Council Briefs - April 17, 2012

COUNCIL BRIEFS - April 17, 2012

MEETING AT A GLANCE

Click here for the complete April 17 meeting package.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Alpha Lands rezoning

Dr. Doug Player, project leader for the proposed WhistlerU, made a presentation regarding the proposal for a learning campus on the Alpha Lands.

The approximately 77 acres (31 hectares) of land are located on the west side of Highway 99 between Function Junction and the south entrance to West Side Road. The proposal is for a significant new development, which would include a university, residences, research centre, leadership centre, international school, and associated facilities for recreation and education.  A population of 1500 residents and staff is projected.

The lands are zoned residential (RSE1) for four single family homes. Rezoning of the lands would be required to enable this project and a rezoning application has been submitted by the proponent to the RMOW. This rezoning would also necessitate an amendment to the Official Community Plan.

This is a major project for the community and RMOW staff will be working with council to establish the review process including community engagement.

Recommendations of the new Hiking Trails Task Force presented

Martin Pardoe, manager of parks planning, made a presentation regarding the recommendations in a new Hiking Trails Task Force Report.

The Hiking Trails Task Force was created as a sub-committee to the RMOW’s Forest & Wildland Advisory Committee to inventory existing alpine hiking trails, identify new hiking trails and assess maintenance needs and priorities for trails and trail access within Whistler boundaries.

The report recommends an increased focus on the recognition, promotion and funding of trails; the development of a strategy, and the coordination and management of trails; development of new and existing trails and improvements to trail access (i.e. forest roads); and a program that would provide opportunities for community involvement, including an adopt a trail program and a volunteer program.

Hiking is the most popular activity in Whistler during the summer months and council noted the importance of review and investment in this important asset and activity.

The report and trail maps can be found at www.cheakamuscommunityforest.com under the Access Management Plan tab.

BC Parks presents information about Garibaldi Management Plan Amendment

Jennie Aikman, BC Parks regional planner, made a presentation regarding the Garibaldi Management Plan Amendment. The purpose of the project is to update the 1990 Garibaldi Park Plan to provide supplemental direction and confirm existing direction about public access in the Spearhead and Fitzsimmons Ranges area of Garibaldi Park.

Some of the project considerations include increased summer use in the Spearhead Range and potential for high route trail and facility development; improvements to trail accesses and connections between trails; input on the long-term direction regarding heli-ski access; increased access for mountain biking; and protecting cultural resources such as First Nations’ Wild Spirit Places.

See details about the plan amendment on the BC Parks website.

Province presents information about management of snowmobile use in 21 Mile Watershed

Alistair McCrone, Recreation Sites and Trails BC made a presentation regarding snowmobile use in the non-motorized 21 Mile Watershed, which includes Rainbow Lake.  He outlined the management approach, steps taken and future actions by the Province to manage this issue.

Unlike most watershed areas in the Province of British Columbia, the 21 Mile Watershed allows public access, a factor that was confirmed through the provincial land resource management plan (LRMP) process in 2008.  Motorized access, however, is prohibited. 

Despite this fact, it is a popular area for snowmobile recreation and the Province has been working to help decrease this illegal activity.  The risks of motorized activity include fuel spillage, abandonment of snowmobiles in the backcountry, and in some cases, snowmobiles being found in drinking water source lakes.  The 21 Mile Watershed is a popular area for backcountry use, and is also home to mountain goats.

According to McCrone, a number of factors will help to keep snowmobile operators out of the watershed. These include increased enforcement, increased education, and signage.

Enforcement of the non-motorized use policy on site by the Province has been increased recently and will continue. On site signage exists and will be improved along the 11-kilometre boundary, while education efforts will be supplemented through working with the snowmobile clubs. Partnership was identified as a requirement for the success of this initiative.

In an online survey conducted by the Province, approximately 60 per cent of the snowmobile users in the area were from Whistler and it is hoped that local education and awareness could be improved by making a connection to the users between their activities and the safety of the community’s drinking water source.

