From squatting in the Valley (and getting kicked out…) to becoming Mayor of the Resort Municipality and ultimately being awarded with Whistler’s highest honour—Nancy Wilhelm-Morden is one of our mountain town’s most influential citizens. After coming here for a two-week holiday at 18, her work and volunteerism have helped shape the foundation of Whistler; in addition to her two terms as Mayor and her work as a lawyer, she is credited with helping secure Whistler as a selection for the site of the Audain Art Museum, founding the Community Foundation of Whistler, which provides grants to non-profit organizations throughout Sea to Sky, and signing the first official proclamation of Pride Week.   

On October 22, 2024, Wilhelm-Morden was recognized with the Freedom of the Municipality. She and ski industry pioneer Hugh Smythe became the 15th and 16th recipients.   

In this memorable episode full of unique local history, Mayor Jack Crompton sits down with his friend and former colleague to look back at the stories and events of the past 50 years, how they shaped her, and how she in turn helped shape Whistler into the thriving community it is today. 

Listen now: 

Host: Mayor Crompton 

Guest: Nancy Wilhelm-Morden 

Links/More Information 

News | Whistler Blackcomb trailblazer and former Whistler Mayor receive municipality’s highest honour | Resort Municipality of Whistler 

Nancy Wilhelm-Morden: Barrier-breaker, problem-solver, and Whistler’s dedicated servant – Pique Newsmagazine 

Emerald Forest 

Whistler Housing Authority 

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese | Goodreads 

Acknowledgements 

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is grateful to be on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat People, known in their language as L̓il̓wat7úl, and the Squamish People, known in their language as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh. We respect and commit to a deep consideration of their history, culture, stewardship and voice. 

This podcast was recorded in the Sound Booth at the Whistler Public Library’s Wonder Lab. 

Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, in her early days in Whistler working on the drilling and blasting crew, building the highway. Photo: Nancy Wilhelm-Morden archives 

The squat in Brio. Photo: Nancy Wilhelm-Morden archives 

Wilhelm-Morden was Whistler’s first female Mayor, serving two terms from 2011 to 2018. Photo: RMOW 

Shaking hands with Michael Audain after finalizing the deal for the Audain Art Museum. Photo: Nancy Wilhelm-Morden archives 

With Mayor Jack Crompton, and fellow honouree Hugh Smyth, receiving the Freedom of the Municipality. Photo: RMOW/David Buzzard