Energy Use and Climate Action Overview Energy powers our buildings and our vehicles, and supports our quality of life. It s use is also one of the main contributors to climate change. Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most significant actions we can take as a community to maintain a leadership role in solving the global climate crisis. The projected impacts of a changing climate have the potential to significantly affect Whistler s economy and community. Increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy rain events Longer, hotter, and drier summers Milder winters, with increased precipitation falling as rain near valley bottom (snow pack at higher elevations to see limited change)
Energy and Climate Performance/Forecasts Everyone in Whistler can help to reduce energy use and Key Insight decrease GHG emissions. The estimated energy reductions associated with the recommended actions included in the new Community Energy and Climate Action Plan would avoid an estimated ~$200 million in collective community energy costs between 2017 and 2026.
Select Energy Reduction Priority Projects Mobile Energy Use Strategically expand transit service levels and investigate key barriers to increased ridership Use preferred modes of transport more often. Stationary Energy Use Improve energy efficiency and comfort of existing buildings and infrastructure through access to incentive funds Maximize energy efficiency in new buildings and infrastructure Encourage home owners to complete a Home Energy Assessment ($250 rebate!) Renewable Energy and Energy Supply Alternatives Encourage the use of renewable energy across the community Support electric vehicle uptake and diffusion What else should we be doing? whistler.ca/climatechange
Water Use Overview Fresh water is essential for life, and protecting it ensures that the community will be prepared in the event of a wildfire. Providing fresh water to meet the demands of residents, businesses and visitors requires ongoing quality and supply monitoring. Even though Whistler is surrounded by rivers, lakes and glaciers, water conservation and supply issues are still important. The priority water conservation action is more efficient outdoor irrigation.
Water Use Current Trends Water use 180 Whistler Weekly Water Consumption vs. Target 2016 Water Use 2016 Target 2020 Target Tracking water use over the past 15 years indicates that Whistler is moving away from its 2020 target. 160 140 120 Implementing actions in the 2015 plan, such as commercial water metering, will help. Water Consumption (ML) 100 80 60 Key Insight 40 20 Reducing water waste could eliminate the need to construct 0 5-Jan 12-Jan 19-Jan 26-Jan 2-Feb 9-Feb 16-Feb 23-Feb 1-Mar 8-Mar 15-Mar 22-Mar 29-Mar 5-Apr 12-Apr 19-Apr 26-Apr 3-May 10-May 17-May 24-May 31-May 7-Jun 14-Jun 21-Jun 28-Jun 5-Jul 12-Jul 19-Jul 26-Jul 2-Aug 9-Aug 16-Aug 23-Aug 30-Aug 6-Sep 13-Sep 20-Sep 27-Sep 4-Oct 11-Oct 18-Oct 25-Oct 1-Nov 8-Nov 15-Nov 22-Nov 29-Nov 6-Dec 13-Dec 20-Dec 27-Dec Date 2016 additional costly water supply and wastewater treatment plant infrastructure. Everyone in Whistler can help reduce water use.
Water Conservation Priority Projects Water Monitoring Improved water meter reading technology and monitoring Enforcing water use restrictions during summer months Improved efficiency Alpine watermain replacement project is expected to improve water quality and cut Alpine leakage by 50 to 70% Substantially reducing municipal irrigation water use through smart system control What else should we be doing?
Housing Overview Affordable housing is essential for a stable local workforce. Whistler has secured over 1,900 protected, diverse resident restricted housing units. This equates to over 6,200 beds for local residents. 56% of the restricted housing units are affordable home ownership units. 44% are restricted rental units. Since 2008 there has been a 36% increase in new resident restricted employee beds built for the workforce. Approximately 63% of the resident workforce lives in resident restricted housing.
Housing Current Trends Workforce Living Locally Whistler has a goal of 75% of its labour force living in Whistler by 2020. Currently close to 80% of Whistler s workforce is housed within Whistler s municipal boundaries. Key Insights A local workforce enriches community life through increased social support, vibrant local community character, and a more authentic visitor experience. Living and working in the same community can have a positive impact on local air quality by reducing commute lengths and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Housing Priority Projects New Resident Restricted Housing for the Local Workforce The Whistler Housing Authority is developing a new rental apartment building in Cheakamus Crossing that will provide up to 100 new rental beds for the local workforce in 2017. In addition, another 80 new resident restricted rental beds are nearing completion above the new Rainbow Commercial Plaza development. We have a shared responsibility for affordable housing in Whistler.
