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Snow and ice a hot topic

UN launching global initiative with presentation to Whistler council

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.