COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

In Whistler, we wear masks

In Whistler, there are many good reasons to wear a mask: to help protect our vulnerable community members, to help protect our front-line workers, to help local businesses survive by helping to avoid a second lock down and so that we can ski and ride and enjoy our winter season. Show us your mask and enter to win!

Masks will be mandatory at all indoor municipal facilities beginning October 26, 2020 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Learn more.

Policies and procedures for public access - Municipal Hall

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is committed to protecting the health and safety of its residents, visitors and staff. WorkSafe BC requires a COVID-19 Safety Plan for any business resuming operations following interruptions due to COVID-19.

Facility-specific procedures have also been introduced to ensure safe operations as RMOW programs and services resume. Masks will be mandatory in all RMOW facilities beginning October 26, 2020. Learn more.

View the RMOW's COVID-19 Safety Plan and procedures.

Re-opening status of RMOW facilities

Municipal hall - open
Public Safety Building - closed
Whistler Public Library - closed. Operating Library to Go. Online services also available.
Garbage, composting and recycling depots - open
Whistler cemetery - open
The Youth Centre - open by reservation.
Meadow Park Sports Centre - open by reservation. Fitness centre, squash courts, fitness classes and main swimming pool available.
Myrtle Philip Community Centre - open for Kids on the Go, closed to public.
Spring Creek Community Centre - closed
Whistler Olympic Plaza - open
Whistler Village Bike Skills Park - open
Whistler Skate Park - open
Lost Lake PassivHaus - closed for the summer season.
Municipal Parks - open
Municipal playgrounds and water parks - open
Playing and ball fields - open
Disc golf field - open
Municipal trails - open.

Mayor’s messages

View all video updates from Mayor Jack Crompton

October 16: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
October 9: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
October 2: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
September 25: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
September 18: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
September 8: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
August 21: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
August 14: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
August 6: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 24: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 21: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 17: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 11: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 3: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
June 25: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
June 19: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
June 12: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
June 4: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 28: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 22: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 19: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 15: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 8: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 6: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
April 30: A message from Mayor Jack Crompton
April 29: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
April 24: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 update
April 18: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
April 3: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
April 1: Mayor Crompton's covid-19 video update
March 27: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
March 25: Message to visitors from Mayor Jack Crompton
March 20, 2020: Message from Mayor Jack Crompton
March 16: Message from Mayor Jack Crompton
March 14:
Mayor Jack Crompton has shared a statement on the temporary closure of Whistler Blackcomb.

The RMOW has activated its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to ensure we can continue to provide important community services during these challenging times.

RMOW news releases

All News Releases

September 2: As long weekend approaches, RMOW reminds COVID-19 fines are possible
August 18: BC Transit to hand out face coverings in Whistler
August 14: What to know before heading to Whistler
August 6: BC Transit to mandate use of face coverings
August 6: Meadow Park Sports Centre reactivates additional programs and facilities
July 30: Whistler wants to remind visitors "COVID-19 is not on vacation"
July 9: RMOW moves to contactless Kids on the Go registration for Fall 2020
July 8: Community Conversations to bring Whistler together to discuss COVID-19 experiences
June 12: RMOW Council approves streamlined approval process for temporary patios
June 9: Summer transportation operations modified due to COVID-19
May 29: Municipal hall to re-open for customer service June 1
May 28: Whistler Public Library launches Library to Go program
May 28: Temporary patio area expansions for Whistler food and beverage establishments
May 19: Public reminded to make smart choices when outside in Whistler's opened parks and trails
May 7: Council approves major changes to 2020 municipal budget
April 28: COVID-19 pandemic prompts budget review
April 20: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District communities launch "Feed the Need" program to support local food banks
April 8: Resort Municipality of Whistler outlines physical distancing expectations for Easter long weekend
April 8: Communities in Squamish-Lillooet Regional District ask visitors not to come
April 3: Resort partners collaborate to relocate Whistler Food Bank.
April 2: Resort Municipality moves more services online
March 26: COVID-19 response update
March 22, 2020: RMOW closing all playgrounds, skate park, tennis and basketball courts and gathering areas in parks
March 19: Resort Municipality of Whistler News Release- COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disease in Whistler
March 19: Whistler Today Newsletter on COVID-19 response in Whistler
March 17:
In response to the BC Ministry of Education's decision to indefinitely suspend all public schools until further notice, the RMOW will continue to offer full-day Kids on the Go programming for the children of parents who are required to attend their workplace to provide essential community services.
March 16: RMOW closing all non-essential facilities and programs