PRESENTATIONS/DELEGATIONS

Council announces two Sea to Sky winners of the Poet’s Pause poetry competition

In March, the RMOW’s Public Art Committee invited writers to submit original poems for the fourth Poet’s Pause Poetry Competition. Poems were commissioned for display at the Poet’s Pause sculpture sites in Alta Lake Park (North and South Sites) and, as part of the Mayor’s Poetry Challenge. The Mayor’s Poetry Challenge was spearheaded by Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco, as a way of celebrating National Poetry Month.

The mayor congratulated the poets, who are both from the Sea to Sky Corridor. She noted that with the increased focus on cultural tourism, it is important to nurture culture in our community. She added that bringing arts and culture to the forefront enhances both the visitor and resident experience.

More than 20 poems on two themes (“togetherness” and “listening”) were submitted and judged anonymously. Pemberton resident, Tyler Cheverie read his entitled “Time,” and Whistler resident and former Poet’s Pause winner, Mary McDonald read her poem “Homage.”

Read the poems and learn more about the Poet’s Pause here.

Update provided about Whistler Intercultural Forums and Festival – June 28 to 30, 2012

William Roberts, President of The Whistler Forum gave a presentation regarding the Whistler Intercultural Forums and Festival, which is scheduled from June 28 to 30, 2012 and will build on the success of the first Whistler multicultural festival in 2011.

The theme of the 2011 multicultural festival was “thriving on diversity.” The festival was attended by approximately 2,000 people, and according to Roberts, it was good for business, good for Whistler’s ethnic minority groups, good for residents, and good for tourism.

The two-day Whistler Intercultural Forums and Festival will include three to four forums per day, as well as celebrations on Main Street.

Roberts requested that the RMOW consider contributing $20,000 for the festival, which could be used to leverage matching funds from the federal government. Donors and sponsors are also being engaged to support the event. Council asked staff to review this proposal and report back with a recommendation.

Whistler Arts Council to develop a cultural plan on behalf of the municipality

Joan Richoz, Chair of the Whistler Arts Council (WAC), gave a presentation to council about developing a comprehensive community cultural plan. An administrative report regarding the development of a cultural plan for Whistler was submitted later at the regular council meeting.

The report asks council to engage WAC to develop a cultural plan and to endorse the process and timelines identified in the report. Further, it requests that up to $75,000 in Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funds be allocated to the development of the cultural plan.

Background

The development of a cultural plan was one of the recommendations identified in the Cultural Tourism Development Strategy, which was commissioned by the municipality and completed in 2010.

The original concept for the development of a cultural plan was first presented to council by WAC on January 24, 2012.  In addition, initiating a draft cultural plan IS one of the deliverables within a six to 12-month timeline listed in the priority area of “Progressive Resort Community Planning,” in the 2012-2014 Council Action Plan.

The cultural plan will be developed with the understanding that Whistler is a resort community and, as such, relies on year-round tourism and that any community-wide planning initiative must complement the unique characteristics of a resort destination and ensure alignment with other planning initiatives including Whistler2020 and the Official Community Plan.

The cultural plan will address a variety of issues including the infrastructure needs of the arts, culture and heritage (ACH) sector and its local audiences; the need to formalize municipal policies and programs to develop the ACH sector; strategies that proactively build the ACH sector’s capacity and that nurture the community’s engagement with the arts. Place-based cultural tourism is reliant on local artists, artisans, performers and other cultural producers, and the cultural plan will identify ways to ensure the development and nurturing of those individuals as well as providing a platform for visiting artists to perform, exhibit, work and teach.

A 10-member steering committee comprised of key stakeholders and representatives from the ACH sector will be formed, and will work with WAC to oversee all aspects of the development of the cultural plan. In addition, extensive community consultation will take place.

WAC has proposed a timeline of 10 to 12 months to ensure comprehensive community engagement and input from all key stakeholders. An interim report will be presented to council in November 2012, the plan will be finalized and adopted in January 2013, and it will be launched in February 2013.

