Residential Accommodation

Whistler is a community of distinct neighbourhoods, each with a unique character supporting diversity, variety and choice in housing. Housing is affordable and local residents have access to a continuum of affordable housing types, which includes market housing. Neighbourhoods have a harmonious relationship with the natural landscape which remains predominant.

Green buffers between neighbourhoods contribute to neighbourhood identity and livability. Trail networks provide connections and promote walkability. They also extend access into nature for peace and tranquility, recreation, leisure and healthy living. Easy access to nature is fundamental to Whistler’s quality of life and has been a primary consideration in the development and protection of Whistler’s residential neighbourhoods.

Housing has been developed close to transit, pedestrian and bicycle routes, and amenities and services to reduce auto dependency. Densities in selected areas have increased with the support of the neighbourhood, adding further variety in housing choice.

Whistler's employees enjoy a secure supply of employee-restricted housing that includes a range of housing types, prices and tenures. This supply has maintained at least 75 per cent of employees living in Whistler and contributing to resort community vibrancy.

New housing and renovations incorporate a variety of green building features helping to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and providing healthy homes.

Owing in part to its rapid evolution, from a rustic wilderness getaway to an internationally-acclaimed four-season resort, Whistler is characterized by an eclectic mix of residential developments. In many neighbourhoods small chalets, cabins and condominiums built in the 1970s and 1980s remain alongside newer, larger and more modern dwellings. As Whistler’s original housing stock ages, some of it is beginning to disappear, as older homes are torn down and replaced with newer and larger homes.

Whistler’s resort community context and local government housing affordability policies have shaped residential land use and responded to four distinct markets: the recreation, resident, employee-restricted and investment markets. Although historically housing affordability, home ownership and quality rental accommodations have been a challenge in Whistler, Whistler is currently experiencing the highest home prices in its history, creating an unprecedented housing challenge for permanent and seasonal employees and business owners.

The Whistler Housing Authority (WHA), formed in October 1997, was created to oversee the development of employee-restricted housing in Whistler for Whistler employees and retirees. Through a steadfast commitment, the resort community now has over 2,100 units of employee-restricted housing (both rental and owner occupied units). The municipality also has a substantial land bank for future employee-restricted housing that may be developed on an as-needed basis to continue to achieve Whistler’s goal of housing 75 per cent of its employees within the resort community.

Objective 5.1.1.

Maintain and augment as needed an inventory of employee-restricted housing in perpetuity, for rental and ownership tenures to be available for resident employees and retirees.

5.1.1.1. Policy

Collaborate with the WHA in reviewing and facilitating delivery of employee-restricted residential accommodation to augment the housing needs of the resort community.

5.1.1.2. Policy

Ensure employee-restricted housing is occupied consistent with housing agreements and covenant restrictions.

5.1.1.3. Policy

Designate and maintain additional Residential Reserve lands, as identified on Schedule A, for potential future employee-restricted housing as required to support Whistler’s evolving housing needs.

5.1.1.4. Policy

Pursue development of lands owned by the municipality in Cheakamus Crossing as a primary opportunity for new employee-restricted residential development projects.

5.1.1.5. Policy

Consider allowing development of employee-restricted housing on underdeveloped private lands in residential neighbourhoods with close proximity to jobs, sustainable transportation, amenities and services.

5.1.1.6. Policy

Explore a variety of infill housing types and tenure models as a means to secure employee-restricted housing.

5.1.1.7. Policy

New developments must include employee-restricted units on or off-site, or pay the cash in lieu contribution.

Objective 5.1.2.

Protect Whistler’s existing housing supply.

5.1.2.1. Policy

Consider creative approaches to encourage homeowners to make their underutilized dwellings and auxiliary residential suites available for rental housing for employees.

5.1.2.2. Policy

Actively enforce against illegal nightly rentals or tourist accommodation use of residentially zoned properties.

5.1.2.3. Policy

Explore infill opportunities that enable homeowners to remain in the community, thereby retaining existing housing and providing additional employee housing.

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Objective 5.2.1.

Encourage ranges of price points within employee housing to meet the needs of the diverse workforce groups.

5.2.1.1. Policy

Acknowledge there are broad differences in the community’s workforce demographics (e.g., family structure, age, income levels) and as such there are different housing needs which will evolve over time.

5.2.1.2. Policy

Support a range of affordable housing types with different price points for different groups in the community’s workforce and retirees.

5.2.1.3. Policy

Identify, implement and update financial and regulatory tools as required to ensure workforce housing remains affordable as community needs evolve.

5.2.1.4. Policy

Collaborate with appropriate agencies and organizations, and Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation, to source funding for affordable workforce housing projects.

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Objective 5.3.1.

Encourage flexibility and adaptability in residential land uses.

5.3.1.1. Policy

Encourage residential neighbourhood and building design to meet universal design standards and best practices.

5.3.1.2. Policy

Support flexibility in neighbourhood design and development to adapt to changing housing needs and affordability considerations such as supporting live-work and infill zoning in appropriate locations.

5.3.1.3. Policy

Encourage a diversity of housing types and tenures (rental and ownership) responsive to the needs of all age groups and family types including singles, couples, young families, seasonal residents, people with disabilities and seniors and to support their transition through different housing types as their needs change.

5.3.1.4. Policy

Collaborate with appropriate agencies and organizations to investigate requirements and provide, on an as-needed basis, affordable housing and special needs housing including emergency shelter, transitional housing and/or special care facilities.

5.3.1.5. Policy

Recognize market housing, including second homeownership, as a significant influence on Whistler’s housing mix and local economy.

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Objective 5.4.1.

Encourage environmentally friendly and energy-efficient design, construction and renovation standards for both new development and redevelopment of residential areas.

5.4.1.1. Policy

Encourage all new buildings and renovations to be built with environmentally sustainable methods, standards and technologies including by implementing the BC Energy Step Code.

5.4.1.2. Policy

Encourage flexibility in zoning and consider infill developments that take advantage of existing infrastructure, have close proximity to transit, commercial centres and amenities and services and are compatible with the adjacent neighbourhood character.

5.4.1.3. Policy

Ensure all neighbourhoods are well-connected to local transit, trails, green space, amenities and services.

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