Future 1 — No New Development
Whistler doesn’t allow any more residential or commercial housing above the current development cap. By all estimates the resort will reach build out in 2005 with a total of 55,500 bed units (that includes resident housing bed units.) Only redevelopment and renovations will be allowed in the future.
Future 2 – Resident Housing in the Existing Corridor
Whistler will increase its bed cap from 55,500 units to 61,600. The increase will come from resident housing within the existing corridor, from Function Junction to Emerald Estates. The bulk of this housing will go on Crown land in Emerald West and Alpine North with a new neighbourhood in Lower Cheakamus. The housing will accommodate a variety of income levels and will be serviced by the Valley Trail and transit.
Future 3 – A New Neighbourhood in the Callaghan
Whistler will increase its bed cap from 55,500 to 62,600 to build a new neighbourhood on Crown land in the Callaghan Valley, about seven minutes south of Function Junction. The new neighbourhood could house up to 6,000 employees and family members in a variety of housing types. It will be serviced by transit and the Valley Trail and contain community, commercial and recreational facilities.
Future 4 – A Diversified Economy
Whistler will foster a more diversified economy as well as create more resident housing. The housing would go on Crown land in the Callaghan Valley and the Lower Cheakamus. In addition 25 acres in the Lower Cheakamus would be designated for business opportunities compatible with the tourist economy.
Future 5 – Increased Market Housing
Whistler will create more resident housing on private and public lands throughout the community and on Crown land in Alpine and Lower Cheakamus. This is the only future that permits additional market housing – 750 bed units – as a strategy to pay for the restricted housing. Developers would build resident housing on Crown and private land and the municipality would build more housing on Crown land.
Here’s how the community can pick a preferred future or make a blended future with elements from the above scenarios:
• attend the open house on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Myrtle Philip Community Centre. It’s a drop-in format and municipal staff will be on hand to answer any questions and explain the future scenarios;
• go to www.whistlerfuture.com and go through the easy-to-read workbook and short questionnaire, which can be submitted to the municipality electronically. There is also a larger comprehensive backgrounder to refer to for help;
• pick up the paper versions at the Whistler Public Library, the Meadow Park Sports Centre, all three schools and municipal hall and mail in, fax or drop off your answers;
• call the support line at 604-935-8333 if you need assistance.
There’s only 10 days left to do this. Deadline for submissions is on Monday, Nov. 24.