Council endorsed the process and timeline and allocated up to $75,000 for the process; however, stipulated that they would prefer that more consultants are not hired for the process, that there is no duplication of previous work, and that they would like to see the plan developed for less than the budgeted amount.

MAYOR'S REPORT

2012 budget update

Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden advised that the RMOW held its second budget open house earlier in the day. The open house provided residents with an opportunity to learn more about the RMOW’s financial planning process, project priorities for 2012, and other spending decisions.

“The 2012 budget process will set the stage for a new, more robust annual financial planning process moving forward,” said the mayor.

If you missed the open houses, updates and videos can be found on the municipal website at www.whistler.ca/budget. If you have feedback or questions for the Finance and Audit Committee, please send your comments directly to budget@whistler.ca.

An information report regarding the draft 2012 Budget was presented later in the meeting.

RMI funding for 2012 announced

The mayor announced that the Province of British Columbia has confirmed that Whistler will receive $6.35 million in Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding for 2012.

Since 2006, this funding has been a critical contributor toward projects and programs designed to support and strengthen tourism in Whistler. We are most appreciative of this funding.

“These are critical funds for the resort” said the mayor. “We want to thank the Province for their investment and commitment to the program toward building tourism in British Columbia.”

The 2012 RMI funding was confirmed as part of a five-year agreement between the Province and the RMOW. Contribution amounts are confirmed annually. The agreement follows the original five-year agreement in place from 2006 through 2011.

The mayor said, “This amount is roughly equal to what we would have had if we had the four per cent hotel tax, and slightly less than the RMOW would have expected to receive.”

The amount provided to each of the 14 BC resort municipalities annually is calculated based on accommodation business generated in each community during the previous business year.

Annual levy to be reduced for Emerald sewer improvements

For the past eight years the residents of Emerald have been levied an annual charge on their tax bill to cover partial construction and financing costs of the Emerald sewer project.

At the end of 2011, the loan was refinanced with a considerable reduction in financing costs. 

“We will be passing these savings on to the Emerald residents in the form of a reduced billing for 2012 and in future years,” said the mayor.

The annual levy will be reduced by $173.34 in 2012.

Sea to Sky Athletes

Whistler is a hotspot for young athletes, who aspire to be on top of the podium.

The mayor took a few moments to personally acknowledge and congratulate Sea to Sky athletes who have achieved excellence in their respective sports this winter season. The following athletic achievements took place this winter:

In Skiing:
 

• Chelsea Henituk (4th FIS World Cup Dual Moguls, Mt Gab, January 2012; and 8th FIS World Cup Dual Moguls, Deer Valley, February 2012)
• Eddie Hicks (4th FIS World Cup Moguls, Megeve)
• Rosalind Groenewoud (Silver Half Pipe World Cup Grand Prix December 2011; Gold Half Pipe X Games Aspen, February 2012; Silver Half Pipe Dew Tour, Snowbasin, February 2012; and Gold Euro X Games, Tignes, France, March 2012)
• Justin Dorey (Silver Dew Tour Breckenridge, December 2011; 4th Dew Tour Killington, Vermont, January 2012; and 4th Euro X-Games, Tignes, France, March 2012)
• Ian Cosco (1st Slopestyle Canadian Shield Event, Mount Seymour, British Columbia, February 2012)
• Logan Pehota (1st Wrangle the Chute, Big Mountain Ski Competition, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden; and 6th Red Bull Cold Rush, Silverton, Colorado)
• Sean Petit (2nd Overall 2011 Powder Awards; and 10th Red Bull Cold Rush)
• Kye Petersen (1st Freeski World Tour, Revelstoke, February 2012; Best Natural Air, Powder Awards; and 6th Overall, Powder Awards)
• Dave Treadway (11th Red Bull Cold Rush)

In snowboarding:

