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Whistler2020 on the Ground

TCUP for me too?

RMOW Sustainability Coordinator

For Whistler homeowners looking to support the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and their wallets, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has joined forces with VANOC to develop an innovative program to provide local beds for Games workers and volunteers.

In order to accommodate the influx of workers that will need to be on hand for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the RMOW will be issuing Temporary Commercial Use Permits (TCUPs) to qualified applicants. These permits will allow overnight rentals in neighbourhoods where nightly rentals are currently illegal.

"As a major partner in the support and delivery the Games, we feel it is a great initiative to enable Whistler's homeowners to be bona fide partners in hosting the best Winter Games and earn some income from rooms that may be otherwise empty at that time due to current zoning restrictions," says Mike Vance, RMOW General Manager of Policy and Program Development.

With hundreds, if not thousands, of Games time workforce coming to our community to fill crucial Games roles - from venue validators, valets, volunteers and everything in between - Whistler has a potentially significant untapped pool of rentable beds that are not available for rent, as that is illegal under current regulations.

"These are exciting and extraordinary times," Vance says. "Whistler's homeowners will be able to open their homes to the Games' workforce. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity as this type of tenancy term will likely not be permitted again."

The TCUP program is run by the RMOW on a cost recovery basis.

"The only folks making any money off this program will be the homeowners who so generously participate," Vance added. "The RMOW is managing the process and providing staff time and support to make sure the program is fair to homeowners, Whistler renters currently in longer term arrangements and the Games workforce. We do not want to see any renters displaced to offer nightly accommodations at Games time."

Why should you apply for a TCUP?

The TCUP aims to accommodate Games workforce rentals (VANOC staff, volunteers and workers), while at the same time ensuring existing tenants are protected and have secure accommodation. The TCUP allows the RMOW to issue permits for accommodation rental leading up to and during the Games for Games workforce accommodation. Rental rates and tenancy terms will be agreed upon by TCUP permit holders (landlord) and VANOC (tenant).

Who should property owners contact if they are interested in applying for an accommodation TCUP?

Property owners can contact VANOC by e-mail - accommodation@vancouver2010.com - to receive information about the types of accommodation VANOC is looking to secure. The property owner should also visit www.whistler.ca and click on TCUP Application and download the application form. Once completed, the application can be dropped off at municipal hall.

How long does it take to get a TCUP and what is involved?

The process for receiving a permit takes approximately two months to complete. A property owner must apply for a TCUP permit by submitting an application to the RMOW. A $300 non-refundable application fee will be paid at this time (additional fees will be assessed and applied at the time of TCUP issuance). A series of conditions must be met before a decision is rendered by the General Manager of Policy and Program Development. For accommodation TCUPs, some of these conditions will include:

• Submission of a statutory declaration stating that a tenant is or has not been displaced; and

• The Procedures Bylaw will guide the implementation of the TCUP provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.

• Secure a Games workforce tenant.

"Whistler has never hosted an event of this magnitude before. We want to make sure we present the Whistler we are all proud of - open, honest and inviting," Vance says. "This temporary permit program allows us all to host the world in 2010."

To learn more about Whistler's shared journey toward success and sustainability go to www.whistler2020.ca.