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Whistler’s voice heard on date of new stat holiday

Family Day set for second weekend in February
n-family_day_photographer_paul_morrison_-_19
Photo courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb by Paul Morrison

The government has listened to the pleas from Whistler and others and changed the date for Family Day.

The new statutory holiday will now be on the second Monday in February, as opposed to the third, announced Premier Christy Clark at the Vancouver Aquarium today.

And that's just what Whistler was hoping for.

The government looked at changing the date after lobbying efforts from organizations like the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) and others.

"The B.C. ski industry would like to thank the provincial government for how it has managed the Family Day consultation," said David Lynn, president and CEO, Canada's West Ski Areas Association.

"We are very pleased with the outcome and we are confident that this decision will drive significant benefits for the tourism industry, the provincial economy and the people of British Columbia."

Said Premier Christy Clark:"Creating a Family Day in B.C. was an important priority for me.

"Today, my government is following through on that commitment and I am proud and delighted to let families across B.C. know that our very first Family Day will be on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013."

"Having our own unique day in B.C. creates distinctive opportunities for families and local businesses.British Columbians will be able to enjoy all kinds of local attractions with fewer lineups and less out-of-town traffic."

The original date fell on the same weekend as the American Presidents' Day long weekend, as well as other provincial long weekends in some Canadian provinces.

The CWSAA, of which Whistler Blackcomb is a member, argued that adding B.C.'s Family Day ahead a weekend would spread out the winter business.

More than 30,000 online voters submitted their choices to the province for their preferred date - either the second or third weekend in February.

For more information on this story, pick up Thursday's Pique.