The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is pursuing initiatives that address the challenges faced by Whistler as a resort community. As part of that effort, BHA was engaged by Whistler Development Corp. (WDC) to assess the potential of Municipal lands for employee housing, institutional development, and recreational uses.

To accomplish this, BHA completed a series of visioning exercises with the local community, conducted detailed site analysis, and subsequently developed a series of preliminary concepts. The neighbourhood layout was designed to respond to the mountainous landscape and the environmental sensitivities of the location. Important recreation and trails were incorporated into the design, including the Trans-Canada trail, Whistler’s world renowned mountain bike and hiking trail system, the RMOW Valley Trail System, and the Cheakamus Community Forest interpretive
trails, as well as waterfront access. The design preserved and integrated geomorphological and landscape features, views and solar access. The neighbourhood is envisioned to include a variety of housing types within a compact, walkable neighbourhood, incorporating Smart Growth principles to provide accommodation for a growing community of Whistler families.

BHA plans highlighted the vision, goals and objectives for potential housing development along with graphics and a mapping summary. Following the work completed by BHA in 2005 for the Olympic Legacy Master Plan, this resident restricted housing planning exercise is now moving toward the 2020 Whistler Vision and the existing community realities.