Neighbourhood plans guide future development for an area, including the development standards, locations of public spaces, and transportation solutions. Neighbourhood plans are linked to the higher-level planning of the Official Community Plan and the regulatory detail of a zoning bylaw.

Whistler's Official Community Plan prioritizes Whistler Creek for a neighbourhood plan due to its potential for increased housing diversity and higher residential density. This vibrant area, which began as the base for Whistler Mountain and the first gondola in 1966, has evolved into a mixed-use community with residential options, shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Its proximity to the Creekside Village commercial hub, Highway 99, the core transit network, and major assets like Nita and Alpha Lakes enhance its appeal.

Core Values are our beliefs and priorities: they define what we care about most and will guide the overall direction of the Plan.

The Core Values are:

1. Livable, inclusive and diverse
2. Walkable and well-connected
3. Quality streetscape and shared spaces
4. Vibrant community identity
5. Embrace the natural environment

The Big Ideas are high-level objectives to guide development of the Plan and are based on known challenges and opportunities in the Plan Area.

The Big Ideas are:

1. Diverse housing and increased density

Provide more residential housing types and options to meet the needs of a diverse population, particularly those who work in Whistler.

2. Repurpose and reimagine underused spaces

Develop vacant or underused lands to address gaps in the street and enhance neighbourhood vibrancy.

3. Improve connectivity of the area

Provide safe and efficient connections within the neighbourhood and to the surrounding area for preferred modes of travel.

4. Revitalize streetscape and public realm

Redesign the streetscape to be more pedestrian oriented, providing for year-round public activity and gathering space.

5. Maintain a distinct neighbourhood character

Maintain a unique sense of place that distinguishes Whistler Creek West from other areas through placemaking and design features.

6. Honour heritage and historical roots

Establishing a strong connection between the rich history of the neighbourhood to future development.

7. Support a thriving community

Fosters a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood with a strong local ethos that supports a variety of businesses and amenities serving residents and visitors.

8. Connection to nature

Nurture a strong neighbourhood relationship with the lakes and mountains surrounding Whistler Creek West.

• Increasing density across the plan area, with the highest densities along Lake Placid Road and adjacent to Highway 99 in locations closest to nearby amenities and services.
• Maintaining existing mixed-use and tourist accommodation uses at key sites, including Whistler Resort Club, Whistler Creek Lodge and the Whistler Centre Lodge (Southside site).
• Allowing buildings with neighbourhood-serving commercial uses at grade on the north side of Lake Placid Road.
• Building heights range between three to six storeys, with height and massing parameters added on key parcels to support maintaining and framing views of Whistler Mountain and the prominent ridgeline.
• Supporting a diverse mix of residential uses, including a range of market and employee-restricted housing, including residential tourist accommodation.

The WCW Plan vision is outlined through a land use concept divided into four sub-areas. Each sub-area describes the proposed uses, a range of storeys and density, and building types that will be used to inform the subsequent zoning amendment bylaw necessary to implement the WCW Plan. See pages 12 to 13 of the WCW Neighbourhood Plan for more detailed information on each of the sub-areas.

The WCW Plan policies have been developed to support the Core Values and Big Ideas to align the Plan's vision with direction from the OCP. Policies were developed to integrate with OCP Development Permit Area (DPA) guidelines, including the Whistler Creek DPA and Multi-Family DPA, which will continue to regulate form and character through specific guidelines for site design, building design and landscaping.