A new housing survey launched by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) aims to gauge how homes and suites in the resort are being used by residents, visitors and second homeowners.
Property owners will receive a postcard in the mail with a unique code to access the online survey, which closes Dec. 5.
All respondents will be eligible to win one of five $100 gift cards.
Conducted by Forum Research, the intent of the survey is to guide Whistler’s community planning in two ways, according to the RMOW: to measure current and potential future availability to understand what supply might be needed in the coming years, and to understand how second homeowners are using their properties to better plan for future services and infrastructure.
The COVID-19 pandemic, along with evolving technology, has led to more remote workers in the resort, which affects how local properties are used—which in turn has implications for services and amenities in Whistler, the RMOW said.
“Ultimately, available housing stock is directly related to the resort’s success,” said Mayor Jack Crompton in a release.
“Whistler homeowners have a critical role in helping the RMOW better understand how their residential properties are being used. By gaining insight into the current and projected housing stock, we are able to better plan future housing for our workforce while supporting the resort’s economy and viability.”
Employee-restricted homes managed by the Whistler Housing Authority are not included in the survey, as info is already available on those properties.
Find more info at whistler.ca/housingsurvey.
RMOW FORMALIZES FEE FOR SERVICE PROGRAM
Two decades after it was first introduced, the RMOW has officially formalized its Fee For Service (FFS) program.
The program was made official through a council policy adopted at the Nov. 16 council meeting.
The FFS program funds organizations that provide services to Whistler that would otherwise fall to the municipality.
In May 2021, council approved FFS funding for five local groups: Arts Whistler ($500,000); the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association ($200,000); the Whistler Museum and Archives Society ($150,000); the Whistler Chamber of Commerce ($120,000); and Whistler Animals Galore ($101,071).
The new formalized program also encompasses organizations that receive “value-in-kind” contributions for facilities or programming spaces owned by the RMOW.
There are six non-profits currently receiving value-in-kind contributions: the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council; Conservation Officer Service/Get Bear Smart Society; the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment; Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society; Whistler Search and Rescue; and Sea to Sky Community Services Society.
“Having this council policy allows the RMOW to better account for the support provided to non-profits through funding and value-in-kind support for delivering the many services that are intrinsic to Whistler,” said Mayor Jack Crompton in a release. “This is an important step forward in ensuring these key services continue to be delivered in our community.”
Current FFS agreements will conclude on Dec. 31, 2021, and with the new policy in place, the RMOW will start the process to establish new agreements for 2022.
Find more info at whistler.ca/feeforservice.
