Resident Housing

The Resident Housing Strategy is concerned with meeting the housing needs of diverse permanent residents and seasonal employees in an affordable and sustainable way – primarily, though not exclusively, through the provision of ‘resident-restricted’ housing. Further, it is within the scope of this strategy to provide for both rental and ownership options.

Introduction

Housing a large majority of the workforce in Whistler is absolutely essential to maintaining a vibrant and socially sustainable community. Ensuring that locals have the opportunity to live locally enriches the social fabric of the community; contributes substantially to the ongoing prosperity of the local economy; and reduces the negative impacts associated with extended commuting patterns. To achieve these ends, community members need homes and neighbourhoods that meet their needs, are accessible, and are affordable. In acknowledgement of this priority, Whistler has committed to ensuring that 75% of local employees live within the municipality.

Description of Success

In 2020, Whistler has an inventory of housing that is affordable and sustainable, supporting a diverse and vibrant local population. In the future:

Resident restricted housing is affordable for permanent and short-term residents, through innovative and effective policy and financial models
Effective financial and legal tools exist to develop and manage resident restricted housing affordability in perpetuity
The planned flexibility within neighbourhood design, housing form, and housing tenure enables the adaptability to meet changing housing needs and future affordability considerations
Whistler has a sufficient quantity and appropriate mix of quality housing to meet the needs of diverse residents (Target: 75% of Whistler employees live in the resort community)
Residents enjoy housing in mixed-use neighbourhoods that are intensive, vibrant and include a range of housing forms
Housing has been developed close to transit, pedestrian and bicycle routes, and amenities and services to reduce auto dependency
Housing is healthy and livable, and housing design, construction and operations are evolving toward sustainable and efficient energy and materials management
Developed areas are designed and managed to be sensitive to the surrounding environment