Rick also reflects on 40 years of disability rights progress since Canada's Charter was signed and lays out a bold vision for reaching full accessibility by 2040. It's a candid, wide-ranging talk about turning adversity into possibility and why building a more inclusive Canada benefits everyone.

From multiple jobs and housing uncertainty to packed comedy nights and the growing live music scene, they share a candid look at the hustle, the passion and the community that keeps them here.

More photos and links: whistler.ca/podcast.

Glaciers are more than frozen landmarks; they are vital indicators of climate change and environmental shifts. This episode is a sobering, informative, and occasionally hopeful look at what these changes mean for Whistler and why acting now is essential.

Originally from the Filipino island of Siquijor, Hannyliz shares her journey, from earning a Law degree to building a multi-faceted life in Whistler as the CEO of retailer Tinda2x, a beauty consultant, an event producer, and a former banquet captain at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

We explore Pinoy values like Bayanihan (community spirit), how local Filipinos stay connected to their roots through things like Balikbayan boxes, and how the local Filipino-Canadian community is processing the recent Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy with compassion and strength.

In this wide-ranging conversation, listeners will learn more about Chief Nelson’s role as a political leader and advocate for positive change. 

From economic development to cultural revitalization, from partnerships with the broader Sea to Sky community to reflections on reconciliation, Chief Nelson offers insight into the deep responsibilities Indigenous governments carry. He also shares stories about working toward Indigenous-led events like the Invictus Games and memories from his early days as an educator and mentor.

On October 22, 2024, Wilhelm-Morden was recognized with the Freedom of the Municipality. She and ski industry pioneer Hugh Smythe became the 15th and 16th recipients.   

In this memorable episode full of unique local history, Mayor Jack Crompton sits down with his friend and former colleague to look back at the stories and events of the past 50 years, how they shaped her, and how she helped shape Whistler into the thriving community it is today. 

We’ll chat with BT about her journey, from managing challenges facing Whistler Blackcomb to celebrating a new chairlift and updated on-mountain experiences coming this winter. We'll also dive into how Whistler Blackcomb's team prepares for the season, with new staff arriving, snowmaking underway, and the mountain filling with fresh energy from passionate seasonal workers ready to deliver an unforgettable experience for all.

Tune in as we explore BT's insights and discuss how Whistler Blackcomb is gearing up for another epic season.

This episode and the rest of this season were recorded from the Whistler Public Library’s Wonder Lab's sound booth. The Wonder Lab is a space equipped with filmmaking kits, coding tools for kids, and professional editing software. It's free and available to anyone with a library card. Come check it out. 

Jarvis dives into the housing crisis, offering insights from his unique perspective in the development sector. He discusses the national and local challenges of housing affordability, the history of Rainbow Ski Village, and his enduring love for Whistler. Join us as we delve into the past, present, and future of housing in Whistler with Beau Jarvis.

From innovative initiatives to practical tips, discover how Whistler is gearing up to respond to wildfires and learn how you can contribute to our collective resilience. Tune in for insights, advice, and a deeper understanding of our commitment to protecting Whistler.

Links
Sign up for Whistler Alert
Read the Sea to Sky Evacuation Plan
Learn how to prepare for a wildfire emergency

Cheximiya Allison Burns Joseph talks about the IYA Program, and the linguistic histories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. She also shares about her weaving under the mentorship of Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George and performing in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony. 

Transcript available on request. 

Dave’s art spans from murals, paintings, sculptures, large scale installations for music festivals, and snowboard graphics to tattoos. You’ll find his work around Whistler: the mural on the Whistler Olympic Plaza washrooms, and at Black Ohm Tattoos. He was awarded the Whistler Champion of Arts and Culture in the 2021 Whistler Excellence Awards. 

Dave’s glow-in-the-dark exhibit Starry Nights is at the Gallery at the Maury Young Arts Centre. The exhibit is running until March 6. 

Christina Nick talks about her work, in particular her recent welded sculpture of a swan and her famous salmon pieces, as well as her Seppo sculpture at the head of Lost Lake Park. She also talks about her global travel and launching the art and performance show Artrageous!

Xwalacktun and Levi Nelson collaborated with James Hart on the recently unveiled two-part work The Three Watchmen (by Hart) which is placed on a carved band called The Great Flood (Ti A7xa7 St’ak’) (by Xwalacktun and Nelson) outside the Audain Art Museum. The location is on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat (Lil̓wat7úl) Nation and Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation. 

The artists discuss the stories depicted in The Three Watchmen as well as their artistic methods, cultural influences, and the intent behind their work. 

