Employee housing construction pushing forward in Cheakamus. Photo credit: Province of B.C.
Council Roundup from Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Looking to get caught up on the Tuesday, July 23 Council Meetings? We’ve pulled together some key stories from Committee of the Whole and the Regular Council Meeting, including:
- Funding secured for Cheakamus rental housing project
- Presentation on continuing expansion of active transportation work and infrastructure
- RMOW funding for Invictus Games confirmed
For all the details, check out the recording of the full meeting on whistler.ca.
Photo credit: Province of B.C.
Reserve funds sought for Cheakamus Crossing housing project
The RMOW planning department brought a request for employee housing reserve funds to Council on Tuesday to finalize the monies needed for the latest Cheakamus housing project.
The ask was for $3.2 million, from the Employee Housing Reserve, to fund a portion of the equity of a new rental housing project at 1475 Mount Fee Road—the subject of a major Provincial housing announcement the day before.
Premier David Eby made the trip to Whistler to announce B.C. Housing would contribute $12.7 million in equity through the BC Builds community partner program. BC Builds will also provide lower cost financing options and WHA is contributing $2 million.
The BC Builds commitment is the single largest provincial funding announcement for Whistler’s workforce housing since the Olympics and the first BC Builds funded project for our community.
After some discussion around overall project costs, which are said to be steep in the current market, Council unanimously voted to approve reserve spend.
The new building, slated for completion in 2026, will include 104 units with everything from studio apartments to three-bedroom units to fit the needs of both individuals and families.
Free-to-use, locking e-bike charging racks have been installed in Whistler, and are now being tested.
Active Transportation Strategy to provide more alternatives to vehicles
As has widely shared, Whistler’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent below 2007 levels in the next six years. To get closer to that goal, the municipality is working on six “Big Moves,” including Big Move 1: Move beyond the car.
A big part of Big Move 1 is moving the resort towards more “active transport,” which means walking, biking, e-biking, and other human-powered transportation. On July 23, the Active Transportation Strategy working group presented an update report to Council on current and future efforts, which largely revolve around the Valley Trail Network and facilities along the way.
If Big Move 1 is successful, half of all trips made in 2030 will be by bus or active transport.
Active transportation initiatives include:
1. Establish a comprehensive year-round active transportation network.
2. Ensure people of all ages and abilities can safely and enthusiastically use the active transportation network.
3. Provide essential infrastructure, amenities, and operational support for the network year-round.
4. Create awareness and motivation for people to use the active transportation network year-round.
5. Expand the network’s capacity to meet 2030 goals and beyond.
Some initiatives are already underway, including filling gaps in the Valley Trail network; a bike lane demonstration project along Village Gate Boulevard from Blackcomb Way to the bus shelter; the installation of free-to-use, locking e-bike charging racks; and the expansion of summer “bike valet” programs around the resort.
Councillor Ralph Forsyth noted that there’s lots of opportunity for protected bike racks. “One of the most underused things we have in the community is underground parking, there’s abundant underground parking and lots of room for bike parking.”
Council noted the need to update municipal design guidelines to ensure new and renovated buildings include covered bike parking, as well as the need to work with partners like Whistler Blackcomb to provide protected bike parking for their operations.
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, visiting Whistler in 2024 to mark the one year countdown. Photo: Invictus Games
Council approves funding source for Invictus Games.
In 2025, over 500 athletes and supporters will be coming to Vancouver and Whistler for the Invictus Games, which will include adaptive winter sports for the first time.
The Games are held for wounded, sick and injured service personnel every two years, with the last event taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany in 2023. Some 25 nations are expected to participate in 2025.
Whistler will be hosting alpine skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biathlon, and skeleton competitions.
At the July 23 Council meeting, municipal staff presented the amount that will be provided to the Invictus Games, seeking Council direction on the source of funding. The recommendation was that the $240,000 should come through the Municipal and Regional District Tax reserve (MRDT, also known as the Hotel Tax). In addition, staff requested a budget amendment so that the funds could be provided to the games’ organizers in this calendar year, rather than in 2025.
Funds will be used to provide village animation during the Games, including viewing areas, village animation, music, arts, and other activities to engage with residents and visitors. RMOW will also provide in-kind support before, during and after the Games to ensure the event runs seamlessly with the day-to-day operations of the resort.
The Invictus Games take place February 8 to 16, 2025. For more information, tickets, and volunteer opportunities, visit https://invictusgames2025.ca.
To attend an upcoming meeting, check out the Council Meeting Schedule. Agendas and Minutes are available online. To connect with Council, consider Presenting to Council, or get in touch with them individually by phone or email.
