Zoning Amendment Bylaw (IAM1 Zone Amendments) No. 2031, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013, 6 p.m., Maurice Young Millennium Place
Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza reflects both the community’s needs and its character. At first glance, it looks like a park, with a spectacular playground, lots of seating for parents and a Great Lawn that’s perfect for playing tag. Look around and the view becomes that a state-of-the-art outdoor performance facility with a dramatic mountain backdrop, right in the heart of dynamic Whistler Village.
The redeveloped site of the Whistler medals ceremonies for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games commemorates our community’s involvement with the globe’s largest sporting and cultural event. Reminders of those amazing 27 days in 2010 are an important part of the Plaza’s design, reflecting the three pillars of the Olympic and Paralympic Games: sport, environment and culture.
The same Olympic rings that graced the entrance to Medals Plaza remain and have already become a favourite spot for photos. However, the Paralympic Agito, with its comfortable curves, might just give the rings a little competition when it comes to being a preferred place for visitor photo opportunities.
Just beyond the rings, eight aluminum panels commemorate every athlete who participated in the 2010 Winter Games in Whistler. A special permanent memorial for fallen Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili is also a reminder of the commitment, spirit, and passion displayed by amateur athletes. The original Olympic cauldron, lit to signify the opening of the XXI Winter Games, has found also found permanent home here.
The Four Host First Nations’ participation in the 2010 Winter Games was essential to its success. The Olympic Lightning Figure was created to honour the Olympic legacy, the families of the area, and the legend of lightning snakes which is depicted in the pole carving design. The lightning snakes brought skills and tools to the Squamish and Lil'wat people to allow them to flourish here in their traditional territory.
Hosting the Winter Games was a community dream that began practically the minute first lift made its way up London Mountain (now Whistler Mountain) a few decades ago — Whistler Olympic Plaza celebrates the realization of this dream and the spirit that made it possible. Now it’s the place for new dreams.
Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Imagine skating outdoors with your family and friends this holiday season. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery, the twinkle of festive lights and the Olympic rings, visitors and residents alike will have the chance to experience one of Canada’s favourite recreational past times in the heart of Whistler Village.
Building on the success of the 2011/12 pilot project, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will transform Whistler Olympic Plaza’s Great Lawn and Pavilion into skating rinks for the winter season. This winter, the ice rinks are larger and operating hours are longer. Construction included replacing a portion of the lawn with a refrigerated concrete floor, installation of a permanent refrigeration plan and remedial landscape works.
With room for only 150 skaters at a time, skating at Olympic Plaza is as intimate as it is spectacular. To keep the rinks safe and family-friendly, hockey and figure skating are not permitted.
NOTICE: Last day for skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza – March 28
Due to the warm weather this week, the last day for Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza for the 2012/2013 season will be Thursday, March 28, 2013. The rink will be open for regular hours of operation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to skate at the Plaza this season and experience one of Canada’s favourite recreational past times located in the heart of Whistler Village.
Skating Information
Ice skating in the heart of the Village in Whistler Olympic Plaza is brought to you by the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Province of British Columbia.
Free admission! Skate rentals $5. Helmets available at no charge.
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Closed for maintenance 4 to 6 p.m. daily
Please be advised that warm weather leads to warm ice! Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza may need to close unexpectedly due to weather conditions.
Available for private rental from Sunday to Thursday from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 604-935-8366 for details. Perfect for staff functions!
Need more information?
- Click here for Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza FAQs.
- Click here for details regarding events at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Learn about RMOW festivals, events & animation:
- Backgrounder on Whistler Olympic Plaza
- Backgrounder on Festivals, Events & Animation
- RMOW Cultural Tourism Development Strategy
- Frequently Asked Questions
