In one year’s time, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will reach a major historical milestone, when it celebrates 50 years since its incorporation on Sept. 6, 1975.
In the grand scheme of the universe, and on a more relatable scale, British Columbia and Canada, Whistler is but a baby; a curious young chap bouncing and bobbing on its grandad’s knee.
Across the pond, towns and cities have literal centuries of history underneath their cobblestoned streets—archives presumably bursting with archaic meeting minutes and hard-earned historical lessons.
If Europe is the wizened old mentor, here in Canada, we are the precocious young teenager, still sussing out an answer to the question all our aunts and uncles won’t stop asking: What do you want to be when you grow up?
It’s a big question (one I personally never had an answer to—still don’t, really).
But even if you thought you did, was it the right one? Or were you just saying something so your relatives would shut up?
At times of deep soul-searching and reflection such as these, there is only one source we trust: Reader’s Digest.
Luckily, the good folks at that revered institution (publishing downright wholesome content since 1922) have already tackled this topic with their August article titled “50 things everyone should do before they’re 50.”
Astute readers will note that piece is geared towards human beings, and the RMOW is, in fact, a local government.
But we’re not about to let minor semantics get in the way of such tantalizing low-hanging fruit.
So without further ado, here are five things the RMOW should do before it turns 50.
GET TO A HEALTHY WEIGHT
According to Reader’s Digest, shedding those extra fat folds is never going to be easier than it will be if you start today.
“Maintaining a healthy weight has all kinds of health benefits, not to mention the confidence boost you’ll get from achieving a difficult goal,” they write.
What does a “healthy weight” look like in the context of our local government?
That’s a matter of opinion or philosophy—but it could certainly be argued there is fat to trim at municipal hall.
With another municipal budget just months away, now is a perfect time for the local bean counters to consider counting fewer beans, and more rice.
FALL IN LOVE
Falling in love is the “ultimate risk,” Reader’s Digest says—but one that can come with huge rewards.
“Even if it isn’t the love of a lifetime, learning to open your heart and be vulnerable can only help you grow as a person.”
While it is true a local government cannot technically “fall in love,” the bit about open hearts and vulnerability leading to personal growth is absolutely relevant.
Whistler would be well-served by letting its guard down, dialling back on the Whistler Exceptionalism, and understanding that not everything needs to be perfect and pristine.
Sometimes, good enough is good enough.
LOOK UP AN EX
Reader’s Digest isn’t suggesting we actually make contact with our old flames, but rather, use them as a point of reflection.
Looking up an ex can either “help you remember the fun times or make you realize how much better off you are now.”
In the context of our local government, the closest thing to an “ex” is past mayors and councils.
Before Whistler turns 50 next year, it can’t hurt to reacquaint ourselves with the hard work, immense accomplishments (and relevant missteps) forged by those who came before us.
NEVER FORGET SOMEONE’S NAME AGAIN
One of my favourite interactions with the RMOW involved one of its trademark open houses, and a certain former chief administrative officer who I had met, interviewed, and interacted with a dozen times or more.
Sitting around a table with a small handful of Whistler locals, said CAO attempted to introduce me, then a reporter for Pique, to the group.
“And this is…” he looked at me, completely blanking on my name.
“Gentleman from the media,” he concluded.
Let me tell you, fair readers: I have never felt more disrespected by our local government… until they sued us a few years after that.
Frivolous, ill-advised lawsuits aside, it is simply good manners to remember people’s names. Even if they are just lowly, ink-stained wretches.
GET THERAPY
Uh oh… I fear this (already paper-thin) premise is falling apart.
Can a municipal government get therapy? Not really.
But if Whistler were to see a hypothetical bureaucratic therapist before its 50th birthday, here are some of the issues and disorders it might like to discuss: narcissism, self-aggrandization, obsessive compulsive disorder, selective mutism, delirium, dissociative identity disorder, and addiction/substance-use disorder.
The first step to self-improvement is admitting you sometimes can’t do it alone.