Mayor Crompton and Chad Chomlack have been friends for almost 30 years. In this episode they talk parenting children on the cusp of adulthood, Sea to Sky culture, men’s mental health, and photography. Chad Chomlack describes his groundbreaking Deep Winter Photo Challenge slide show from 2016—It All Belongs—which captured local snowboarding legends JF Pelchat, Devun Walsh and DCP in their element both on the mountain and in their roles as fathers. 

Isobel MacLaurin describes how she and her late husband Don MacLaurin first moved to Whistler, the cabin they built for their family, life raising their four children (whose ski passes she obtained in return for paintings commissioned by the Garibaldi Lift Company) and her work as an artist in Whistler, as well as around the world. 

Isobel MacLaurin has lived in Whistler almost 60 years. She helped the arts scene in Whistler find its feet and was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award in 1991.  She celebrated her 90th birthday this summer when Arts Whistler threw the Fashion Garden Party in her honour. Her paintings, many of animals, flora and fauna, can be found around Whistler and on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. 

Dr. Lewis is an ER doctor, skier, mountain biker and surfer who, over his career, has watched access to primary care get more difficult for patients, and Dr. Lewis decided to bring back the house call to help fill that gap. During the pandemic, BettrCare has also offered COVID testing for travellers. 

Both Jewett and Paul are former winners of the Whistler Citizen of the Year.

The virtual TEDxWhistler event runs Sunday, September 12 with speakers including artist Chief Janice George, first responder Dr Renata Lewis, and gold medal Olympian Jon Montgomery. 

The WHA manages 6,600 bed units through its ownership and rental programs, allowing around 80 per cent of employees to be housed within Whistler. Marla talks about the energy and vibrancy WHA housing developments bring to neighbourhoods. They also discuss how the program has evolved, debunk some myths, discuss the wait list and talk about future housing inventory.

The WHA was created by the Resort Municipality of Whistler to oversee resident-restricted housing for both ownership and rental. 

Juliette, Amalia and Maggie also talk about growing up snowboarding in Whistler, and Juliette competing in the Youth Olympics last year. 

They discuss how Whistler’s counterculture helped this region have a pivotal global influence on action sports. Jayson shares memories of trips to the Spearhead Range as a child, before ski touring and avalanche safety equipment were available. And describes how his trips to the Alps inspired his interest in alpine huts. Jayson shares how outdoor recreation is a way of promoting sustainability and environmental sensitivity through an emotional connection with the outdoors. 

Jayson has compressed a lot into his career that’s focused on helping people fall in love with the mountains, from working on the Whistler Mountain marketing team, founding Escape Route with their Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau, serving as VP of Sales and Marketing at Arc’teryx, co-founding the Sea to Sky Gondola Corporation, and is currently serving as president and founder of Bridal Falls Gondola Corporation. He also was on the Whistler Council from 2011 to 2014.   

Nicolette is the founder and CEO of The Green Moustache Juice Co. Inc. as well as Richer Health, Sea to Sky Thrivers Society and the Richer Health Nutrition + Detox Wellness Centre. She is a Regenerative Medicine Educator, author, podcaster and doctoral student who is currently running and biking her way around the province, 100 kilometres a day.

Nicolotte shares her passion for teaching people how to build health and reverse chronic disease through an organic whole food diet of vegetables, fruits, pulses and legumes. 

When Nicolette started her first The Green Moustache café eight years ago, she met a lot of resistance. She was told people wouldn’t pay money for healthy food. There are four locations now and another ten locations set to open. She describes how plant-based wholefoods could be sold at more food establishments and appeal to a public who aren’t used to eating fruits and vegetables. 

The discussion begins with how to get nature a seat at the table and how to place value on the services in which nature provides that replace infrastructure requirements.  What value does nature provide in Whistler, and how do we represent that?  The discussion then moves to logging old growth, and the swell of momentum that the issue has received including the deferment announcement from the Squamish Nation. They discuss the forestry industry, and question if we should be reducing the annual allowable cut limit. Through the lens of timber value, how do we restore our forest infrastructure to its original biodiversity? Claire discusses the Big Moves Strategy, and how we move forward with funding change. Lastly, Claire provides some history of AWARE including how the organization started and her involvement since 2013.  

Jackie reveals her secret to caring, which is recognizing that everyone belongs to someone. They discuss the connection between municipalities and social services, where the money comes from, and the benefits to WCSS of raising their own unrestricted funds through the Re-Use-It centre, the Re-Build-It centre and the Bottle Recycling Program.  They review the past 30 years of the WCSS, and how the organization has adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic. New initiatives including their food and hygiene kit delivery programs and temporary isolation sites are just some examples of how the WCSS has adapted to changing community needs. They discuss the connection between housing security and social security, and the importance of understanding what creates a security net.  They further the conversation with the idea of a social prescription, which was the framework for the collaboration between WCSS and the health clinic and discuss the success of that connection.  Lastly, Jackie invites the listener to get involved and join the Together movement. 

