and what does it cost to retrieve it?

The impound lot is located between Day Lots 3 and 4. Payless Towing signs are located in the Day Lots and include contact information. Rates are based on current ICBC tow rates.

Will SmartPark in-car meters work in the Day Lots?

No. SmartPark meters currently work in all of the municipal lots and on-street parking, except the Day Lots. The SmartPark device uses a SmartCard, which is loaded with a prepaid number of parking hours and is inserted into the meter. The SmartPark meter is then placed inside the vehicle and displays the parking zone selected. SmartPark is intended as an affordable option for residents, frequent visitors, and weekenders to park in the Village. Smart Park meters are available for sale at Municipal Hall – Bylaw Services.

A Pay By License/License Plate Recognition system was selected for use in the Day Lots to enable the smooth flow of traffic into and out of the lots during peak times; relatively quick enforcement of traffic violations; and effective enforcement during snow events. This technology is intended to be fast, convenient, and seamless for resort guests and locals.  PayByPhone options are also available in the Day Lots.

Did you know?

When you SmartPark at on-street parking spaces using a pre-loaded meter for your car, you will:

• Never scramble for spare change
• Avoid going back to the meter if you need extra time 
• Pay for only the time you use
• Have flexibility; since you won’t need to guess how much time you’ll need

How does PayByPhone technology work and where is it available?

PayByPhone technology is only available for use in Day Lots 1 to 3. Guests simply park their cars, make one short phone call and then head for their destination.  The benefits of PayByPhone:

• No need for cash or coins
• Text message reminders when time is up
• Extend your time from any phone
• View and print parking receipts online
• Stay warm, pay from the comfort of your car.

How do I sign up and use the PayByPhone system for the Day Lots?

• Parks car, phone 604-905-5559, enter location #4055 and select parking time required
• Daily, hourly, evening, and overnight (summer only) rates available, in addition to 1-month passes
• Parking time is charged to credit card
• A text message reminder is provided to the guest before parking time expires

Registration for a free PayByPhone account is required and can be done by phone at 604-905-5559 (the account will be activated immediately) or online at paybyphone.com

How does the parking enforcement officer know I’ve paid by phone?

When you pay for parking by phone, your license plate and parking time are automatically displayed on the device used by the parking officer.

Is it safe to do a credit card transaction on a mobile phone?

Yes. Your credit card number is encrypted when you sign up and is never entered, displayed, or spoken during a transaction.

When will I see the transactions on my credit card statement and print receipts?

Each time you pay for parking with Verrus, the payment is processed in real-time. Your charge will appear as "PayByPhone Parking" on your credit card statement.  You can view all your transaction by logging onto your account at paybyphone.com. E-mail receipts are available; select this optional feature on your profile.

Can I get a receipt from the pay parking machines?

Yes, there is an option to print a receipt. The system, which does not require printed tickets, was selected to reduce paper waste.

How can I add more parking time before the previous time has run out?

Users can enter their license plate numbers and add additional time to previously purchased time using the pay parking machines in the Day Lots.

PayByPhone is also available for users to pay for parking with their cell phone and a credit card. A text message reminder is sent before parking time expires. Parking time can be extended as required.

What happens if I have been given a parking violation ticket while I have gone to get change?

A parking dispute form can be filled out online or at the Municipal Hall. Bylaw services can look up the license plate number and confirm the time that parking was paid to determine if the parking ticket will be withdrawn. 

I accidentally paid twice. Can I get a refund?

Yes, contact the bylaw office at Municipal Hall during business hours. Bylaw services can review data records and void a duplicated credit card transaction or provide a cash refund.

What can I do if I enter the wrong license plate number?

The RMOW has changed the prompts on the parking machines, so users must confirm their license plate number and desired time before the transaction is finalized. If entered incorrectly, users can cancel the transaction.

If there is a license plate transcription error and a parking violation ticket is issued, a parking dispute form can be completed. Bylaw services can review data records from the parking machine and confirm the transcription error. Once we can confirm that an error exists, the ticket will be courtesy voided.

Will SmartPark in-car meters work in the Day Lots?

No. SmartPark meters currently work in all of the municipal lots and on-street parking, exceptthe Day Lots. The meters use a SmartCard which is prepaid with a number of parking hours and is inserted into the SmartPark meter. The SmartPark meter is then placed inside the vehicle and displays the parking zone selected. The SmartPark meter is intended as an affordable option for residents, frequent visitors, and weekenders to park in the Village. SmartPark meters are available for sale at the Municipal Hall – Bylaw Services office.

Why was the pay by license system chosen?

This system was selected taking into consideration priorities for Whistler Blackcomb and the municipality. A number of criteria were examined:

• Traffic movements
• Delays and queuing
• Pedestrian movement
• Payment options
• Enforcement efficiency
• Revenue from penalty charges
• Fee evasion
• Disabled parking compatibility
• Security
• Impact of snow events
• Impact of vandalism
• Power failure
• Potential equipment failure
• Capital costs of equipment
• Operating costs

The pay by license/license plate recognition system has several advantages including:

• Encourages smooth flow of traffic into and out of the lots during peak times;
• Enables relatively quick enforcement of traffic violations;
• Enforceable during snow events;
• Lower capital costs and operating costs than some other parking systems;
• Less likelihood of equipment failure than some other systems.

