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In January 2008, ownership of Day Lots 1 to 5 was transferred from the Province of British Columbia to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). The transfer was part of a larger 2010 Land Legacy Agreement. User-pay parking was first introduced into the Day Lots in June 2010 as part of the RMOW's Management Agreement with Whistler Blackcomb. Its introduction was a contentious issue and considered both a challenge and burden for Whistler's businesses, especially in light of the challenging economic climate. Whistler Chamber of Commerce's Involvement Working with various community stakeholders, the Whistler Chamber of Commerce (WCC) issued a User-Pay Parking Survey in March 2011 to better understand the impact of user-pay parking on business. To view the Executive Summary of the User-Pay Parking Survey, click here. Following a special Board Meeting on March 31, 2011 and a meeting with the Parking Operating Committee on April 12, 2011, WCC issued a statement on user-pay parking to its members and local media. On the basis of the external factors identified in the survey and the potential imposition of yet another economic burden on customers and businesses, WCC stated that it could not offer its unqualified support for the concept of user-pay parking in Day Lots 1 to 5. To read the full statement click here. Stakeholder Meetings From June-September 2011, following a directive from the Parking Operating Committee, the RMOW undertook a process to review the rate structure of Day Lots 1 to 5. That process included a series of discussions amongst local stakeholders. The WCC was pleased to participate in the stakeholder meetings, at which it advocated for solutions that are equitable, affordable and easy to use for resort guests, businesses and residents, that encourage visitation to the Village year round and can be easily monitored for their impact. Current Status On November 1, 2011, user-pay parking was expanded to include Day Lots 4 and 5. A new rate structure, applicable to Day Lots 1-5, was also introduced. Prior to November 1, 2011, the WCC issued a further statement on user-pay parking. To read the statement, click here.
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