In January 2018, the RMOW began the process to update the Official Community Plan (OCP), which includes the Community Vision as Chapter 2. This update addressed changing factors and conditions affecting the resort community, recent RMOW studies, strategies and initiatives over the past five years, and closer engagement with the Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation. The update process that began in January 2018 was a continuation of the 2010 to 2013 OCP process. This project built on an intensive 20-month period of community engagement, policy development, document preparation and referrals between 2010 and 2013.
Project summary
The development of the new OCP included extensive community engagement (discussed below). Other required steps included referrals to School Districts No. 48 and No. 93, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, the Lil’wat Nation and the Squamish Nation, and ultimate approval by the provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Community and agency input was considered by staff and incorporated into the new OCP.
Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2199, 2018 received first reading on October 2, 2018 and second reading on March 12, 2019. A public hearing on the proposed bylaw was held on April 16, 2019. The OCP bylaw received third reading (repeated) on June 9, 2020. Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2199, 2018 was adopted by Council on June 23, 2020. All of these steps took place during public Council meetings.
Framework Agreement
The RMOW, Lil'wat Nation, Squamish Nation, Province of British Columbia and Vail Resorts signed a Framework Agreement in June 2020 that furthers reconciliation and shared goals between the parties. The Framework Agreement builds on several other Agreements between the parties including a 2017 Memorandum of Understanding, and 2018 government to government Protocol Agreement between the RMOW, Lil'wat Nation and Squamish Nation.
The Framework Agreement furthers Whistler's reconciliation path with the Lil'wat Nation and Squamish Nation through greater participation in economic and cultural opportunities in Whistler. It also paved the way for provincial approval of the RMOW's OCP and enactment of recent legislative amendments to the RMOW Act.
Community engagement
There were two phases of community input in 2018. This recent community engagement built on over 2,500 hours of community time in 2010-2011 to develop the OCP.
Phase One
Whistler's guiding vision was revisited beginning in January 2018 during Phase One of the project to replace Whistler2020, which previously served as Whistler's integrated community sustainability plan and highest-level policy document. A variety of community engagement activities were available in March 2018 as part of Phase One to update Whistler's Community Vision and OCP.
Many people were involved in creating the Whistler2020 vision and the new Community Vision builds on its foundation. Whistler2020 was developed in 2004 and 2005, and the detailed vision served Whistler over the years that followed, helping to inform decisions and dialogue. Progress toward the vision has been tracked and reported annually. Learn more about Community Monitoring.
Phase Two
Phase Two focused on community opportunities to review and provide feedback on the updated draft OCP and on gathering input to finalize the Community Vision. Municipal staff drafted Whistler's Community Vision and OCP based on input received during Phase One of the project. The draft documents were available at the June 25, 2018 Community Forum for additional public review and comments. Community and agency input gathered was considered by staff and incorporated into the version that received first reading from Council on October 2, 2018.
Engagement summary and compilation of input
Council
Careers
Events
Monitoring
Transit
Parking
Bylaws
Construction
Services
Waste
Bids
Contact