The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is hoping three new community initiatives will help Whistlerites weather the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic: Whistler Has Heart, Experience Whistler at Home and light-up woodland animal features.
“I encourage all Whistler residents to enjoy these safe initiatives,” said Mayor Jack Crompton, in a release.
“Now more than ever, let’s keep our connection strong and our spirits high, as we weather this current difficult phase of the pandemic within our community.”
The Whistler Has Heart project will display 100 painted, wooden hearts at different locations throughout the valley. The hearts will be painted by local artists, Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre ambassadors and residents as a way of thanking essential workers.
Those who find the display are encouraged to share photos to Instagram with #mywhistler. The hearts will be displayed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday, at different parks in Whistler.
An accompanying QR code will also allow people to donate to the Whistler Health Care Foundation.
Whistlerites can participate from home by downloading their own hearts to decorate and post in their windows.
Secondly, the RMOW is looking to support local artists and musicians through its Experience Whistler at Home project. The initiative will task local artists with painting life-sized, three-dimensional wooden tree structures, while simultaneously creating a video of the process to share with the community.
Local musicians will be tapped to provide a piece of original music for the videos.
The videos will be shared through RMOW social media channels, and the trees will eventually be displayed on the Village Stroll.
Lastly, a pair of illuminated woodland creatures can now be spotted in Whistler—an oversized moose and stag light-up display have been set up at Whistler Olympic Plaza and Rebagliati Park.
According to the RMOW, the displays are 14 feet tall each, and lit up with hundreds of white LEDs.
“Please stay safe, wear your masks, get tested if you feel sick and isolate at home if you have been asked to by Vancouver Coastal Health,” Crompton said.
“We’ll be singing and dancing together in Whistler Olympic Plaza before you know it.”
The initiatives are part of the RMOW's Festivals, Events and Animation programming.
