The Strategy will identify how we engage, plan, prioritize, design and construct park and Valley Trail projects. It will consider local and regional demographic forecasts, Smart Tourism principles, and local, regional and national park trends.

The Strategy will be founded on topics of climate change, ecological integrity and stewardship, equity, diversity and inclusion, First Nations reconciliation, ageing infrastructure, and current fiscal realities. The Strategy will define the direction, philosophy, policies, and actions and create a framework for future decisions.

The first round of engagement is anticipated to occur in June 2025. Stay tuned for engagement opportunities!

Whistler’s parks and Valley Trail system are a cornerstone of the Whistler experience. Many of the parks are in outstanding locations, have a full suite of typical park amenities, and they provide diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.

Visitation at municipal parks in the summer season has grown significantly in recent years, particularly at waterfront parks. This has been placing pressure on infrastructure and maintenance, as well as creating capacity and conflict issues.

Park infrastructure is in some cases approaching the end of its useful lifespan, infrastructure technology and operational approaches have changed, and new parkland has been acquired. Additionally, the community’s demographic needs and perspectives on tourism have evolved significantly since the parks were built over 30 years ago, and the municipality is faced with new financial realities.

With the Whistler resident and visitor populations growing and the needs of the community changing, the strategic planning of parks and trails has also changed including new programming opportunities and a shift to reinvestment over new development. As well, important background considerations need to be considered such as climate change, ecological integrity and stewardship, First Nations, accessibility and inclusivity, active transportation, complete communities, refuge from tourism busyness, and the uniqueness of Whistler.

This May, watch for upcoming input opportunities posted in the Pique Newsmagazine, Whistler This Week municipal e-newsletter, and social media channels.