The municipality’s work on behalf of the resort community is guided by Whistler’s Official Community Plan and Vision as we work to be a place where our community thrives, nature is protected and guests are inspired.

Leading into this Council term, the RMOW engaged in a visioning exercise to imagine what our future might look like. The project was called Whistler Sessions and it lead to the development of four possible versions of our future as a mountain tourism destination. Building a tangible picture of what our world could look like has helped the Council prioritize and make decisions. Below are the Council priorities for this term, as informed by Whistler Sessions.

The 2023-2026 Strategic Plan outlines the high level direction of the Resort Municipality of Whistler to help shape community progress during this term of Council. Four priority areas are each supported by key initiatives to move them forward, while four areas of specific focus underpin all work as the organization provides service to the community.

In addition to the priorities for this term, we deliver a comprehensive system of core municipal programs, services, progressive planning and infrastructure. Community dialogue and monitoring through the Community Monitoring Program guide a collaborative and measured approach.

Housing

Expedite the delivery of and longer-term planning for employee housing.

• Implement a Housing Action Plan.
• Completion of Cheakamus Crossing Phase 2 (Lots 2, 3, 5) by 2026.
• Advance Private Sector Employee Housing Initiative projects.
• Work with community partners on long-term housing strategy.

Climate action

Mobilize municipal resources toward the implementation of the Big Moves Climate Action Plan.

• Progress the Big Moves Climate Action Implementation Plan.
• Improve infrastructure to support EV vehicles and increase services needed to grow active transportation and transit.
• Update the Whistler Evacuation Plan (PDF) and increase education and awareness on wildfire risk.
• Accelerate the pace of wildfire protection activities across the community.

Community engagement

Strive to connect locals to each other and the RMOW.

• Innovate engagement channels and increase community engagement opportunities.
• Improve information sharing regarding local government process and decisions.
• Support new GM role to strengthen community linkages.
• Conduct committee review and implement identified improvements.

Smart tourism

Smart tourism preserves and protects Whistler’s unique culture, natural assets and infrastructure.

• Refine understanding of capacity constraints with Balance Model.
• Explore potential initiatives with metrics and research Tourism advancements in other leading destinations.
• Design parks infrastructure, programming and transportation options to encourage dispersion.
• Provide opportunities for visitors to contribute, participate and learn about Whistler’s culture.

Areas of specific focus

• Strengthen relationships with Líl̓wat Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
• Allow room for innovative problem solving and approaches.
• Articulate Whistler’s capacity constraints and future implications.
• Seek non-tax revenue sources.