RMOW closing all non-essential municipal buildings and programs

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is closing all non-essential municipal buildings and canceling all programs and events effective 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 16 in response to the Prime Minister of Canada’s direction that all Canadians should, as much as possible, stay home. The closures will be in effect until at least Friday, March 27 and include Meadow Park Sports Centre, Whistler Public Library, Myrtle Philip Community Centre and municipal hall.

We know this latest development is a cause of concern in our community. The RMOW would like to assure community members that essential services will continue, including RCMP, the Whistler Fire Service, Bylaw, water, sewer, roads, communications, waste management and internal facilities maintenance will continue.

The Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 is now canceled. All public municipal meetings, Whistler Apres will be canceled until further notice. Kids on the Go Spring Break programs will remain open only for children of parents required to attend their workplace to provide essential community services.

Municipal information and updates will continue to be shared at www.whistler.ca. The RMOW encourages the community to visit www.whistler.ca for the latest information and follow our social media channels for up to date information.

The RMOW's internal Emergency Operations Centre was activated on March 15 at 8:00 a.m. to ensure the continued delivery of essential services during these uncertain times.

The RMOW has plans in place to continue our business as part of our regular emergency planning processes. All municipalities in B.C. are required by the B.C. Emergency Program Act to have a comprehensive emergency management plan in place that outlines how the municipality would manage a variety of community hazards.

The RMOW asks the public to be vigilant in following the direction of our local, provincial and federal public health authorities:

• As much as possible, stay home.
• Stay at home if you are feeling unwell.
• Avoid contact with people who appear to be physically unwell.
• Wash your hands and avoid touching your face.

Do not go to the Whistler Medical Centre if you are worried about symptoms related to COVID-19. Call the BCCDC’s COVID-19 information line at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319). Or visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website at www.bccdc.ca.

For additional COVID-19  information visit:

BC Centre for Disease Control www.bccdc.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada www.canada.ca/coronavirus

Vancouver Coastal Health www.vch.ca