• Maelle Ricker (2nd overall 2012 FIS World Cup Snowboard Cross; 1st Snowboard cross at FIS World Cup, Valmalenco, Italy, March 2012; 1st Snowboard cross at FIS World Cup, Stoneham, Quebec, February 2012; and 3rd Snowboard cross at FIS World Cup, Blue Mountain, Ontario February 2012)
• Mercedes Nicoll (1st Half Pipe at Snowcrown - Canadian Snowboard Freestyle Championship, Calgary Alberta March 2012; and 4th Half Pipe at FIS World Cup, Stoneham, Quebec, February 2012)
• Craig Beaulieur (Overall Points Champion in Slopestyle Canadian Shield Ski and Snowboard Tour; 3rd Slopestyle Canadian Shield Event, Blue Mountain, Ontario, March 2012; and 1st Slopestyle Canadian Shield Event, Mount Seymour, British Columbia, February 2012)
• Spencer O’Brien (Silver Slopestyle, Euro X-Games, Tignes, France; Gold Slopestyle, Dew Tour, Snowbasin; Overall Champion, Dew Tour; 1st TTR World Snowboarding Championships Slopestyle, Oslo; and 1st O’Neil Evolution Big Air, Davos, Switzerland)
• Red Bull Supernatural participants included David Carrier Porcheron, 8th; Devun Walsh, 10th; and Mark Sollors, 11th.

Sarah Burke remembered

On April 10, 2012 a public memorial for Sarah Burke was held in Whistler, a place where she trained and worked hard to be a pioneer in freestyle skiing.

Close to 200 of Burke’s family and friends attended the candlelit ceremony in Village Square.

The mayor was invited to attend the ceremony, but was unavailable. Councillor Andrée Janyk attended and spoke to the media on behalf of the municipality.

Councillor Janyk said she was fortunate to be on the mountain earlier in the day, when three helicopters flew past, in honour of Burke. Janyk said she knew how much Burke meant to the community and she also recognizes how Whistler supports its elite athletes. As the mother of two elite athletes, Janyk expressed her sympathy for Burke’s family.

Joan Richoz and Florence Petersen to receive “Freedom of the Municipality” honour

The mayor announced that the RMOW will be honouring two citizens with the Freedom of the Municipality distinction this year. Four other living citizens currently have the “Freedom of the Municipality.” These include Drew Meredith, Garry Watson, Al Raine, and Jim Godfrey. The only other female recipient of the Freedom of the Municipality has been pioneer Myrtle Philip.

“This is the highest honour a town can bestow,” said the mayor. “Florence Petersen and Joan Richoz will be honoured for their outstanding contributions to the community. The Freedom of Municipality Award gives both of these women the power to vote in Whistler elections regardless of property ownership or if they live here.”

The mayor added that she was happy to recognize two women.

For over thirty years, Joan Richoz has been the cornerstone of Whistler’s arts and cultural community. One of her most significant contributions was her singular vision for the development of the Whistler Public Library, where she was the first librarian.

Nobody in Whistler knows more about the resort's past and its journey than local historian Florence Petersen. Thanks to Peterson, that rich history and the true story of Whistler have been preserved. Peterson founded the Whistler Museum and Archives and has authored various books on Whistler's past.

Florence and Joan will be awarded the Freedom of the Resort Municipality of Whistler during a special council meeting in June. Details of the upcoming reception will be forthcoming.

Pitch In Day – May 5, 2012

The mayor advised that on May 5, 2012, the RMOW will be hosting its annual Pitch In Day to clean up Whistler’s roadside litter and trash.

In 2011, the Pitch In Day groups collected 1.4 tonnes of garbage from Whistler's roadsides.

Interested parties should meet at the Public Works Yard (8001 Hwy 99) between 8 and 9 a.m. on May 5 to pick up supplies.

Click here for more information.