Provincial new releases

All Provincial News Releases

Sept 20: Province updates measures to enforce COVID-19 public safety
Sept 19: Local clubs can now apply for community sport funding
Sept 18: Restart funding to support transit services people count on
Sept 18: Industry leaders, experts named to provincial Tourism Task Force
Sept 18: Rent relief coming for outdoor adventure operators
Sept 18: Patio, service area expansions, sale and delivery of packages liquor extended
Sept 17: New plan maps next steps forward in B.C.'s economic recovery
Sept 15: State of emergency extended to continue B.C.'s COVID-19 response
Sept 10: Economic challenges of COVID-19 matched by strong supports for people
Sept 9: Investment brings new support to those most vulnerable to COVID-19 and communities where they live
Sept 8: Minister's statement on federal extension of commercial rent assistance
Sept 2: Province confirms tax measure implementation dates, deferral deadlines for businesses
Sept 2: Temporary layoff extensions protect thousands of jobs
Sept 1: State of emergency extended to continue B.C.'s COVID-19 response
Aug 31: Public Accounts confirm economic impacts of COVID-19
Aug 24: Play ball! Sport moves into Phase 3
Aug 21: Province introduces new measures to enforce COVID-19 public safety
Aug 18: State of emergency extended to continue B.C.'s COVID-19 response
Aug 17: K-12 operational guidelines set requirements for masks
Aug 17: Emergency support for vulnerable people during COVID-19 continues
Aug 14: Framework gives renters until July 2021 to repay arrears
Aug 13: Deadline looms for temporary layoff extensions
Aug 12: Hundreds of contact tracers to be hired in B.C.
Aug 12: Orientation week ensures a safe, ready and welcome return to school
Aug 11: BC Ferries eligible for Safe Restart funding
Aug 6: Supporting employers in meeting COVID-19 workforce challenges
Aug 5: Review of recall rights in B.C.'s hotel sector
Aug 5: Applying for temporary layoff extensions reminder
July 30: Joint statement on BC's COVID-19 response, latest updates
July 29: Plan to safely bring K-12 students back to class full time
July 22: State of emergency extended to continue B.C.'s COVID-19 response
July 16: Joint statement on B.C.'s COVID-19 response, latest updates
July 16: Province outlines repayment framework to support tenants, landlords
July 14: Workers' compensation changes to better support workers
July 13: Delivery of packaged liquor from restaurants, pubs extended
July 7: Service BC goes digital with video identity verification
July 6: Emergency supports extended for vulnerable people
July 3: Support service helps over 4,200 businesses during pandemic
July 3: COVID-19 protection measures for inland ferries remain in effect
June 29: Change tackles unfairness for independent wine store licensees
June 29: Supporting the growth of western Canadian business
June 29: New community program empowers youth to 'Build Back Better'
June 29: Professional development goes virtual for child care professionals
June 25: Joint statement on B.C.'s COVID-19 response, latest updates
June 25: Temporary layoff provisions for workers, employers extended
June 25: June school restart sets the stage for September
June 24: Province tables economic stabilization act, confirms COVID-19 supports
June 23: Joint statement on B.C.'s COVID-19 response, latest updates
June 22: New act will help formalize, unwind emergency orders
June 22: Pandemic supports to continue through the summer
June 20: Province extends deferral of electricity costs for industries impacted by COVID-19
June 20: More than 1,100 tourism businesses accessing COVID-19 supports
June 19: Province announces next steps to support renters, landlords
June 19: Province transitions COVID-19 border screening to federal government
June 18: Province provides grants to support people, rural economies
June 16: Province supports measures to support restaurant, tourism industries
June 16: Support for child care continues during COVID-19 recovery
June 12: Better access to gaming grants help communities during pandemic
June 11: Joint statement on Province of BC COVID-19 response, latest updates
June 11: Additional action supports forest sector
June 11: BC reports highest-ever monthly total illicit drug deaths in May 2020
June 10: Province takes action to support return to sport
June 7: Thousands of BC students return for part-time in-class instruction
June 5: Closed hospitality businesses permitted to sell liquor stock during pandemic
June 5: Minister's statement on May Labour Force Survey results
June 5: Order extended to enable use of technologies during COVID-19
June 3: Joint statement on Province of B.C.'s response, latest updates
May 27: Provincial state of emergency extended in COVID-19 response
May 27: Joint statement on COVID-19 response latest update
May 27: Harbour Air returning to operation
May 25: Province supports tourism marketing organizations to be ready for recovery
