With another long weekend approaching, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is reminding businesses, residents and guests to follow provincial regulations around COVID-19—or face the financial consequences.
Under new regulations, owners, organizers, promoters and venues contravening orders on gatherings and events (or vacation rental owners who allow more than five guests) could face a $2,000 fine.
Individuals who refuse to follow safety measures in businesses or who are abusive towards staff at a business trying to enforce those measures can face a $200 fine.
A gathering does not need to be above 50 people for a fine to be issued.
“Businesses, visitors and residents must be vigilant when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Jack Crompton in a release. “Safety has to be our highest priority. We’re encouraging Whistler businesses to have their safety measures very visible and consistent throughout the Village. Visible safety measures are not only critical to our health and economy but they build confidence that Whistler is taking the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and working hard to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The RMOW has implemented a number of COVID-19 safety measures throughout the resort, including hand sanitation stations, line painting along the Village Stroll and signage encouraging masks.
In partnership with Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb and the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, the RMOW is also working with local businesses to promote the importance of having a safety plan, displaying their maximum occupancy, installing Plexiglass barriers between staff and customers, clearly marking out physical distancing on their premises and in outdoor lineups, encouraging mask-wearing and having staff model physical distancing and mask-wearing.
The municipality has also created a variety of tools to help business, including signage and posters (find them at www.whistler.ca/saferestart).
Businesses with proper measures in place can receive a “We are helping prevent the spread of COVID-19” window sticker with a QR code that links to Tourism Whistler’s Doors Open Directory (www.whistler.com/doorsopen).
Businesses can find information about the sticker program at whistler.ca/SafeRestart or by contacting [email protected].
Testing is also available in Whistler for anyone who thinks they may have COVID-19 symptoms.
Start with the Province’s Self-Assessment Tool at bc.thrive.health, and find more info on COVID-19 at whistler.ca/covid19.
