Community Conversation set for June 17, questionnaire to follow

The planning process for the rezoning and future development of the 5.2-hectare (12.85-acre) area in Whistler Village is underway. The community is being asked to share their thoughts on the future of the area through a June 17 Community Conversation virtual open house and online questionnaire that will follow.

This community engagement period is part of the first phase of the enhanced rezoning process for this project, which was initiated this spring. Community input will help guide the consideration of the rezoning. Using Whistler’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and vision as the framework, a collaborative, iterative process involving the community, stakeholders, Council and the land owner will consider several key factors:

• How do we want this site to complement the core Village area?
• What are our collective principles and priorities for this site?
• How can this project advance or contribute to established community priorities like livability, social inclusion and climate action?
• What is the look and feel and sense of place for this next step in Village development?

“This phase of the project is designed to contemplate and establish a set of guiding principles that will inform the next phase where concepts and design options will be presented for feedback,” said Jessie Gresley-Jones, general manager of resort experience. “Based in the vision Whistler has set out in the Official Community Plan, site-specific principles will demonstrate how the project aligns with our shared values and objectives.”

The mostly undeveloped, privately-owned lands at 4500 Northlands have a prominent location just north of Whistler Village and present a significant opportunity for the resort community to shape this large area. The lands are in the Whistler Village Core Commercial Area in the OCP, which allows for visitor and residential accommodation as well as commercial, recreational and institutional uses.

The community is encouraged to participate in these upcoming opportunities to provide ideas and input about this important project in Whistler Village and how it can contribute to our vision.

Community Conversation virtual open house

• Thursday, June 17, 5-7:30 p.m.
• Welcome and presentations 5-6 p.m.
• Participatory breakout sessions 6-7:30 p.m.

Advance registration required. Visit whistler.ca/4500Northlands.

A community questionnaire will be launched at the event, and other opportunities will be available to provide input including a project email address.

Initial discussions have also taken place with the Strategic Planning Committee as well as Advisory Design Panel as part of phase 1. Both RMOW committees are comprised of staff, council and appointed members of the public and professional representatives. Other stakeholders and committees will be consulted throughout the process.

The process
Building upon key municipal policies, such as the Official Community Plan, the up-front community engagement will establish refined site-specific guiding principles and objectives. This will provide a framework to consider alternative development concepts as well as potential amenities to serve the new development and the broader community.

Future phases of the rezoning process will include additional opportunities for community engagement and input.

Background
The lands were initially granted development rights for a substantial resort in 1990 through a proposal call by the municipality for developments that would deliver amenities that contributed to achieving Whistler’s vision as a world class, four season destination resort community. An ambitious project featuring hotel, tennis centre, and golf practice facility was proposed in 1989, but never built. The existing zoning was established in 1999 for a proposed 400-room hotel with convention and meeting space, food and beverage services, and spa.  Further development concepts shifting towards a primarily residential use on site were initiated over the years but never brought to completion. The site has remained undeveloped except for the existing tennis facility. The Village area and community has evolved and grown significantly since the original zoning and this planning process is intended to reflect today’s context and community needs.

The portion of the lands proposed for rezoning and future development is located at 4500 Northlands Boulevard and 4711 Settebello Drive (referred to collectively as 4500 Northlands) and is made up of two parcels totaling approximately 5.2 hectares (12.85 acres). The large parcel on the East side of the road, 4700 Blackcomb Way, has the same owner and has previously been established as a conservation area which will remain undeveloped.

Learn more about the project, find resources and register for the Community Conversation virtual open house at whistler.ca/4500Northlands.