The proponent has been trying to gain community support for some years. They have yet to submit an application for a rezoning. When the rezoning application is submitted, it will be reviewed fairly and according to our established development approval process.
I will keep an open mind and consider the opinions of council and community members. The proposal will be reviewed in consideration of the community adopted policies set in out OCP and Whistler 2020.
FULL DISCLOSURE; I have seen several development proposals from the land owner over the last 23 years. I have questioned the development’s ability to comply with the OCP policies on increasing the Bed Cap and environmental impacts. I have also questioned the economic viability and the likelihood of delivering the promised amenities. I would support the concept of a university, at the right time and in the right place, assuming that there would be general support from the community. I completely support the current recommendations to advance opportunities for Post Secondary Education.
I share the community’s interest about the protection of Old trees and the economics of the CCF. The Provincial government has certain expectations for local timber harvesting. Either we have some say in the process or we watch someone else do it.
We have successfully reduced the cut volume from 40,000 m3 to the current 20,000 m3. With about 15,000 hectares of working forest and a cut rate of about 40 ha/yr there is ample time to develop a responsible operating model and comply with our Ecosystem Based management objectives.
We have adopted the most environmentally responsible practices possible for the working forest, while protecting the remaining about 16,000 hectares in various age classes.
With applications going back to the mid 80’s, the province has granted the community, in partnership with our First Nation neighbours, the greatest level of control available over this critical resource.
I am fully committed to this exciting direction for Whistler. The recently received assessment has confirmed that there is an opportunity to grow in the area of Educational Tourism and product diversification.
The Academia Group Study recommends a strategic and incremental approach. We have a graphic example at Quest of the financial challenges and a standalone university is not viable at this point in the early development of our strategy. While I can see the future possible merits of a university in Whistler; the model, timing, and location has to be right.
I agree with the recommendation to establish partnerships with various institutions to develop educational programs. The report suggests that the first programs should be offered within the existing inventory of space in the village.
High taxes hurt business and affordability. Every effort must be made to include the community in decisions affecting the budget and to keep taxes low. In tough economic times such as these, high taxes can only be justified as a last resort and with community acceptance.
The last 4 years of above inflation tax increases were difficult yet necessary decisions to make prior to welcoming the world in 2010. They were a fiscally prudent response to 3 primary factors; 1) the 3 yr Olympic “labour peace” union contract with wage increases at 5%-5%-4% to 2011; 2) depleted municipal fund reserves 3) and the $2.2 million/yr loss when the province moved commercial tourist accommodation into residential tax class.
The Olympic Games (OG) required an intense amount of fiscal discipline, and prudence. As the smallest of the partners, Whistler had the most to risk. Strategic plans were developed to maximise success and opportunity, and minimise financial risk.
I am committed to doing everything possible to reduce or hold expenses and keep taxes as low as possible while maintaining the level of services expected by our community and the standards required for our resort economy’s success.
It is important to hold strong fiscal principles as agreed to in our long term financial plan; pay as you go, user pay, tax fairness, no tax subsidy for business, healthy reserves and low debt, among others.
Municipalities across Canada are increasingly challenged to make ends meet. Whistler recognised as a leader in developing budgets with high levels of community input and using accounting industry best practice.
It has been said that politics is the art of the possible.
To make anything happen on council requires a four vote majority. A vote against without a meaningful proposed alternative is not effective and the truest indication of effective participation is to get support for one’s actions.
If a council has enough shared vision great things can happen. I am heartened by the quality of some of the candidates stepping forward for this election.