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RMOW tries to minimize impact of repairs

Whistler is gearing up to fix a million dollar-plus parking structure problem underneath the village, one that will disrupt businesses above ground. But the municipality is trying to ease that disruption as much as possible.
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Whistler is gearing up to fix a million dollar-plus parking structure problem underneath the village, one that will disrupt businesses above ground.But the municipality is trying to ease that disruption as much as possible."The project will be disruptive," said Kevin McFarland, parks planner. "There's no two ways about it."That's why the work on Mountain Square is set to take place following the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival.David Demers, owner/general manager of the Sundial Boutique Hotel, said nearby property managers had asked the municipality to delay the work until 2013 to potentially do it in conjunction with extensive renovations to the Carleton Lodge planned for that year.The idea was to minimize the impact to businesses as much as possible. "The recession isn't over," said Demers. "Every penny counts."After listening to stakeholders, municipal staff is recommending, however, that the work begin this year on a schedule to reduce impacts to business. Staff is concerned that two big side-by-side projects in 2013 could be a logistical challenge that could create delays.The work on Parkade D has been delayed several years now, put on hold as the municipality worked on other capital projects in the lead up to the 2010 Olympics.The parkade is one of four owned by the municipality through the Whistler Village Land Corp.In 2005 water damage to the parkade's concrete was discovered; its roof needs to be exposed, the membrane removed, the damaged concrete and steel repaired and a new membrane installed. The stairs and terraces on the Sundial, the Carleton Lodge and the Crystal Lodge, must be removed as part of the work.The lowest bid for the work was $1.1 million, not including taxes and consultants.