RMOW celebrates completion of two major capital projects

Publication Date: October 6, 2021

Alta Lake Road sewer main extension project now complete

The Alta Lake Road Sewer Main Extension Project has been completed ahead of schedule, signifying an important milestone for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and the Alta Lake Road neighbourhood. The completion of this project means that all established Whistler neighbourhoods are now connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system.

Council approved a resident petition for the project in 2019 and construction work began in May of 2021. The completed work includes approximately one kilometre of sanitary sewer main, manholes and connections to 33 property parcels. Over the next 18 months, homeowners will be connecting to the new sewer main.

The cost to design and install the sewer trunk main was approximately $1.3 million with an initial budget of $2.3 million.  The design and implementation costs are shared 50/50 between parcel owners and the RMOW sewer reserve fund. The total cost of this project was much lower than the original estimate due to a competitive construction bidding market. 

Mayor Jack Crompton remarked, “I would like to thank the residents, the RMOW project team and staff for their leadership and dedication in making this project an incredible success. Understanding the challenges and effort required to make this project a reality, is greatly appreciated.”

Find more project information at whistler.ca\AltaLakeSewerUpgrade

Millar Creek to Function Junction Valley Trail expansion now complete

New trail expansion connecting Millar Creek to Function Junction opens

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is pleased to formally announce that the Millar Creek to Function Junction valley trail is now complete and open to the public.

The new Valley Trail segment is approximately 1.8 kilometres. The connection has been constructed to Valley Trail standards including a three metre paved asphalt travel surface with LED lights to enhance safety and the overall user experience. Critical upgrades to the sewer trunk were also undertaken in coordination with the project. The new trail provides significant benefit to neighbourhoods and businesses at the south end of Whistler and continues to improve the walking and cycling connectivity of Whistler.

“We are pleased to see after delays due to COVID in 2020, this important project is now complete and ready for use by the public,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “These new trail upgrades will allow visitors and locals to safely access trails, neighbourhoods and businesses at the south end of Whistler and help us all work towards our Big Move Goal of 50 per cent of all trips within Whistler by active transportation by 2030.”

The Millar Creek to Function Junction trail expansion adds to the over 40 kilometres of paved valley trail network that already connects many of Whistler’s neighbourhoods, offering visitors and resident a sustainable option, while enjoying the natural beauty Whistler has to offer. Visit whistler.ca\ValleyTrail to learn more about the extensive trail network in Whistler.

Completed work on the new valley trail includes:

  • Asphalt Paving of a three meter wide valley trail.
  • Installation of LED light poles.
  • All manholes have been raised above the 200-year flood level to prevent infiltration into the sewer trunk main.
  • Culvert upgrades for flood protection.
  • Six beaver deceivers were installed to reduce the likelihood of flooding events and the need to manually remove beaver dams as part of flood prevention maintenance.

This new trail upgrade is one many Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funded projects that Whistler has implemented and benefited from over the years. The overall cost for the trail expansion was shared (70/30) between RMI funds and the RMOW’s sewer reserve fund. Total project costs are approximately $1.7M, with $1.2M being provided from RMI funds. RMI funding is provided by the Province of British Columbia to tourism based towns to help diversify tourism infrastructure, deliver exceptional visitor experiences and incorporate sustainable tourism practices and products.

Find more project information at whistler.ca\ValleyTrail