PLATFORM

My Wish List

It's important to emphasize that these are only what I could do in a perfect world. They are by no means promises; as I am only one person at a table of 7 making the decisions. But these issues are what matter to me and I hope to bring it to the discussion, influencing the others to make it a priority. 

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I'm also open to other ideas and hope to collaborate with the community to make the best local government possible!

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Environment:

Without a healthy planet we are at risk of our very existence. With Whistler being a hub for people from all around the world to connect to nature, we stand to be in a unique position to carry influence on people’s thought processes toward how we treat the Earth.  There are a few steps we can take as a municipality to ensure we are setting the right example to the world:

            Banning bottled water: Whistler has amazing tap water, yet a common fear held in mainstream society is that tap water is unsafe. As such, many visitors (and yes, even locals) purchase single-use bottled water for consumption. This is one unnecessary societal habit that we can do without. I would argue for a ban on bottled water under 1.5 liters, and work with private businesses to create a series of souvenir bottles (designed locally) to serve as an alternative. Increasing the amount of available taps throughout the town would also be a priority, however pricing this out might prove that it could take some time.

            Banning non-compostable food containers

            Working toward Zero Waste:

            More community garbage depots: Many residents do not have access to a vehicle, making garbage disposal problematic. Adding more garbage facilities can help reduce the problems with wildlife as well as make garbage disposal a more routine affair for those without a car.

            Tougher enforcement of behavior leading to problem bears.

Art

Use RMI funds to seek out proposals from local artists to create interactive art installations throughout town. This would create more photo ops for visitors as well as spark conversations amongst groups of friends and strangers.

Inclusion

            Using RMI Money and sourcing ideas through the RFP process we can create homegrown festivals that attract a variety of visitors who would enjoy Whistler’s natural and recreational amenities. There is much room for more events that keep the money locally instead of sourcing productions from foreign countries that bring in outside resources. Instead we should use the local talent we have in town to create impactful events throughout the year.

Athletics and Recreation

            Whistler was founded on outdoor recreation. It is important to keep a diverse offering of options for both locals and visitors.

            Local Ski Hill: Now that our local mountains are owned by a foreign multi-billion dollar publically traded corporation, it makes sense to have a community-run ski hill/bike park much like other small mountains in BC. This ski hill would not be in competition with Whistler/Blackcomb but more framed as a public amenity much like our rec centre, parks, and cross-country ski facilities. Sponsorship could help offset capital costs, and if Whistler/Blackcomb is any indication, demand for lift tickets and season passes seems to be high enough to generate positive cashflow.

            More fitness options along Valley Trail – There are a few machines at Meadow Park but we can include various workout apparatus along the valley trail extending all the way to creekside as an added amenity for the whole valley.

Liveability

            Housing: This is the number one pressing issue. There is already an existing employee shortage and it will only get worse if corrective action is not taken. Temporary housing can be constructed and there can be more to do in regards to creating extra beds for employees. I would push for more urgency in the conversation as someone who understands the struggles of the housing crisis after living in 3 different places in the last year.

More LUNA funding – Luna is a great program that encourages sober activities for youth. This is a great alternative to the bar scene at night and promotes healthy activity and interaction. This program is a great resource and programming should be increased.

            Support for addictions and mental illness – The amount of addiction and mental illness in today’s young generation is alarming. There needs to be more community outreach in this regard, allowing for affordable/free outreach programs to young people and anyone suffering from addiction and mental health issues. WCSS provides a great service yet more offerings and programming can come out and this is where increased municipal funding can go a long way in helping the well being of the lower income and more desperate residents.

Communication

Open data

            Turning Bureaucracy into democracy through technological input methods

            Easy access to information, create data nerds that release data to the public.

            Allowing council members to speak with the public and news media about issues.

       Reducing the number of in-camera meetings and the contents of those meetings.