In addition, the guest experience is expected to be positive using this system. The following is an outline of this process:

• Guest enters un-gated parking lot and parks car.
• Guest unloads car and proceeds to convenient pay station.
• Guest enters license plate number and pays for parking.
• Guest returns from the day enjoying Whistler and leaves parking lot.
• While guest is visiting Whistler, bylaw enforcement patrols lot using license plate recognition equipment.

What happens to parking lot data used by scanners?

Parking lot data of non-violating vehicles will be deleted daily. Parking lot data will remain within Canada at all times.

Is there user-pay parking in other resort communities?

Other resort communities have implemented user-pay parking in a variety of paved, outdoor, and indoor lots in close proximity or within walking or shuttle distance to their ski hills.

What are the rates in other communities?

• Other mountain resorts offer a range of free and user-pay parking. Examples include:
• Vail, Colorado -$20-$25 per day parking in garages; parking free after 3 p.m.
• Aspen, Colorado - $10-$25 per day (different weekday/weekend rates); free village shuttle
• Breckenridge, Colorado - $5-$20 per day (different weekday/weekend rates); free after 2 p.m.; some free lots and free village shuttle.
• Steamboat, Colorado - $15 per day in nearest lot; free parking in lots further away
• Mt.Tremblant, Quebec - $10 per day in nearest lot; free parking in lots further away

Current rates for hourly parking in Whistler’s municipal lots and the Day Lots range from $1 to $4 per hour. Other municipalities including Seattle and Vancouver charge $1 to $4 per hour and $1 to $6 per hour respectively.

Parking rates in private lots in Whistler range from $2 to $5 per hour; $8 to $42.50 per day; and $75 to $150 per month.

How is parking revenue from the Day Lots used?

The new revenue from the parking lots will be allocated to:

• Day Lot operation and maintenance costs;
• Establish an operating reserve for the parking lots; and
• Fund community transportation initiatives (transit);

Has revenue from the Day Lots been allocated to Whistler Transit?

Yes. In 2010, the Resort Municipality of Whistler provided free transit service to coincide with the start of user-pay parking in the Day Lots on June 28, 2010.  In addition, revenue from the Day Lots was used to fund an early start to full winter service to correspond with the official opening of the mountains. In recent years, an early start to winter service has not been possible due to budget constraints.

Revenue from the Day Lots will help fund transit, which has seen significant cost increases.

Are there accessible spots in the Day Lots?

There are 20 accessible parking spots in Lots 1 through 4.

Can oversized vehicles or commercial buses park in the Day Lots?

No. Oversized vehicles must park in Lot 6 at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain during the summer season.

Commercial busses have traditionally been allowed to park in Lots 4 and 5. With increasing demand for parking in the Day Lots, commercial bus drivers are requested to park in the municipal parking lot at Spruce Grove (7328 Kirkpatrick Way), in the winter and Day Lot 6 in the summer.  We are working on a year round solution.

Where can I park overnight Whistler Village?

• Year-round in the Whistler Conference Centre (Levels 1 to 3) from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. for $5
• Year-round at the Whistler Public Library underground lots from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. for $5
• Overheight vehicles may park can pay to park under Town Plaza in winter 
• May 1 to November 14 (only in summer/fall months): Day Lots 4 and 5. Camping (sleeping in vehicles) is not permitted at any time in the Day Lots.
• About 2,000 private parking spaces in Whistler Village (managed by the building managers and businesses) allow overnight parking at various rates.

Note: The Day Lots are closed during the winter season from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. for maintenance, including snow clearing. Cars that are parked overnight will be ticketed and towed.

What are other transportation options?

Whistler has an award-winning transit system. Schedule and fare information can be found online.

Other transportation options include:

• Active transportation using the Valley Trail, a paved 35-kilometre multiuse trail that connects Whistler’s neighbourhoods, parks, and beaches
• Carpooling / Ride-sharing: visit www.ride-share.com for information about Jack Bell carpooling, vanpooling, or Ride-Share programs

Private coach options to get to Whistler, including:

• The YVR Whistler Skylynx daily service from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler;
• Pacific Coach Lines daily service from Vancouver to Whistler;
• Greyhound Bus daily service between Vancouver and Whistler Village and Creekside;
• The Snowbus with seasonal service between Vancouver and Whistler.

Whistler Transit System Adult passes are $65 + HST for 1-month or $330 + HST for six months. Travelling by transit offers considerable savings, when the cost of running a car (fuel, insurance, and maintenance plus depreciation) is considered.

The Parking Lot Operating Committee, which includes two senior staff members from the (Resort Municipality of Whistler) RMOW and two senior staff members from Whistler Blackcomb, is responsible for decisions about the Day Lots management, including parking rates, hours, budget, and maintenance.