As a resort community, Whistler has a higher than average proportion of young people. Over 25 per cent of permanent residents are under the age of 25 with many more seasonal employees, temporary residents and visitors adding to the number of youth in the community. The resort community strives to keep young families living and working in Whistler. This has in turn resulted in high demand for childcare programs and services for working parents. Similarly, demands on youth support services in areas such as mental health and housing are high. The municipality and the resort community work collaboratively to address child and youth care needs, but it is acknowledged that needs have outpaced the available services.

Despite its high proportion of children and youth, like the rest of Canada, Whistler is expected to see an increase in the number of seniors residing in the community as the baby boomer generation ages. Currently, approximately seven per cent of Whistler’s permanent residents are over the age of 65. As Whistler has matured as a community, so have its original residents. Many residents, who settled in Whistler during its early growth years in the 1980s, are seeking to retire here and will require age-friendly housing, health services and recreational programs.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and a network of non-profit and non-governmental organizations provide health and social support services for children, youth and seniors. A variety of services such as licensed childcare facilities, private home care and recreational programs are available for children, youth and seniors. These programs often reflect Whistler’s mountain culture, focusing on outdoor leadership, mountain sports, arts and culture. They also provide employment, mentoring and volunteering opportunities. The municipality seeks input from parents, youth and seniors by engaging these groups in resort community planning and other policy initiatives.