COUNCIL BRIEFS AUGUST 18, 2009
THE MEETING AT A GLANCE
Housing opportunities in existing neighbourhoods considered
Council moved forward OCP and Zoning Amendment Bylaws for “Infill Housing”, which refers to the incremental development of new units in existing settled areas. Infill is already permitted with secondary suites in many residential areas. The new initiative, which would apply only to Alpine Meadows south of 19 Mile Creek, would permit two smaller lots, duplexes and additional suites.
Following the recommendations of a community task force, infill housing would be permitted only within existing permitted gross floor area, which is approximately 3500 square feet for most properties.
Councillor Ted Milner opposed the bylaws.
Both bylaws will undergo a community engagement process as well as a public hearing before coming back to council for a final reading.
Municipal council, staff and community members have been exploring infill opportunities as a way to use space in existing neighbourhoods to create resident housing for a number of years. To learn more, click here.
Look and Feel Program update
The Look and Feel Program is an incentive to capture the atmosphere of the Winter Games in Whistler Village. Funding for this project comes from revenues from the Resort Municipality Transfer Tax, which is designated by the Province to be used specifically to finance new or improved services and infrastructure to increase tourism in the resort.
Whistler will be welcoming the world in 2010 and this program is designed to enhance the visitor experience and complement VANOC’s look of the Games. Banners, enhanced way finding and feature lighting in the Village will be elements of the 09/10 program. These elements will present a seamless look from venues to the Village Stroll and will be used post Games to provide a lasting reminder of the Games and Whistler’s role as Host Mountain Resort.
Twilight Market at Westin Hotel
Council received correspondence from Tess Klein regarding the Twilight Market at the Westin Hotel. Municipal staff will be in contact with the operator with advice on an application to hold a market at the Westin.
PRESENTATIONS
Fire hall renovations
Rob Whitton, Whistler fire chief, gave an update on upcoming renovations to the fire hall truck bay. Several fire fighters with various trades experience and designations have volunteered their off-duty time to complete the renovation, which will accommodate a new fire truck, which will arrive in January. This addition to the fire hall will increase the team’s ability to perform duties at an enhanced level without increasing staff. The budget for the renovation is $10,000. Chief Whitton thanked the members who volunteered their time to ensure the upgrade is completed within a limited budget.
Parking strategy update
Sandra Smith, RMOW bylaw supervisor, gave an update on the RMOW’s parking strategy. Staff continue to review parking best practices and external research on parking preferences. A Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) meeting is planned for August 24. TAG includes representatives from the Whistler Chamber, RMOW council and staff, Whistler Blackcomb, Tourism Whistler, VANOC and appointed members of the community. The purpose of the meeting is to develop recommendations for rates based on a parking study completed in 2004 for the RMOW. TAG’s recommendations and a robust report will be brought back to council in early fall. To read more about parking in Whistler, click here.
Inclusive playground at Whistler Medals Plaza
Martin Pardoe, manager of resort parks planning, presented on the inclusive playground to be built at the Whistler Medals Plaza site. The new playground will replace the existing structure in front of Blenz Coffee and will be accessible for children with disabilities. In September the existing structure will be removed to make way for the new playground, which will feature a tree house, swings, tactile animals, and more.
HST update
Lisa Landry, general manager of economic viability, gave an update on how the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) may affect Whistler. The RMOW currently collects six per cent of the ten per cent PST charged on hotel accommodations through the Resort Municipality Transfer Tax Program. PST on hotel accommodations will go down to seven per cent; however; a representative at the Ministry of Community and Rural Development has assured the RMOW that there will be “no adverse effects on municipalities.” A representative at the Ministry of Finance agreed with this statement.
The government is requesting input from municipalities, and the RMOW and partners will continue to be engaged in this process.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Crankworx
Acting Mayor Chris Quinlan thanked all partners involved with making Crankworx another successful event this year.
Lot 3 nearing completion
Paving in Lot 3 is nearing completion. For more information on upgrades to the Day Parking Lots, click here.
Hot, dry weather resumes
Thank you to all residents and businesses for their cooperation over the last few weeks with the sprinkler and campfire bans. Cooler, wetter weather over the last week has brought the fire hazard rating down, but it is forecasted to go back up to high on Friday. If the hot weather persists, campfire bans will be re-instated. For more information, visit www.bcwildfire.ca. (Whistler’s fire rating is listed under Blackcomb Base).
Construction on Gateway Drive to begin September 1
Work to upgrade sections of Gateway Drive, just off the Village Gate Boulevard will begin Tuesday, September 1.
Other roadwork on this section of Gateway Drive will include asphalt grinding and replacement, and traffic detectors. Gateway Loop, the taxi and bus area near the Visitor Information Centre, is also being reconditioned. The upgrade will provide for better traffic flow for larger vehicles as the turning radius is currently limited.
The construction project begins September 1 and is scheduled to finish on September 25. No traffic closures are planned for the area, however single-lane alternating flow will be in place for a portion of the construction project. Primary users of the area such as the bus and taxi companies have been notified. To read more, click here.
Forest & Wildland Advisory Committee Appointments
Dan McDonald and Rob Davis were appointed to the Forest & Wildland Advisory Committee for a three-year term.