It’s ok to not be ok.  Free, confidential mental health and wellness support is available through Whistler Community Services Society. Outreach workers are just a click away and are here to help. Book an appointment at mywcss.org/contact-outreach

They begin by discussing the BC Restart Plan, and the challenges Gibbons has encountered trying to operate a business that centres around bringing people together during COVID-19.  Joey takes the listener through the history of Gibbons beginning with when the first buildings were constructed, and how he discovered his passion for hosting parties. He reflects on the energy that is created by his people and the environment in his businesses, and reveals some memorable experiences when celebrities have appeared on his patio. He expresses his excitement for the core culture of Whistler, and divulges his secret to having happy employees. The conversation moves to the vision of local ownership of Whistler businesses including Whistler Blackcomb.  Lastly, Joey discusses his experience with the reality TV Show Apres Ski which featured Joey and Gibbons Whistler.  

Rodney begins by discussing how COVID-19 has changed tourism and the effects of the remote workplace on tourism reliant towns. They discuss the delicate balance of tourism and the role of community leaders in managing residents' values and the economy that tourism creates.  How does a destination ensure they have the right visitor with the right values? Rodney poses the question if more tourism is always better, and why do we want more tourists?  He states the importance of aligning resident and tourism values, including capacity, infrastructure and environment. Lastly, Rodney asks the question if climate serves tourism, and what are the risks for climate action or inaction for the tourism industry. 

They discuss what it was like owning a business in Whistler with the ebb and flow of tourism and seasonal staff. They comment on COVID-19, and the importance of creating staffing cohorts.  They share heartfelt memories and stories of their regulars, reflecting on customers coming and going throughout their lives. Lastly, they touch on the overwhelming response and amazing community support they have received since their closing announcement.  

Ingrid’s Village Cafe will be closing its doors on March 29.  Be sure to visit before then, and decide for yourself if the Falafel Feta Wrap is truly underrated!

Court begins the episode by educating the listener on the proper terminologies for Indigenous groups in Canada, and encourages people to follow the ILSA motto, which is “if you are not falling, you are not learning not learning.”  

He reveals his personal experiences growing up in Thunder Bay as an Anishinaabe, and shares what inspired him to follow his current path.  He discusses what it means to be BIPOC in Whistler, and lastly invites the listener to help with the ILSA mission.  

We want to hear from you!  Do you have comments, feedback or suggestions for the Whistler Podcast?  Reach out to facebook.com/mayorjackcrompton or @jacksoncrompton on twitter and let us know what you think.   

In the conversation, Dr. Kausky touches on the challenges family doctors face today and the battle between practicing medicine and operating a small business. They review the COVID-19 timeline and address specific community challenges including positive cases in dense housing situations. The discussion moves to vaccines and the risk of doing nothing. Lastly, they talk about mental health, and the importance of the first steps in seeking help.    

Do you have feedback, comments or questions for the Whistler Podcast?  Reach out to @mayorjackcrompton on Facebook or @jacksoncrompton on Twitter.   

They discuss emergency preparedness, and hear Marshall's first person account of his experience in the Fort McMurray wildfires. They reflect on how COVID-19 has changed their work and lives, and how they are battling the repetitiveness of COVID-19 messaging on air. Lastly, they discuss what they hope to see for the region in ten years from now, and what decision makers should think about in the future including regional transportation and park protection.  

The next Whistler Podcast episode will feature Court Larabee, Vice President of the First Nations Snowboard Team. Submit your questions for Court now to https://www.facebook.com/mayorjackcrompton. 

 In this episode, host Mayor Jack Crompton introduces Cole Stefiuk as a collaborative voice, and is joined by the Sea to Sky Corridor Mayors for their third Mayors discussion on the Whistler Podcast.  Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott and Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman join in and discuss COVID-19 and where they draw their inspiration from while leading through the Pandemic. They also discuss housing developments, growth and planning in their respective communities.

 We want to hear from you!  Do you have a comment, question or suggestion for the Whistler Podcast?  Contact Jack Crompton at facebook.com/mayorjackcrompton  or @jacksoncrompton on Twitter, and tell us what you want to hear on your local Podcast. 

They discuss the implications of a ‘snap’ election, the effect of mail in ballots in the Sea to Sky riding, the results for Whistler and the Liberal party's performance during the election.  They also focus on how COVID-19 has influenced this election and the issues involved.  

 They discuss how the budget is composed and the funding benefits of living in a resort community. They touch on key issues including reserves, long term asset management, housing taxes, and budget myths including deficits and affordable housing.

 The Whistler municipal budget community meeting will take place virtually on November 16.  Residents are encouraged to attend and participate.  Feedback is welcomed, and must be
submitted by December 1. Learn more at whistler.ca/budgetopenhouse.

