It could be a very interesting municipal election in November. For years, second homeowners in Whistler were challenged by the municipal voting policy, which required you be physically present to cast your ballot in local elections. This meant almost 70% of taxpayers couldn’t vote on the resort’s leadership without planning ahead to be in Whistler. Needless to say, this has led to a somewhat skewed representation, heavily weighted to local residents.

But, that all could change.

Shannon Story, the RMOW manager of legislative services, intends to ask council this spring for authorization to implement a mail-in ballot option for November’s election.

This comes thanks to a successful lobbying effort by groups and individuals, including the Whistler Coalition of Concerned Citizens, who’ve been working to have a mail-in option in effect for this next election.

The effort included more than 60 letters pouring in to municipal hall supporting the mail-in voting idea.

Although there are costs associated with adding a mail-in option, Story noted council could eliminate the West Vancouver polling station to save election costs if the mail-in system were implemented.

This is sure to change the dynamic of the upcoming election.

Whistler Real Estate will continue to keep you apprised of the issues and what the candidates offer, as we get closer to the election. We’ll also continue to keep you informed as to what steps will be required to cast your vote.

We hope that the mail in vote will encourage all our taxpayers to have a say in the future of Whistler.

For more details see Whistler’s Coalition of Concerned Citizens www.whistlerccc.com

Whistler Blackcomb as featured in the Wall Street Journal

“Hitting the blissful slopes of British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb, the biggest, wildest, craziest, friendliest, most eco-conscious ski resort.”

One day this winter, I was gliding down a gentle curve on Blackcomb Mountain in British Columbia. It was early afternoon, on my second full day of skiing at the Whistler Blackcomb resort. The slope began to level out, and my thoughts grew as lofty as the clouds topping the surrounding Coast Mountains. I shivered, anticipating the next day’s heli-skiing trip. I ran through arguments that might persuade my risk-averse ski buddies to try a few more black diamond runs. I was “out there.”

The reverie of the moment, though, was suddenly interrupted by a sharp tug on my right leg. My rented Völkl skis snagged an edge, sending me tumbling down to the run’s bottom. Fully caked in snow, I looked up to see a bearded face gazing at me with a concerned expression. “Are you OK?” the man said. “There’s a ski patrol base right up the hill…” And then, with that lovely Canadian restraint: “…That is, if you need it.”
I had just run headfirst into one of Whistler’s biggest risks: blissing out so thoroughly that one begins to take things like gravity for granted.

If skiing experiences were fine art, Whistler Blackcomb would be the Metropolitan Museum, an expertly curated collection so vast that one week of daily visits is little more than an introduction. The resort boasts 8,171 acres of skiable terrain spread across more than 200 runs. Thirty-eight lifts can carry more than 60,000 skiers per hour up a staggering 10,300 feet of vertical. The two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, are joined at the base and nestled high in Canada’s Coast Mountains. On clear days you can look out from the lifts and take in a dramatic view—mountain ridges bristling with snow-dusted fir trees, back-dropped by the craggy peaks and glaciers of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Read the rest of this story at The Wall Street Journal

Mar 24, 2010 Anecdotal evidence suggests Olympic boost for Whistler
Surveys designed to provide more detailed picture of Games’ impact
By Clare Ogilvie Pique Newsmagazine

People are already searching out Whistler websites, phoning booking agents and considering future investment in the resort following the massive media coverage during the Olympic Games.

And pent up demand and great snow mean that bookings for spring break and the Easter break are looking strong.

“When you look at web visits at Games time they spiraled to new heights all the way through the Games,” said Barrett Fisher, president of Tourism Whistler.

“During Games times there were a lot of requests that came through Whistler.com saying, ‘we saw you on television, could you send us more information.’ It showed that there was an interest.

“Post-Games we do believe we will see some pent up demand. We did see that demand in the spring break period and we anticipate the same in the Easter break period.

“We look at the Games as a platform. Then how are we going to use this as a launch pad for looking forward?”

Over the Olympics about 50,000 to 55,000 people were in Whistler each night. For the most part 98 per cent of the available accommodation was booked.

The Paralympic closing ceremony last weekend saw at least 81 per cent of accommodation booked.

It helps that Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains have abundant snow and that parking is once again available.

It isn’t clear whether a direct link can be made between hosting the Olympics and getting more bookings in the months following. But, said Fisher, what is clear is that more people around the world now know about Whistler and that may push them toward choosing it over another resort destination.

“I had lots of conversations with people from all over….” said Fiona Famulak, president of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce.

“They were blown away by the beauty of the place…. they said they would like to return with their family and friends.

“…It would certainly be the hope that the exposure Whistler received over the Games translates into years and years of great summer and winter occupancy rates.”