Fire Overview Reducing wildfire impacts and being prepared is critical. Whistler relies on a beautiful natural environment as the basis of our tourism economy. A massive wildfire is a serious threat to the safety of our community and to the foundation of our economy. RMOW prepared a Community Wildfire Protection Plan and a Landscape Level Fire Behaviour model to identify priority fuel thinning projects and other initiatives to reduce wildfire risk.
Fire Current Trends Wildfire forecasts Fire fighting costs are rising and the average size of fires is increasing Climate change is increasing the duration of the fire season Whistler can expect longer, hotter, drier summers and an increased likelihood of fire Key insights Wildfires are a significant climate change risk. Fire Smart properties are critical to preventing the spread of a wildfire. www.firesmartcanada.ca for more information. Everyone in Whistler can take steps to become Fire Smart
Fire Priority Projects Fire Smart Properties Fire Smart private homes and strata properties Increase Communication & Education initiatives Fuel Thinning Projects Secure additional partnerships for publicly funded fuel thinning projects Continue fuel thinning projects near Whistler neighbourhoods and fuel breaks in Community Forest What else should we be doing?
Transportation Overview Efficient and sustainable methods of travel are vital to our success. Maintaining the roads, trails, and transit system to the highest standard means that residents business owners and visitors can get where they need to go. Whistler s transportation system should consider all user types and contribute to the quality of life within the Whistler resort community. The transportation system should provide efficient, multi-modal access for inter- and intra-municipal travel for all ages and abilities. Attractive alternative modes to Single Occupant Vehicle should be provided and encouraged.
Transportation Current Trends Car Use Transportation monitoring over the past 15 years indicates that Whistler is moving away from its 2020 target. Single occupant vehicle use within Whistler is the single greatest contributor to climate change. Key Insights Reducing the use of cars will Source: RMOW 2015 Community Satisfaction Survey Key Findings Report result in cleaner air, lower congestion, improved health, and reduced GHG emissions. Everyone in Whistler can cut back on car use.
Transportation Priority Projects Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) Provide Council with advice & recommendations regarding transportation related issues to, from, and within Whistler. Provide alternatives to single occupant vehicle use. Promote Valley Trail as safe bike commuter system, especially during summer months Promote transit as convenient commuter service, especially during winter months. Transportation enhances Whistler s natural Monthly Passes: and urban design features. Integrate plans with current land use and recreation facilities to accommodate growth. Transit $65 Parking $30 What else should we be doing?
Tourism Economy Overview The foundation of Whistler s success is a prosperous resort economy that continues to support a healthy, sustainable resort community, consistent with our unique mountain culture. $1.44bn total 85% of consumer 2.7m unique 69% of all visitor consumer spending +$170m pa higher than 2011/12 spending generated by Visitors visitors per year +2.2% pa spending occurs in the Winter 15,051 people 25% of BC s $500m generated employed in Tourism Export in annual tax #1 ski resort in Whistler Revenue revenues Or $1.37m per day North America
Tourism Economy Current Trends Key Insights Influences on Whistler s tourism economy: Changing global economic conditions Oil price and currency fluctuation Shifting demographic travel patterns Weather uncertainty Workforce supply New emerging markets Mobile technology, and Recent economic strengthening from: Canadian dollar depreciation Better than average snowfall Summer 2015 was the busiest on record Highest Summer paid room nights and revenue Winter 2015/16 was tremendously successful: 22% increase from the regional market Continued growth from destination markets Growing competition
Tourism Economy Priorities/Projects Expand authentic signature experiences Support weather independent attractions Recruitment and Retention strategy Learning & Education opportunities Reinvest in core assets Encourage business investment Strengthen our competitive advantages Working with Tourism Whistler and Whistler Chamber to promote and enhance guest experiences
Whistler s Success is about Integration Whistler s success is dependent on progress towards our community goals on these and other inter-related issues. Fire Protection Water conservation is the best way to be prepared for a fire. Energy Conservation Diverse and Stable Economy Affordable housing reduces the risk of fire. Whistler s Success Healthy economic growth is relies on a stable climate. Affordable Housing Sustainable Transportation Transportation solutions and energy conservation reduce our Water Conservation impact on the climate.
WELCOME WHISTLER COMMUNITY FORUM Open House Format Council, Staff and Committee members are present Feel free to meet with them and ask questions Review the displays to learn about current priorities Select two topics of interest for table discussion There will be short presentations at 5:45 pm