Jeremy offers his solutions to tackle the RMOW’s strategic priorities: housing, climate action and community balance. Mayor Crompton also poses questions about current topics of discussion in the Sea to Sky corridor including regional transit, train service between the Lower Mainland and Whistler, tourism, and Woodfibre LNG. 

Regardless of which candidate you support, please vote on or before October 24. Find voting information at elections.bc.ca. 

Keith offers his solutions to tackle the RMOW’s strategic priorities: housing, climate action and community balance. Mayor Crompton also poses questions about current topics of discussion in the Sea to Sky corridor including regional transit, train service between the Lower Mainland and Whistler, tourism, and Woodfibre LNG. 

Regardless of which candidate you support, please vote on or before October 24. Find voting information at elections.bc.ca. 

Jordan offers his solutions to tackle the RMOW’s strategic priorities: housing, climate action and community balance. Mayor Crompton also poses questions about current topics of discussion in the Sea to Sky corridor including regional transit, train service between the Lower Mainland and Whistler, tourism, and Woodfibre LNG. 

Regardless of which candidate you support, please vote on or before October 24. Find voting information at elections.bc.ca. 

They discuss the real estate implications of COVID-19 on remote work, e-commerce, economic diversification, and the supply chain.

Dr. Dale-Johnson also offers a preview of a panel discussion on September 26 about the evolution and potential impacts of autonomous (self-driving) vehicles on the Sea to Sky region.

David is a real estate economist and the Stan Melton Executive Professor in Real Estate at the Alberta School of Business. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of British Columbia, and graduated from the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley with his Ph.D. David has a longstanding connection to Whistler as a homeowner here since the 1990’s. He is also a member of the RMOW’s Strategic Planning Committee, contributing expertise in real estate finance and development and city building. 

Heather suggests that making internal changes and not shying away from difficult conversations about injustice and inequality is a step in the right direction to make our society a better place. 

She openly talks about her husband’s battle with cancer, the friends she has lost to the disease, and the legacy of Darcy Burke. 

Heather is community-minded leader with a passion for creating transformative connections through listening and kindness. She was named the Whistler Citizen of the Year in 2017 and one of five Canadian women making a lasting imprint on mountain culture by Mountain Life Magazine in 2018. After a long career in technology, including 16 years as a Systems Analyst and Economic Development Analyst with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, she offers insight into her experience as a women in tech and her love of Whistler’s arts community.

They discuss the strong link between tourism and the environment, the importance of deepening the visitor experience and what it means to be a Tofitian or Whistlerite. 

Tune in hear Josie explain how her master's thesis about clams relates to her work as Tofino's Mayor during COVID-19, and what it means to have 'permeable skin' in politics.

Josie has been the Mayor of Tofino for over seven years, serving two terms. She has a marine biology background, with a Masters in Fisheries Management and has been actively served her community through roles with a variety of organizations including: Tourism Tofino Board, Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation and Raincoast Education Society and 12th International Congress of Ethnobiology.

 They cover the draw of the mountains, making and losing incredible friends, and community building in Whistler. Feet shares his secret for writing a great story and explains that time and space are necessary for the next generation to reach their full potential.

 Feet is a longstanding member of the Whistler community and Editor in Chief of Whistler-based Mountain Life Magazine. He is also the co-creator of the Heavy Hitting HorrorFest. He has been a familiar face and voice in the Sea to Sky Corridor for decades as a writer and filmmaker, public speaker and host for many prominent Whistler events.

Business are facing many challenges during the pandemic, including agricultural staffing shortages. The importance of supporting the tourism economy is highlighted, to ensure a safe and hospitable experience is provided for guests. 

Mayor Crompton, Mayor Elliott and Mayor Richman discuss the phased approach to reopening, the role of Mayor during COVID-19 and opportunities to ‘build back better’ following the pandemic. The similarities and differences between communities are highlighted and everyone is challenged to take responsibility for their own two metres of space, while showing affection from a distance.  

They discuss the challenges of the year so far, how COVID-19 has impacted Canada and transformed his role as an MP and encourage support for local businesses. One of the unexpected outcomes of COVID-19 is the speed at which all levels of government have operated during the pandemic. The Mayor and Mr. Weiler discuss public access to and responsiveness of government and consider what the new normal may look like in the post-COVID-19 world. 

Greg has extensive experience offering psychotherapy for youth, young adults and adults, family therapy, critical incident response and sport performance counselling and offers his insights to help individuals build resilience during challenging times.

They discuss the importance of self-care during the pandemic, Greg’s hope equation, normalizing grief and anxiety, and finding creative ways to stay connected while we are physically apart.