Other meetings and events
 

• On April 6, 2012, the mayor welcomed athletes to the 20th anniversary of the Whistler Cup. For three days, almost 400 athletes (ages 11 to 14) from 18 countries participated in the ski racing event.
• On April 11, 2012, the mayor met “Lucky” Luke Dillon, the winner of the Tourism Whistler-sponsored Whistler Sabbatical Project.
  • On April 15, 2012, the mayor welcomed members of “Les Clefs d’Or,” the Hotel Concierge Society of Canada.
• The mayor also reported having attended recent Finance and Audit Committee and Squamish Lillooet Regional District Board meetings.
• Councillor John Grills mentioned that he had attended two community events: a grade 5 class graduation from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program and grade six completion of the healthy choices program facilitated by the Whistler Community Services Society. He commented that the fitness levels of children in Whistler are encouraging and it is a great place to grow up.
• The mayor congratulated Michelle Leroux on her appointment to the RMI oversight committee and commented that there were several well qualified candidates. She said she felt encouraged by the quality of applicants. She and other members of council mentioned that there will be other upcoming opportunities for community members to participate in other committees and task forces and hope that the same level of interest continues.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Two public hearings were held during this week’s council meeting, during which members of the public were invited to make representations to council or present written submissions regarding the bylaw amendments.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Gross Floor Area Exclusion Amendments) No. 1992, 2012

The first public hearing addressed proposed changes to Whistler’s Zoning bylaw via Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Gross Floor Area Exclusion Amendments) No. 1992, 2012.

The bylaw has been created as a result of work of the council-appointed Illegal Spaces Task Force, which was established on December 20, 2011 to consider how to address the issue of illegal space constructed in single family homes throughout the municipality.

In general terms, the purpose of the proposed bylaw is to amend the definitions of gross floor area, crawl spaces and void spaces to:

• Permit basement floor area to be excluded, to the extent specified in the proposed bylaw, from the calculation of gross floor area for all detached and duplex dwelling buildings.
• Permit exterior wall thickness in excess of 6” (152mm) to be excluded from the calculation of gross floor area for all buildings.
• Require all crawl spaces and void spaces with clearance in excess of 1.5 metres to be included in the calculation of gross floor area.

Consultation on this issue began on March 2 with an open house to obtain feedback on the proposed changes to residential regulations. More than 100 people attended the open house and the RMOW received feedback from approximately 40 respondents online. Visit www.whistler.ca/illegalspaces for more information.

The Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Gross Floor Area Exclusion Amendments) No. 1992, 2012 was given first and second readings at the April 3 council meeting.

Three community members spoke in support of the amendment bylaw at the public hearing and two written submissions in support of the proposed changes were received by council. Council gave third reading to the bylaw later in the meeting.

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (Regional Context Statement) No. 1993, 2012

A second public hearing addressed proposed changes to Whistler’s Official Community Plan via  Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (Regional Context Statement) No. 1993, 2012. The purpose of the bylaw is to include a regional context statement to Whistler’s existing Official Community Plan (OCP) as required by provincial legislation.

This bylaw is an interim measure adding a regional context statement to the current OCP. A new regional context statement will be contained in the updated OCP, which currently stands at first reading and has been identified as a priority in the Council Action Plan for completion within the next 18 months.

No submissions were received for the public hearing for this bylaw. Council gave third reading to the bylaw later in the meeting. The bylaw will be referred to the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Board for review and will be presented to the SLRD Board at their meeting on April 30, 2012.

INFORMATION REPORTS

Council received report on proposed Five-Year Financial Plan 2012-2016; Budget bylaw to be considered May 1, 2012

Council received an information report for the proposed five-year financial plan, 2011-2016. The proposed five-year financial plan will be presented to council for first three readings as the financial plan bylaw at the May 1, 2012 regular council meeting. The budget bylaw is scheduled for adoption at a special council meeting on May 8, 2012.

The Community Charter requires municipalities to approve a five-year financial plan bylaw each year prior to the adoption of the annual property tax bylaw on or before May 15.

Earlier in the day, the RMOW held its second budget open house, which provided residents with an opportunity to learn more about the RMOW’s financial planning process, project priorities for 2012, and other spending decisions.

