Resource Extraction | Resort Municipality of Whistler

Chapter 5

What it’s about

Community use and management of Whistler’s extractable natural resources, including rock, sand, gravel, minerals and timber.

Whistler has identified and managed the use of extractable natural resources wisely. Protection and enhancement of the natural environment are the key factors in resource use decisions designed to provide Whistler with adequate and accessible rock, sand and gravel for local use in the maintenance of the municipality’s transportation routes and other infrastructure. Resource extraction operations minimize intrusion on human settlement areas, while maximizing value to the resort community.

The Cheakamus Community Forest (CCF), as shown in Schedule C, is a leading example of partnership and ecological forestry practices through the application of ecosystem-based management (EBM) establishing a new best practice in community forestry operations that has been applied in other jurisdictions.

Whistler has a variety of resource extraction, processing and forestry operations at several locations throughout the municipality and nearby areas as shown in Schedule A. The uses include rock quarrying, rock crushing, sand and gravel extraction and processing, and forestry operations. These contribute directly or indirectly to the local or provincial economy and job market. They also have significant potential to impact the environment, Whistler’s natural setting and visual assets as well as adjacent land uses.

Click the ‘Objectives & Policies’ to display additional content.

5.7. Goal Minimize the negative environmental, community and economic impacts associated with rock and mineral extraction operations.

5.7.1. Objective

Cooperate with provincial government regulators to insist that all rock and mineral extraction operations, both active and inactive, abide by industry best practices and codes of conduct to reduce the negative environmental, community and economic impacts.

5.7.1.1. Policy

To the greatest extent possible, work with provincial agencies to limit rock and mineral extraction in the vicinity of residential neighbourhoods.

5.7.1.2. Policy

Discourage new rock and mineral extraction operations that may adversely affect existing land uses and development.

5.7.1.3. Policy

Encourage provincial regulators to insist that active rock and mineral extraction operations use industry best practices and codes of conduct.

5.7.1.4. Policy

To the greatest extent possible, encourage provincial regulators to ensure that rock and mineral extraction operations are not visible from travelled routes in order to protect the intrinsic aesthetic value that the landscape contributes to the resort community lifestyle and visitor experience.

5.7.1.5. Policy

To the greatest extent possible, work with provincial regulators to limit rock and mineral extraction in the vicinity of sensitive ecosystems and species and ecosystems at risk.

5.8. Goal Achieve a sustainable community forest, balancing forest harvesting, recreation, visual management, watershed protection, the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation cultural values, and community and environmental values in the CCF.

5.8.1. Objective

Promote sustainable, efficient and effective uses of the CCF.

5.8.1.1. Policy

Promote use of the EBM plan to guide timber harvesting and land management practices within the CCF.

5.8.1.2. Policy

Encourage the CCF to obtain and maintain Forest Stewardship Council certification as a commitment to and recognition of best management practices.

5.8.1.3. Policy

Encourage the CCF to address a broader range of issues within CCF activities that are reflective of community values, such as public and commercial recreation.

5.8.1.4. Policy

Promote timber harvesting and land management practices within the CCF that minimize harvesting old growth and minimize negative impacts to sensitive ecosystems and species and ecosystems at risk.

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