The Resort Municipality of Whistler is about to start the second phase of an organizational assessment that began last summer.
"Undertaking an organizational assessment is a best practice for municipal government," said Bill Barratt, Chief Administrative Officer. "We are committed to providing exceptional services to guests and residents, but we also recognize there may be ways to maximize efficiencies, reduce costs and re-focus on priority areas."
Beginning in late summer 2010, the Resort Municipality of Whistler began an organizational assessment. The purposes for undertaking an organizational assessment were twofold: the first was to review the services the RMOW provides and determine appropriate staffing levels across the organization; and the second was to evaluate the trends and challenges facing the resort community now and in the future to ensure the RMOW is appropriately positioned to meet those challenges. The organizational assessment will review the services the municipality provides, evaluate their delivery and how best to deliver required services to residents and guests in the most fiscally responsible way.
The first phase of the organizational assessment was recently completed. This involved engaging with council and senior managers to conduct a high-level review of RMOW's staffing levels and administrative structure in the context of challenges and trends facing Whistler today and anticipated trends in the coming years.
Based on the feedback from council and staff, a second phase assessment was recommended by the consultant. The second phase will undertake a more detailed Service Review Program which will engage a wider range of staff to help in identifying opportunities for service efficiencies to be realized.
"Staff participation is a key factor in making this process as meaningful as possible," said Barratt. "The Service Review Program team is looking to staff for their expertise and years of experience to inform our understanding of how key RMOW services are delivered and how these services can be delivered most efficiently."
The Service Review Program has begun with a pilot within the Resort Experience department and will continue throughout the year, with all reviews anticipated to be complete in late summer/early fall 2011. In the meantime, an interim report will be prepared for council in February 2011.