May 25: Most campgrounds, recreation sites opening throughout the province
May 22: Joint statement on B.C.'s COVID-19 response, latest updates
May 20: Remote execution of legal documents allowed during pandemic
May 16: Creative child care centre helps kids stay busy and connected
May 15: Helping B.C. agriculture, food businesses plan for COVID-19 recovery
May 15: WorkSafeBC guidelines support safe reopening of businesses
May 15: K-12 students to have optional in-class instruction on June 1
May 14: Impacts of COVID-19 on ICBC report released
May 14: Stay local, keep your community safe this long weekend
May 13: State of emergency extended to support COVID-19 response
May 13: New programs support jobs, clean up environment
May 12: Smartphones to better connect vulnerable
May 12: Buy BC e-commerce brings local foods, beverages online
May 11: Emerging Economy Task Force final report released
May 9: Our centre is your centre
May 8: Joint statement on Province of B.C.'s COVID-19 response, latest updates
May 8: AG provincial representative on federal COVID-19 court initiative
May 8: Minister's statement on April Labour Force Survey
May 8: Province, TransLink to ensure transit service in place to support restart
May 8: Minister's statement on major encampments in Vancouver, Victoria
May 7: Province launches renewal plan for surgeries
May 7: Joint statement on Child and Youth Mental Health Day
May 6: B.C.'s Restart Plan
May 6: Premier outlines plan to restart B.C. safely
May 6: Joint statement on Province of B.C.'s COVID-19 response
May 5: Province selects group to lead anti-racism program
May 5: Emergency response centre opening in Victoria
May 5: Province launches digital Emergency Support Services
May 4: Government creates COVID-19 temporary layoff period
May 4: B.C. Transit enhancing safety measures to allow for front door loading and regular fare collection
May 3: Teachers, students playing virtually before Music Monday
May 2: B.C. COVID-19 response update
May 1: Province supports local governments to hold public hearings electronically
May 1: Licence renewal fees deferred for a liquor licensees
May 1: Online applications open for B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers
April 30: Government takes action to help forest sector keep doors open
April 29: B.C. extending state of emergency to continue COVID-19 response
April 29: Parliamentary secretary's statement on safe spaces for people leaving violence
April 28: Joint statement on Province of B.C.'s COVID-19 response and latest updates
April 28: Trucker travel enhanced with food trucks at key locations
April 28: New support strengthens B.C. animal care facilities during COVID-19
April 27: Grants to prevent crime, create safer communities
April 26: More support for family caregivers during COVID-19
April 26: Virtual opportunities for LGBTQ2S+ students to connect
April 25: Province secures safe shelter, supports for people living in major encampments
April 25: Joint statement on Province of B.C.'s COVID-19 response, latest updates
April 24: Funding to improve rural internet connectivity
April 24: Rent relief on the way for B.C. small businesses
April 24: Additional guidelines for silviculture operators, employees
April 24: B.C. Transit COVID-19 updates - April 24
April 23: Applications for B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers to open May 1
April 23: B.C. COVID-19 response update
April 22: Companies, societies, co-operatives now able to meet electronically
April 22: Education leaders help students stay fed while in-class instruction suspended
April 21: Emergency supports for home share, support service providers
April 20: Helping rural, remote and Indigenous communities respond to COVID-19
April 19: New ticketing measures to enforce Emergency Program Act orders
April 18: Technology loans giving more children the opportunity to learn at home
April 16: Free counselling service launches for post-secondary students
April 16: New COVID-19 supports for businesses, local governments
April 15: Liquor store hours extended to protect seniors, most vulnerable
April 15: Province extends state of emergency
April 14: Temporary foreign workers self-isolating in government-managed accommodations
April 10: COVID-19 response update
April 9: Applications open for temporary rental supplement
April 9: New virtual mental health supports for COVID-19 on the way
April 6: B.C. Transit COVID-19 updates
March 31: Province extends state of emergency
March 27: B.C. Transit to limit number of passengers for physical distancing
March 26: COVID-19 response update
March 26: Safe seniors, strong communities during COVID-19
March 25: Province of British Columbia announces support for renters and landlords
March 24: Province of British Columbia closes certain parks, recreation areas
March 23: Province of British Columbia announces financial support for people and businesses
March 13: B.C. Transit Coronavirus COVID-19 Information

