Community Vision

Sense of place… The character of Whistler is largely defined by deliberate and foundational community design and planning decisions. A lively pedestrian Village as the core town centre remains, and its proximity to the mountain resort area is one of our best attributes. The warm bed covenants continue to ensure a vibrant centre and that rooms don’t sit dark. Strict design guidelines ensure that building materials, landscaping and viewscapes are complementary to our mountain environment. The Village encourages people to meet and meander, always in sight of one view or another. Our neighbourhoods are mainly hidden in the trees, between extensive green spaces and parks, offering privacy and tranquility yet easy access to the bustle and vibrancy of town. And the number of beds, and where they are built, continues to be closely overseen to strive toward the best balance of size and experience for both residents and visitors. By design, we can be guardians of the mountain culture and character that has emerged from the uniqueness of the people and place that make up Whistler as it evolves.

A thriving community… Whistler is a place where residents thrive. It offers a high quality of life through the necessary critical elements such as adequate and affordable housing, resilient neighbourhoods, sustainable mobility options, a diverse and resilient local economy, vibrant gathering spaces and more. The passionate risk takers and their families who built Whistler are still here. We have attracted friendly, youthful people who not only share a passion for the mountains, and have a sense of adventure, but also take a great deal of pride in living and working, learning and playing in a hard-working, resourceful and supportive community. Whistler is made up of young families, adrenaline-seekers, retirees, artists, business people and more who came for one season, discovered so much more, and never left. We gather in Olympic Plaza for concerts and at schools for graduation ceremonies. We seek thrills in the bike park and find peace in the backcountry. We continue the pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit that created this place, taking risks and innovating to make Whistler better.

The resort… Whistler is a vibrant and authentic year-round mountain resort that remains dynamic and successful in a competitive landscape. With its foundation steeped in our snowy winters, the core resort asset is premised on awe-inspiring mountains, lakes and forests, and unparalleled outdoor recreation. Leadership is exhibited in environmental responsibility, sustainable infrastructure and facilities, as well as in the products, events and cultural offerings that showcase our mountain culture. Our pedestrian Village is our town centre full of vitality, situated in visual harmony with the environment where residents rub shoulders with visitors from around the world.

Striking a balance… Those who have made Whistler their home understand that the community and the resort are interwoven. The resort would not be successful without the community and the community would be lesser without the resort. Balancing the needs of each requires constant monitoring and adjustments. When the balance is right, each reinforces the other.

Within the natural environment… This resort-community balance must be maintained within the context of the natural environment—that within our backyard and beyond. We value the protection of wetlands, forests and other natural areas and we seek to conserve natural resources. We understand our fundamental dependence on the environment—for our health and well-being, and for the success of our tourism-based economy.