A topic that is near and dear to the hearts of Whistlerites
will be part of a United Nations initiative presented to Whistler council
Tuesday, June 5, World Environment Day.
The United Nations is launching its Global Outlook for Ice
& Snow in communities around the world Tuesday. In Whistler, the launch
will be presented by Jaime Webbe of the United Nations Convention on Biological
Diversity at the Whistler council meeting in the Telus Conference Centre.
As part of its continuing efforts to raise global awareness
about the effects of climate change, the UN Environment Programme will release
Global Outlook for Ice & Snow at the outset of the International Polar Year
2007-08. This new analysis will focus on the changes in ice-and snow-covered
regions and highlight the consequences of those changes for the global
community.
Global Outlook for Ice & Snow will provide an up-to-date,
concise review of the state of the environment and the trends in ice and
snow-covered regions (cryosphere) of the world. It will feature case studies,
illustrations, graphics and maps and will serve as an educational and reference
publication. With a broad target audience that includes decision-makers at many
levels, the report will look at the significance of changes in the cryosphere
to human well-being and the implications for policy.
Also on council’s agenda, the bylaws for the Rainbow affordable
housing neighbourhood are finally coming forward for adoption. If the bylaws
are adopted construction at Rainbow is expected to resume quickly.
A development permit for the athletes centre within the
athletes’ village is also on the agenda. A recommendation to increase
Intrawest’s bed unit inventory from 64 to 146 will be considered and Community
Enrichment grants for the Whistler Arts Council, Whistler Museum and Archives
and Whistler Animals Galore are up for approval.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Garibaldi Room of the
conference centre.