Federal news releases

All Federal News Releases

RMOW Council presentations

April 21: Emergency Operations Centre update
April 7: Emergency Operations Centre update

Business guidelines for a safe restart

In Phase 3 of BC's COVID-19 restart plan, all Whistler businesses should be proactive and ensure all required practices are in place before reopening. For what you need to know to keep employees, the community and visitors safe, visit the whistler.ca/saferestart page.

Social services

There are a variety of programs and resources available to support the health and wellbeing of the Whistler community throughout the COVID-19 situation. For more information about local, provincial and federal resources, visit the Community health and social services page.

RMOW operations and facilities

It is important to note that the RMOW takes direction from Vancouver Coastal Health when it comes to decisions on public health issues. They are the lead agency on all public health matters in Whistler and are responsible for ensuring the health and safety and providing direction to the community if there were to be an outbreak. VCH works in concert with the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Public Health Agency of Canada and is the best organization to respond to questions about efforts to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Emergency planning

Emergency planning is core to the work a municipality does to ensure we can continue to provide services to the community, whether planning for a pandemic, flood or wildfire. We are required by provincial legislation to have a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan in place that outlines how we would continue essential municipal services if facing a hazard in the community. We encourage all residents to visit whistler.ca/emergency to find out how to prepare for any emergency that may affect our community.

Public health

If you are concerned about COVID-19 symptoms, do not go to the Whistler Medical Centre. Call 8-1-1 and follow the directions you are given.

VCH advises the most important steps residents and visitors can take to protect themselves and our community from COVID-19 are:

Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
Stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms.
Limit contact with people who appear to be ill.

Additional information is available at:

Vancouver Coastal Health: www.vch.ca
BC Centre for Disease Control: www.bccdc.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada: www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html

Stay informed

Visit whistler.ca for the latest news from the Resort Municipality of Whistler including advisories and notifications or follow the RMOW on social media. View the channel directory at whistler.ca/GetInvolved.

Whistler Alert
Whistler Alert is Whistler’s emergency notification system. It is used only during emergencies where there is an immediate threat to lives or property. For example: an evacuation alert or order, shelter in place order or boil water notice.

Sign up to receive emergency notifications from Whistler Alert at whistler.ca/whistleralert.