Whistler is gearing up for its half-century anniversary this year with a renewed commitment to community engagement, updated design principles, and a village-wide celebration anchored in inclusivity, local storytelling, and future visioning.
In a detailed presentation to council on May 21, Resort Municipality of Whistler’s general manager of community engagement and cultural services, Karen Elliott, outlined how staff are applying lessons learned over the past two years to strengthen public trust and build more meaningful connections across Whistler’s diverse population.
“This is very exciting for me,” said Elliott, who noted she’s often last on the agenda. “Tonight, I get to be first.”
Lessons learned and forward momentum
Elliott described 2024 as a “year of experimentation” in which the municipality tested a range of engagement approaches—from pop-up events to interactive pub nights. While not all ideas stuck, many revealed surprising insights.
“We realized quite quickly we do not have the staff capacity to manage all of that demand,” she said. “And we also learned … our community can only absorb so much information.”
Analytics from the RMOW’s communications team revealed that reducing the volume of posts on social media led to more public interaction—a lesson that’s helping staff better time and tailor their outreach.
RMOW also found that “accidental engagement”—like impromptu conversations during a budget event held at a local pub—was unexpectedly effective. “Whoever is there is potentially someone we can engage,” Elliott said.
To support this evolving approach, the municipality is retiring two existing engagement principles and introducing new ones focused on transparency, timeliness, and innovation. The “Add Your Voice” series will continue quarterly, consolidating multiple engagement topics into single events.
Reaching youth and building trust
One major focus this year is improving how RMOW connects with younger residents.
Staff have already hosted a focus group with local high school students and are now engaging Whistler’s 20 to 34-year-olds through partnerships with businesses and community groups.
“We really have to be careful with this demographic so we don’t build cynicism,” said Elliott, noting younger residents are less patient with lengthy policy timelines. “
Elliott also emphasized how digital interactions, especially through the newly revamped whistler.ca, play a crucial role in shaping public trust. Drawing on a recent Deloitte study, she pointed to four pillars that build that trust: humanity, transparency, capability and reliability.
“It’s not enough to ask if people trust government—it’s too abstract,” she said. “We need to assess whether people believe we care, whether we’re open and consistent.”
Trailblazers to tomorrow makers: Whistler’s 50th kicks off in August
Whistler’s formal anniversary marks 50 years since the community incorporated on Sept. 6, 1975—but the celebration will begin in earnest Aug. 22 to 24 with a long-weekend village takeover.
“We’ve come up with the tagline ‘From trailblazers to tomorrow makers,’” Elliott said. “We want to acknowledge the past, really focus on a positive future moving forward, and igniting that spirit.”
The weekend kicks off Thursday, Aug. 21, with PINEO & LOEB and Foxy Moron as part of the Summer Concert Series, followed by a Canadian icons Sam Roberts Band and DJ Whitness. Saturday will see a “festival-style” village takeover, culminating in a shared community moment, while Sunday shifts to trail and park activations.
The summer concert series lineup was released May 27, and attendees get to listen to an incredible list of local and Canadian talent.
Throughout the fall, residents can expect art shows, pop-up performances, and events organized by community groups and businesses. The RMOW has hired a community engagement producer to coordinate with local partners and help them integrate the 50th theme into existing programming.
A new marketing kit and branding have also been rolled out, and $5,000 in micro-grants will be distributed via the Whistler Community Foundation to support neighbourhood-led celebrations.
The team is also pursuing a UBCM Community to Community grant to host a meal gathering.
Community ideas on the table
Council members expressed enthusiasm for the plans—and added a few ideas of their own.
Councillor Cathy Jewett raised the potential for a reunion-style event like the one hosted by Whistler Blackcomb in 2000, which invited back decades of former staff. Ralph Forsyth called to celebrate Whistler’s exceptional Olympians and world-class athletes.
“There’s always half a dozen kids from the high school in the Olympics,” Forsyth said. “I think we are the best in the world at this, and I think we should celebrate it.”
Elliott made no promises but said the team is exploring these ideas. She also noted staff are in conversation with Whistler Blackcomb, as the Resort celebrates 60 years of operations in years in 2025-26 season. The RMOW’s 50th is timed to wrap up as WB begins its celebration.
What’s next
Bahamas will headline Whistler’s Canada Day celebrations on July 1, and the next Add Your Voice engagement event is scheduled for June 4.
As for the 50th, more details will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We can’t do everything,” Elliott acknowledged. “But we’re doing our best to take all of your ideas and weave them into a celebration.”