This year’s budget process has focussed on accountability and fiscal responsibility. The budget team has received feedback that residents would like to continue to progress towards making the budget process more transparent with opportunities to review and discuss budget options, to review quarterly reports in plain language, to provide input, and to participate in town hall meetings.

Early on in the budget process, council committed to adopting a budget with no increase to property taxes or utility fees in 2012. The proposed 2012 budget is aligned with this commitment. Council’s three-year Action Plan addresses the municipality’s current and longer-term economic viability.

Continuation of the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding, savings arising from the 2011 RMOW service review, transit management and other divisional savings are necessary to offset significant items, such as inflation and decreases to Day Lot pay parking revenues.

The proposed 2012 RMOW budget balances $74 million in revenues with $74 million of expenditures and reserve transfers. In addition, there are $15.3 million of proposed project expenditures funded by $15.3 million in grants, reserve transfers, and other sources.

For more information

• For more information about the financial plan or budget process, or to view videos or materials from the open houses, visit www.whistler.ca/budget.
• Download the RMOW Budget Basics pamphlet at or pick up a copy at Municipal Hall.
  • Watch past council meetings online or watch a live stream of the May 1 budget meeting online.
• Find answers to frequently asked questions at www.whistler.ca/faq.

Comments or questions about the financial plan or budget process can still be sent to budget@whistler.ca.

Development permit approved for Village Gate House envelope rehabilitation

Council approved a development permit for comprehensive rehabilitation of the Village Gate House building. Council’s approval of the development permit was required, because proposed alterations affect all four sides of the building.

The renovation will improve the building performance; proposed lighting improvements at the commercial level will brighten the covered arcade and make it more inviting; and the proposed materials, colours and detailing will ensure continued character and interest for this building.

The proposal was presented to the municipal Advisory Design Panel (ADP) on November 16, 2011. The ADP felt that some of the details of the existing building architecture were not being addressed in the proposed design, especially related to the proposed tower elements. Subsequently, staff worked with the applicant to improve the proposal to address the ADP’s comments.

The proposal supports the Whistler 2020 strategies of visitor experience, built environment and energy, conforms to all applicable regulations in the zoning bylaw (for the Commercial Core One zone), and is in line with Official Community Plan Development Permit Guidelines.

Generally, the RMOW does not permit construction between July 1 and September 3 (the peak summer season for the resort). However, this is a significant project with construction duration estimated at six to eight months and it is the municipality’s common practice to allow significant construction projects to extend into the summer season. A condition of development permit approval is adherence to the Whistler Village Construction Management Strategy to mitigate the impacts of construction activity on the Whistler Village resort experience, especially during the peak summer season.

Development permit approved for Clocktower Hotel envelope remediation

Council was asked to approve a development permit application for building envelope remediation and exterior repainting of the Clocktower Hotel per the plans prepared by Ireland Group Architecture.

Changes to the building include a new cedar shingle roof, new paint colour for the exterior of the building and new energy efficient windows. The remediation will address maintenance and water ingress issues and will result in a refreshed look for the building.

The proposal was not presented to the Advisory Design Panel for review, as the repainting scheme is consistent with the Whistler Village Colour Guide and the roof, skylight and window replacements are not altering the general form and character of the building.

The proposal supports the Whistler 2020 strategies of visitor experience (built environment and energy), and is in line with Official Community Plan development permit guidelines.
The Clocktower construction is scheduled from April 30 to June 15, 2012 and will overlap with the RMOW’s Mountain Square Parkade Waterproofing project.

The developer will adhere to guidelines in the Whistler Village Construction Management Strategy and will coordinate this project with construction in Mountain Square to minimize disruption.

Council directed staff to consider creating a checklist for building envelope repairs, which would guide property owners or stratas in Whistler Village. Council also suggested that the Business Enhancement committee look at requirements for development permit and rezoning signs in the Village.

