The Non-Exclusive Use Permit (NEUP) is for groups operating in Whistler’s parks or trail networks.
Introduction
This permit is intended for any organization that will operate in Whistler’s parks or trail network without a fixed location.
This Non-exclusive Use Permit (NEUP) process, and Code of Conduct, have been developed in response to the growing popularity of outdoor training, tours and recreational programs, and significantly increased use by the general public. It helps promote equitable access to RMOW lands for businesses and organizations to operate in harmony with other recreational activities, residents and visitors.
This permit supports the Official Community Plan’s Recreation and Leisure Goal 9.9: To balance the use of public amenities for commercial and event use with the needs of residents and visitors.
Following a trial program in 2022, application and permit fees have now been reviewed and formalized in Council Policy I-06: Parks & Recreation Fees & Charges and “Parks & Recreation Fees & Charges Regulation Amendment Bylaw (NEUP) No. 2389, 2023.”
Collected fees will be used to help offset overall costs.
Scope
The Non-exclusive Use Permit (NEUP), and Code of Conduct, pertain to all municipally controlled lands, amenities and facilities.
Exclusions
- Lands outside of RMOW jurisdiction include (but are not limited to) Whistler Blackcomb’s Controlled Recreation Area, Crown Land, and privately owned land. Operators should contact the respective agencies to request permission and determine requirements for use, and acquire the appropriate permits or permissions.
- Recreational trails managed by WORCA, Alpine Club of Canada (Whistler Chapter), 99Trails, Squamish Lillooet Regional District, Recreation Sites and Trails BC and BC Parks. Permission to use these trails must be secured from the appropriate organization.
- Use of municipal sports fields, courts and Skateboard Park for group activities. A separate facility booking is required to use these facilities; contact the Outdoor Facilities Coordinator for more information.
Compliance
- Permit holders are expected to follow all regulations and guidelines outlined in the Code of Conduct.
- Group leaders should wear a uniform, logo or name tag to be identifiable as associated with their organization at all times.
- Permit holders will be required to re-apply annually.
Contact
604-935-8465
outdoorfacilities@whistler.ca
“Non-exclusive Use” refers to activities that are mobile and flexible, and do not require the use of a specific location at a set time. Under this permit park and trails use will always be shared with the general public (residents, visitors) and other permit holders; groups may not take over an entire space. The permit is required for any activities which are marketed, promoted, or sold to the public, including not-for-profit.
For use of a specific location at a set time (i.e. for a clinic, special event or sports practice) a standard facility booking is required. Please contact outdoorfacilities@whistler.ca.
A permit must be obtained by any person or organization planning to operate their program wholly or in part on lands owned, managed or controlled by the RMOW. This type of permit is intended for groups that do not require a specific or fixed location at a specified time or exclusive use of a particular area. For anyone wishing to use our sports courts and fields, or to host an outdoor activity in a specific or fixed location a separate facility booking is required; contact the Outdoor Facilities Coordinator for more information.
The Non-exclusive Use Permit (NEUP), and Code of Conduct, pertain to all municipally controlled lands, amenities and facilities.
Exclusions:
- Lands outside of RMOW jurisdiction include (but are not limited to) Whistler Blackcomb’s Controlled Recreation Area, Crown Land, and privately owned land. Operators should contact the respective agencies to request permission and determine requirements for use, and acquire the appropriate permits.
- Recreational trails managed by WORCA, Alpine Club of Canada (Whistler Chapter), 99Trails, Squamish Lillooet Regional District, Recreation Sites and Trails BC and BC Parks. Permission to use these trails must be secured from the appropriate organization.
- Use of municipal sports fields, courts and Skateboard Park for group activities. A separate facility booking is required to use these facilities; contact the Outdoor Facilities Coordinator for more information.
Approval timelines will vary based on the complexity of the application and the volume of applicants.
The application fee is $50 and will also serve as the minimum fee for groups of under 250 participants.
Permit fees will be based on total user visits (May 15 – October 15), as well as demographics such as Youth or Adult; local or out of town; commercial or non-profit.
User fees (included below) are informed by Council Policy I-06: Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges Policy. These were introduced as pilot fees, and were reviewed by the RMOW and the Recreation and Leisure Advisory Committee (RLAC) before being approved by Council in “Parks & Recreation Fees & Charges Regulation Amendment Bylaw (NEUP) No. 2389, 2023.”
Permit holders will be expected to follow all regulations and guidelines outlined in the code of conduct. Group leaders should wear a uniform or logo to be clearly identifiable as associated with their organization at all times. Organizations will also be required to submit a post-season report.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s parks are operational between May 15 and October 15, weather dependant. Applicants may request dates within this time frame for the upcoming season only.
Permit holders will be required to reapply annually.
Not all requested facility use may be approved. While the RMOW does not wish to restrict commercial operations, the need may arise to manage volumes in areas that become oversubscribed.
The Non-exclusive Use Permit (NEUP) process, and Code of Conduct, have been developed in response to the growing popularity of outdoor training, tours and recreational programs, and increased use by the general public. It helps promote equitable access to RMOW lands for businesses and organizations to operate in harmony with other recreational activities, residents and visitors. Balancing the use of public amenities for commercial and event use with the needs of residents and visitors was a strong message communicated by residents during the Official Community Plan’s public engagement process in 2018.
Associated fees will be used to help offset overall costs.
There are two separate permits and fee structures for these different types of facility use:
- A Park Use Permit is for groups who wish to have exclusive use or who have scheduled activities at a particular time in a specific or fixed location.
i.e. Sports practice, special event, race, wedding, etc.
- A Non-Exclusive Commercial Use Permit is for groups who have seasonal, ongoing use of outdoor locations. These groups are generally smaller and are flexible in their activities to move between various locations. The permit is intended for groups that do not require a specific or fixed location at a given time or exclusive use of a particular area.
i.e. Biking groups, day camps, hiking tours, e-bike tours, etc.
