[A version of this letter was addressed to Whistler’s mayor and council, and shared with Pique.]
I am writing to express my concerns and the concerns of many residents in the Cheakamus neighborhood regarding the severe lack of street parking and visitor parking within our community.
Over the years, our neighbourhood has seen substantial growth in its population, which has put immense strain on the existing parking infrastructure. The current shortage of street parking spaces has become a source of stress and inconvenience for both residents and their visitors. The situation has reached a point where it is negatively impacting the quality of life in our neighbourhood.
I’d like to emphasize that Bayley Park, while available for parking, is not a practical solution for many residents and their guests. It is located far from many homes, making it an impractical option for families with young children, individuals with injuries or disabilities, and those concerned about safety, especially during the winter months.
Last year, there was one particularly alarming incident I experienced when I was followed home one night after a late finish at a local restaurant by an adult male with a face covering. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly. If I hadn’t had to park so far from where I was living, the chances of being followed would have been far less. This situation is incredibly disturbing, especially for single individuals like myself. We should not have to fear for our safety while walking home in our own neighbourhood.
It is evident that the current parking situation is far from ideal and calls for a comprehensive solution that ensures the safety and convenience of all residents. Bayley Park’s primary purpose is for the sports field and using it as an overflow parking solution is not a sustainable option.
Additionally, it is disheartening to see that local bylaws have been disproportionately enforced in our neighbourhood, with expensive parking tickets often targeting individuals residing in Whistler Housing Authority properties, which are designed to provide affordable housing for employees of the town. This punitive approach toward lower-income residents, who are vital to keeping our town running, is deeply concerning. It not only exacerbates the financial strain on those who can least afford it, but also creates an unfair burden on a specific demographic of our community.
Furthermore, I must express my strong disagreement with the conversation that occurred about the lot at the top of Cloudburst being turned into paid parking for Loggers Lake and trail access across from the new WHA builds that were completed this past spring. This decision not only affects those residents who depend on tenants or roommates to make ends meet, but also creates an undue burden on their tenants who may now have to deal with the extra added expense and inconvenience of parking, in addition to Whistler’s drastically inflated housing and rental costs. It is crucial that we consider the economic well-being of all residents, especially those in need, as we make decisions that affect our community.
In addition, I firmly believe that making any of these parking lots or potential future street parking paid is not a good solution. It would place an unfair financial burden on the residents and visitors who are already struggling with the ongoing recession and cost of living in general. Such a move would be detrimental to the sense of community and fairness that we hold dear.
I kindly request that the mayor and council consider, suggest and discuss alternative solutions to alleviate the parking problems in our neighbourhood, while also reviewing the enforcement of parking regulations to ensure fairness and equity. This issue affects the well-being of our community, and it is essential that we work together to find a suitable and safer resolution.
Please consider the accessibility to transit in the area as well. Trying to live without a vehicle in this community is not impossible, however it is highly inconvenient, especially since the least expensive grocery store, pharmacy and other essential services are a lengthy transit ride away, with limited service in off-peak season. This makes a commute from Rainbow neighbourhood, for less expensive groceries, to Cheakamus, by bus, very often upwards of a two-hour journey by transit one way.
This is costing families and individuals more time, money, and stress, and builds even more of a reliance on vehicles, requiring extra parking.