Both the chamber and tourism agencies are now doing surveys to gauge more accurately the impact of the Games.

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games the chamber also surveyed businesses in several key sectors to look for trends and information.

“We wanted to take the temperature of the businesses that were going to be front-line serving our Olympic guests during February,” said Famulak. “We wanted to understand how business levels were rolling out, what their challenges were, what the positive things were, and so forth.”

It was a weekly survey done four times in February.

“…We were able to look at results as they came in every week and if there needed to be communication going out, or if we needed to share some information with our partners to make some operational changes, we were able to do that,” said Famulak. “It was almost real time.”

Looking back, she said, it is clear that businesses had quite different Olympic experiences depending on where they were located, what they did, and how they adapted.

This was no surprise as former Olympic host cities had been sharing this message for years leading up to 2010, said Famulak.

“But the second lesson is never underestimate the accuracy of the information you receive from your Olympic peers,” she said.

“That would certainly be one of my messages to London (Summer Games 2012) and Sochi (Winter Games 2014) - what we are sharing with you is likely going to be very accurate.”

The surveys found that Olympic guests tended to stay on the main routes initially.

“They would go shopping, but it was very targeted shopping in terms of Olympic merchandise and so on,” said Famulak.

“So they tended not to spread their wings quickly. That came through very clearly in the survey. Whether they were retail or food and beverage those on the Village Stroll experienced an impact on business levels from the very beginning.

“It took the Olympic guest until day four or five to find Main Street. Upper Village is another story again, they didn’t really feel business impact at all.”

Real estate investment analyst Peter Gorski believes that his sector will see a boom in the next several years, though it may start slowly.

“Certainly the prices on the market for second home owners and people in the free market definitely will (go up),” he said.

But, according to a report he has just produced titled The Olympic Effect: Profit from Whistler’s Next Real Estate Boom, the increase in real estate values is not just about the Games. It is a factor of the improved Sea to Sky Highway, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the new facilities left behind by the Games, the continued tremendous growth in the population coming to the region, the provincial government’s push to double tourism by 2015 and the fact that Whistler is reaching build-out.

While he wouldn’t speculate about how much Whistler home prices might go up he said: “… I would say it is going to out-perform the Canadian market as a whole and other resort areas.”

The B.C. Government believes the province is already reaping the rewards from its 2010 Olympic and Paralympic business hosting program. It says it now has a dozen partnerships that will create jobs and build a stronger economy.

“Global leaders came here for the 2010 Winter Games, a celebration of excellence watched by more than half the world’s population on TV, the Internet or mobile devices,” said Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development in a statement.

“This has given B.C. unprecedented international exposure that will take our province’s economy to a new level. We are following up on connections made through our business hosting program, which surpassed our highest expectations in showing business visitors the investment advantages inherent in our people, our geography, our industries and our attractive business climate.”

Government is also monitoring at least 27 other pending agreements.

The business hosting program involved about 11,000 participants at more than 100 events such as roundtables, tours, receptions and meetings. Business leaders from across North America, Europe and Asia attended, representing industries including airline, automotive, energy, film and entertainment, forestry, information and communications technology, life sciences, manufacturing, mining, pharmaceuticals, tourism and venture capital.

Each week 200-300 mountain bikers get together for our local cross country ride. Organised by WORCA (Whistler Off Road Cycling Association) the Loonie/Toonie Races are one of the most popular events of the summer.

This weeks race was sponsored by The Whistler Real Estate Company in conjunction with Lawyers - Race & Company and Restaurant - Monk’s Grill. The theme for the race was ‘Country Club’.

Due to the fires there were a few last minute changes to the course, but with some quick organising we managed to have the racers rerouted and on course on time.

Each of the Realtor’s sponsored a corner, directing traffic with our OPEN HOUSE signs. The evening followed with a delicious dinner courtesy of MONK’s Grill and entertainment by local favourite - The Hairfarmers.

A big Thank you to all those who helped out. We look forward to making this inaugural event an even bigger success next year!

Since this press release last night, the fires are under control thanks to the quick response of emergency crews and a much needed rain shower!

