This election season, we’re spotlighting five Whistler residents who each bring a unique perspective on why voting matters. Representing a diverse cross-section of our community, these individuals share their personal connections to Whistler, the experiences that have shaped them, and why they believe participating in local elections is important. Their stories are a reminder that every voice matters, and every vote helps shape the place we call home. 

Ben Smith 

15 years ago, Ben Smith was drawn to Whistler to bring his four kids to the mountains. Originally from Ontario, Ben wanted to give his growing family a different experience, to have nature at their door. Those kids are adults now and still call Whistler home, having had the chance to find their own passions in the mountains.  

Now, Ben is a second homeowner, splitting his time between Tofino and Whistler. As a Board Member at the Audain Art Museum, Ben’s investment in the community goes beyond owning a property. Ben is still here, supporting art and culture in Whistler.   

Ben votes here because “It’s the level of government that knows and is most concerned about the spaces closest to home.” 

Olivia Rey

Olivia Rey moved to Whistler from Switzerland with her family when she was 12. Over 30 years later, she still calls Whistler home.  

In 2015, a spinal cord injury changed her life. Today, Olivia works as a Peer Health Coach with SCI BC, does accessibility assessments across the Sea to Sky and shares tips for living independently as a quadriplegic on YouTube. She also volunteers at the Whistler Public Library and on the RMOW Accessibility and Inclusion Committee. Thanks to support from Whistler Adaptive, she still has access to the outdoors. She loves to XC ski, alpine sit-ski, kayak and recently got an adaptive downhill mountain bike.  

“Voting is about having a say in the decisions that shape our everyday lives,” Olivia says. “I want Whistler to remain a place where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can afford to live, feel included and truly feel like they belong.” 

Dan Harmon 

17 years ago, Dan Harmon moved from the UK to Whistler, and he never left. Now he’s a Canadian citizen, father, husband and business owner.  

Today he’s the owner of Whistler Connection and a Board Member at Zero Ceiling, and in both roles, he helps people get to Whistler. When not working, you’ll find Dan biking everywhere with his family and friends.  

Dan has spent almost two decades building the kind of place he wants to raise his young family.  

“I think it’s important to build businesses and non-profits that keep people safe, encourage activity outdoors and add to the community,” Dan says. “We need to create infrastructure and organizations that will continue to provide for others long after we are gone.” 

For Dan, voting is “…one of the ways I can help shape the future of this place for my family.” 

Kelsey Rey

Kelsey Rey (Serwa) came to Whistler in 2009 as a teenager, training during summers with the Canadian National Ski Cross Team. She’s been here full-time since 2014, 12 years and counting. 

During her time as a Whistler resident, she became an Olympic Champion (Gold Medalist, 2018) and Olympic Vice Champion (Silver Medalist, 2014) in Ski Cross. After retiring from racing, Kelsey went back to school, earned her undergrad and Master’s, and now works as a physiotherapist at Back In Action. She married her “ski-bum sweetheart” Stan in 2019, and now they are growing their family in the mountains.  

“We can’t lose sight of the local people who are at the heart of our community,” Kelsey says. “We need to balance the needs of the people who build their lives here, grow their families here, and are in it for the long haul.” 

“Voting is the best way to get behind who you believe represents your concerns and values, so your voice can be heard at the table.” 

Macaila Wagner

Macaila Wagner came to Whistler six years ago for one ski season and never left, a classic Whistler origin story.  

She grew up in Pembroke, Ontario, but these days she’s a conservationist and environmental educator, spending her time teaching people about nature and spotlighting conservation projects happening around the world. When she’s not sharing her passion for the environment, she’s outside enjoying all there is to explore here, skiing, mountain biking, hiking and more. 

“Getting to live in a temperate rainforest is absolutely incredible,” Macaila says. But what’s kept her here isn’t just nature. “It’s the community that I’ve built. It’s such a special place, and getting to share it with like-minded people makes it even more meaningful.” 

As Whistler keeps growing, she understands how conservation is supported in our community.  

“Voting is one of the most important ways for you to advocate for yourself and your future,” Macaila says. “These local elections play such a large role in shaping our community.” 

Whether you’re a long-time resident, a new Canadian, a young voter or a non-resident property owner, your voice can play a role in the decisions that affect Whistler’s future. 

Make a plan to vote in the 2026 municipal election. Learn about voter eligibility, voting options, key dates and candidate information here. 

Key dates to remember: 

• October 7 and 10: Advance voting opportunities (Whistler Public Library from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) 
• October 17: General Voting Day (Myrtle Philip Community School from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) 

Every voice matters. Every vote helps shape the future of Whistler.