Program broadened to encompass both funding and value-in-kind agreements 

Whistler Council has voted in favour of establishing the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) Fee for Service program through a council policy that will standardize how the program is applied across many non-profit organizations in Whistler.

The formalized program now encompasses organizations that receive funding, as well as value-in-kind contributions for facilities or programming spaces in buildings owned by the RMOW.

“Having this council policy allows the RMOW to better account for the support provided to non-profits through funding and value-in-kind support for delivering the many services that are intrinsic to Whistler,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “This is an important step forward in ensuring these key services continue to be delivered in our community.”

The Fee for Service program was established approximately 20 years ago and evolved with no council policy in place.

The program provides funding to organizations that provide services that Council considers necessary or desirable for Whistler. This allows the RMOW to leverage the skills and expertise of local non-profit groups to deliver services at a reduced cost compared to if the municipality was to deliver those services directly. 

Current recipients of 2021 Fee for Service agreements include: Arts Whistler, Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA), Whistler Museum and Archives Society, Whistler Chamber of Commerce, and Whistler Animal Galore Society (WAG). These recipients received both funding and value-in-kind contributions.

In addition, six non-profits have operational relationships with the RMOW and received value-in-kind contributions in 2021. These organizations include: Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, Conservation Officer and Bear Smart Society, Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment, Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society, Whistler Search and Rescue Society, and Sea to Sky Community Services Society.

With the new policy now adopted, the RMOW will start the process to establish new agreements for 2022, including requesting, receiving and reviewing applications from each of the 11 organizations considered part of the Fee for Service program.

The current 2021 Fee for Service agreements will conclude on December 31, 2021.

For more information, visit whistler.ca/feeforservice.