Resort Municipality of Whistler News Release
For Immediate Release - July 30, 21:41
Blackcomb Mountain Fire - Update

Whistler, B.C. - A fire is currently burning on the east side of Crystal Ridge, which is the north flank of Blackcomb Mountain. There had been lightening activity in the area earlier in the day. At 14:55 lightning strike ignited the fire on Blackcomb Mountain. The Ministry of Forests & Range has deployed significant resources to contain the blaze, which is now estimated at 50-75 hectares in size is classified as a category four fire. Fixed wing and rotary engine tankers have been deployed, but will cease flights overnight.
The fire is located in a timber area and is not an interface fire. No critical infrastructure in Whistler or the Callaghan Valley are under threat at this time. No evacuation alerts have been issued in the Whistler area. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has activated its Emergency Operations Centre. An update on the fire will be provided at 8:00 am (PST) unless any major changes occur in advance of that. Due to lightening in the area all guests and staff were evacuated off the mountain by Whistler Blackcomb staff prior to the fire breaking out. Whistler Blackcomb plans to open Whistler Mountain on Friday morning for normal sightseeing, hiking and mountain biking operations, including operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

Heli crews are fighting a fire which broke out on Blackcomb Mountain about a ½ hour ago from a lightning strike.

We will keep you posted with updates as we have them. So far, there is no threat to any Whistler homes.

It is amazing to watch the incredibly quick response from emergency crews in the Whistler Valley.

A big thank you from all of us!

Update from Whistler Blackcomb - SKIING & RIDING CONTINUES ON WHISTLER MOUNTAIN FROM MAY 19TH Whistler Mountain will re-open May 19th for late spring skiing and riding, following Blackcomb’s last day on Monday, May 18th. Recent snowfall, cooler temperatures, and a current snow base of 186cm (73 inches) have created the conditions for Whistler Blackcomb to continue to offer skiing and riding on Whistler Mountain.

“Currently the snow pack and coverage is good,” says Bob Dufour, Whistler Blackcomb vice president of mountain operations. “Operations crews will assess the terrain between now and May 18 to determine the best areas for skiing and riding. We anticipate offering a product on Whistler Mountain through to the end of May and we will continue to assess the conditions to see if skiing/riding in June is a possibility.”

Spring operations at Whistler Blackcomb now include:
• Limited skiing and riding from May 19 with uploading available from the Whistler Village Gondola only from 10am to 4pm.
• A few park features including rails will be available.
• Blackcomb Mountain’s last day of winter operations will be Monday, May 18. Access to Blackcomb this weekend (Saturday-Monday) will be via the Excalibur Gondola only.
• Whistler Mountain will reopen for sightseeing on Saturday May 16 from 10am to 5pm.
• The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will be closed for scheduled maintenance from April 27 and will reopen for sightseeing Saturday, June 6.
• Glacier skiing and riding on Blackcomb Mountain will begin June 20.
Updated information on open lifts and terrain on Whistler Mountain will be available at whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen as operations decisions are confirmed.
The Snow Report number is 604-392-4211 locally or 604.687.7507 from Vancouver.

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park open May 16 for daily summer operations, 10am-5pm. The Air Dome will also open May 16. Extended Play will kick-off on June 20; daily hours of operation 10am-8pm until September 6.

It’s official! After much back-and-forth, discussions, negotiations and re-negotiations – Whistler will indeed be the site of nightly medal presentations during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
In February 2009 as a cost-cutting measure, Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic organizers (VANOC) told Whistler that medals would be awarded at event venues instead of at Whistler’s Celebration Plaza – already under construction. But after much lobbying from Games athletes, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and broadcasters, VANOC was convinced to reconsider the medals plan. The revised $12.8 million Whistler Celebration Sites program, including medals presentations at the plaza site, now includes $6.8 million from VANOC, $5 million from the federal government and $1 million from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW).

Don’t miss your opportunity this weekend to see the world’s best complete in the FIS Luge World Cup! Tickets are just $5 and with Saturday already sold out, make sure you pick up your tickets for Friday.

Two weeks ago Whistler’s Sliding Centre was put to the test with FIS Skeleton & Bobsleigh World Cup events. With sell out crowds for each event, excitement is building with just one year until the 2010 Olympic Games.

February & March 2009 – Whistler, B.C.
A celebration of Arts and culture in the Sea to Sky corridor.

The Whistler Winter Arts Festival is a dynamic two-month program of live music, aerial dance, snow sculpting, film screenings, art and photography exhibitions, and literary soirees, under the sun or under the stars. This year features free outdoor performances by world renowned Canadian musicians including Buck 65, Wide Mouth Mason and Joel Plaskett; storytelling events featuring 2008 Giller prize winner Joseph Boyden – “literally” between the sheets; original short films from BC filmmakers; an exhibition of regional art; and the return of the Canadian Snow Sculpture Team along with three other teams from across the country! We are very pleased to announce our sponsorship of the Whistler Winter Arts Festival by CTV British Columbia - BC’s home for news.

This event showcases Canadian talent and intends to build excitement leading up to full participation in The Olympic and Paralympic Art festivals. For more information please visitwww.whistlerartscouncil.com