Blackcomb Snowmobiles has decided to voluntarily shut down its brand new go-kart operation in the Brandywine area.
The move follows concerns raised by municipal council over the emissions of the go-karts and the fact that the new business does not fit with the vision of Whistler 2020, the resort’s community sustainability plan.
Councillor Bob Lorriman said he was “delighted” at the news.
“They are doing it voluntarily, they are addressing some concerns of the municipality and I think we should recognize that here is a business owner that is doing the right thing,” he said.
Blackcomb Snowmobiles has the right under its licence of occupation to run the 4-stroke go-karts but owner/operator Shawn Wilson said he decided to shut it down rather than aggravate council.
“It was easier to say, ‘OK, if you guys don’t want it I will take it out,’ and hopefully I can continue working with them,” he said.
“It just seemed like it was going to be too much of a headache fighting them.
“Instead of doing the battle we will just back out and look at electric ones maybe in the future.”
Wilson is hoping the families that have already booked the go-karts for birthday and graduation parties will understand.
“I’m hoping I don’t get too many nasty letters as I know there are a lot of upset families,” he said.
The activity was the idea of two local high school students who along with up to eight other students worked for Blackcomb snowmobiles running and managing the karts
“The students loved making the money and it was s fun job doing it,” he said of the venture.
The karts are for sale.
