Whistler's mayor and council has reportedly reversed course on a decision to end the Whistler Waldorf School's (WWS) lease in Spruce Grove next year.
In an email to the WWS community on July 19, the school's trustees said the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) informed them of the change of heart on July 18.
"On Thursday, July 18, the RMOW confirmed that they will extend a new lease to the school for two years, ending June 2026. This new lease mirrors the terms of pervious agreements held by the Whistler Waldorf School, with staff instructed to remove language regarding a final lease extension," reads the email signed by board chair Erik Wallsten.
"Additionally, the RMOW has confirmed that staff will be directed to work with the province to determine if the Crown lease allows for a permanent school in Spruce Grove Park. We believe this decision is a commitment by all parties to work together to find a long-term solution so that the essential daycare and education services the school provides can continue."
Council's initial decision, made in a closed meeting on June 25, was to give a one-year extension to the school to operate at Spruce Grove, where it has operated since 2000—and one year only to June 30, 2025.
The news prompted a mass outcry from the school community and beyond, with more than 200 people showing up to the July 9 council meeting to make their voices heard.
The decision to reverse course was also made in a closed meeting, meaning details are scarce. The RMOW declined to offer specifics when Pique inquired about the nature of the closed meeting on July 18.
"The RMOW has been in touch directly with the Waldorf School Board," a communications official said on July 19. "We don’t have anything further to add to what the Whistler Waldorf School has shared today."
Check back with Pique for more as this story develops...