Council supports the creation of a comprehensive community cultural plan

Council received a report about the development of a comprehensive community cultural plan and endorsed the recommendations in the report including the allocation of RMI funding for the project and the project timelines.

The development of the cultural plan will be led by the Whistler Arts Council (WAC) with direction from a 10-member steering committee. Joan Richoz, chair of the WAC made a presentation to council earlier in the meeting.

Council proclaims May 13-19, 2012 Drinking Water Week

Following a request from BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) and the Province of British Columbia, the RMOW has proclaimed May 13-19, 2012 as “Drinking Water Week”

Drinking Water Week is a public awareness campaign to demonstrate the value of drinking water and its role in maintaining quality of life. The goal is to increase public appreciation of water and the need to conserve and protect it, as well as the need to manage wastewater responsibly.

More information on Drinking Water Week will be available on www.whistler.ca.

MINUTES OF COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS

Council received minutes from the Audit and Finance Standing Committee meetings of February 9, March 8, and March 22, 2012; and the Forest and Wildland Advisory Committee meeting of March 14, 2012.

BYLAWS FOR THIRD READING

Council gave third readings to the following three bylaws:

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Hilton Retail Building) No. 1990, 2012. The purpose of this amendment is to increase the maximum permitted Gross Floor Area of the Subject Lands from 6,289 square metres to 6,434 square metres.
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Gross Floor Area Exclusions) No.1992, 2012. The purpose of this amendment is to provide gross floor area exclusion to the extent specified in the proposed Bylaw for in-ground basements for detached dwelling and duplex dwelling buildings, exterior wall thickness, and crawl spaces and void spaces.
• Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (Regional Context Statement) No. 1993, 2012. The purpose of the amendment is to amend Schedule “A” of the RMOW Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1021, 1993 to include a Regional Context Statement as per provincial legislation relative to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw No. 1062, 2008.

OTHER BUSINESS

Council appointed Andrée Janyk to the Recreation and Leisure Advisory Committee.

CORRESPONDENCE

Council received correspondence from:

• Lyall Fetherstonhaugh dated April 10, 2012, regarding safety and helicopter takeoffs and landings at 1221 Cheakamus Lake Road. Council referred this to staff for further consideration.
• Marguarite and Alan Erickson dated April 02, 2012, regarding noise disturbance of delivery trucks. Council referred this letter to bylaw staff for action.
• Dorothea Riccio dated April 5, 2012 regarding the phase two covenant on suites at the Adara Hotel. The mayor mentioned that this was an issue that she was aware of during the election. Council referred to staff to determine the scope of the problem and if a citizens’ task force might be an appropriate way of addressing the problem.
• Peter C. Lang dated April 3, 2012 regarding submission of the Preliminary Rezoning Submission Package for WhistlerU. A presentation about Whistler U took place at the Committee of the Whole meeting earlier in the day.
• Chantel Jackson dated March 28, 2012, regarding support for the increase in square footage for the Rainbow neighbourhood commercial space.
• Karen McKibbin, Strata Agent for Summit Strata Management Ltd., dated April 4, 2012, regarding RMOW requirements for roofing replacements. Council referred this to staff for review.
• Diego Marchese, CEO of the BC & Yukon Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Scott McDonald, President & CEO of the BC Lung Association, dated March 29, 2012, regarding an update of smoke-free outdoor public places bylaws in British Columbia and encouraging strengthening the current bylaw by making other outdoor public places not covered in the bylaw smoke-free.
• Susan Gimse, Chair of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Board, dated March 28, 2012, inviting participation in a “20-Minute Makeover” litter cleanup of neighbourhoods or business areas. The SLRD Board has announced that they will participate in National Pitch In Week from April 23-30, 2012 in the SLRD. Due to the heavy snow accumulation in March, Whistler will push its Pitch In Day by one week and hold it on May 5. Read more about Whistler’s Pitch in Day 2012. Council declined the invitation to participate in the “20-Minute Makeover,” because Pitch In Day is already established in Whistler.