As 40-year homeowners on Eagle Drive in Whistler Cay Heights, our multigenerational family would like to add our street and neighbours to the list of frustrated and infuriated Whistler parking bylaw casualties.
Since pay parking commenced in the village, Eagle Drive has become a preferred parking lot for village guests, campers, and those wishing to store vehicles for up to three days (the maximum duration under local bylaws). Rather than pay to park in village lots, it has become apparent that one can park for free on Eagle during the summer and enjoy the short walk to the village. Other than the dangerous crossing (jaywalking) of Highway 99 which must be negotiated (yet another issue), Eagle is providing a nice alternate free parking location. Village business employees, hikers, mountain bikers and guests all use the street for their parking.
Yes, campers can leave their vehicles on the even side of the road for up to three days before they have to be moved. Moving is simply an act of driving around the block to re-park three minutes later in the next available space for the ensuing three days. As in other neighbourhoods, parking needs to be further restricted year-round (not just in winter) on our streets. This is not a problem that needs to be solved with public transportation, such as lake or hiking destinations, but rather with an update to our parking regulations.
Gavin Forsyth/Whistler
