Whistler taxpayers are buying Lot 9 in Village North for $1.09 million, plus taxes. The purchase, agreed to at a special in camera meeting of council Nov. 4 and made public at Monday’s regular council meeting, is "to give the municipality design flexibility for both Lot 9 and Lot 1 as one lot as well as an asset that will create public/private venture opportunities," according to the motion passed by council. "It will allow us to design the arena, or whatever is built on Lot 1, so that it has a proper entrance," added Mayor Ted Nebbeling. However, Nebbeling also conceded that WLC Developments Ltd., the provincial Crown corporation charged with selling the Village North parcels, was having trouble selling Lot 9. "The other concern was who was going to buy that lot," Nebbeling said. "If it’s not sold it will be in limbo." The money for the purchase will come out of the municipality’s acquisition fund. Nebbeling said the municipality got "a bit of a break on the price, but not a big one." Lot 9 was envisioned by Village North designer Eldon Beck as a public market, although it has the same zoning as Market Pavilion, Tyndall Stone Lodge and the three Town Plaza buildings. That zoning allows up to 10,503 square feet of residential and 16,787 square feet of commercial development. Lot 1 was deeded to Whistler when the Village North lands were subdivided. It was originally to be an arena but zoning will also allow a cultural facility. The building on Lot 9 was intended to complement the arena on Lot 1. Nebbeling suggested Lot 9 could be the site for the library or the museum. "There are many options which could make it a practical, functional site. It could be a real entrance to that square, rather than just a narrow corridor entrance." He suggested the building should have a low profile, but the only people who showed any interest in buying the lot wanted a tall building. Nebbeling said it was staff’s suggestion the municipality buy the lot. Lot 9 is the final parcel in Village North to be sold.
