Backyard Brainstorm Workbook Available for Whistler Neighbourhoods and Community Groups

May 12, 2010... The Whistler Backyard Brainstorm Workbook is now available on the Official Community Plan (OCP) Update website: www.whistler2010.com.

The workbook is a resource designed by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) for self-directed discussions by community groups and neighbourhoods about community issues, opportunities, and actions to be included in the OCP update.

The RMOW recognizes that formal community meetings may be hard for residents to attend, particularly during the summer. The Backyard Brainstorms provide an opportunity to residents to get together with friends, neighbours, colleagues, and members of local community groups for guided discussions about issues that matter, and to help shape Whistler’s future through their input into the OCP update.

“We realize Whistler residents value their summer break, and are busy with hectic schedules, planned holidays, and children’s camps,” says Mike Vance, RMOW General Manager of Policy and Program Development. “These backyard brainstorms are an easy, effective way for residents to provide grassroots community input in the OCP update. Our community’s input is crucial to having a strong OCP.”

Now is the time for residents to get involved in the OCP update. Concerned citizens, community groups, clubs, and neighbourhood organizations are all encouraged to visit www.whistler2010.com to download workbooks and host a group discussion. Completed group workbooks must be submitted to the Municipal Hall by August 31, 2010.

Hosting a Whistler Backyard Brainstorm is simple:

1.     Think – Who are 10-12 people you would like to brainstorm with to make Whistler a better place? Invite your guests. Download the workbooks from www.whistler2010.com and print them out or email ocp@whistler2010.com to request printed copies from the Municipal Hall (4325 Blackcomb Way).

2.     Meet and Discuss – Gather your group together in your “backyard” meeting place to discuss and define your group’s input to the OCP update. As host of this discussion your role is to ensure that everyone has a say, that the discussion stays on topic, and that the group summarizes its shared ideas in a workbook.

3.     Submit – Provide your completed workbook to the Whistler Municipal Hall by August 31, 2010.

About Whistler’s Official Community Plan Update

Over the next year, the RMOW will be leading Whistler’s Official Community Plan (OCP) update. An OCP is a provincially-mandated regulatory document and set of high level plans and policies that guide land use planning, social, economic, and environmental policies, and civic infrastructure investments.

Whistler’s updated OCP will provide direction for meeting Whistler’s anticipated needs over the next five years and beyond in support of Whistler’s community’s vision – to be the premier mountain resort as we move toward sustainability. Community members are encouraged to provide their input into the OCP update through ongoing engagement opportunities, including the Backyard Brainstorms. Visit the “Get Involved” section on www.whistler2010.com for more information.

About the Resort Municipality of Whistler
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is Whistler’s local government led by an elected council and administered by an executive team and staff on behalf of 10,000 residents and two million annual visitors. The RMOW manages municipal planning and development, park and Village operations, sports facilities and recreation, public utilities and environmental services, bylaws and enforcement, fire rescue, fiscal planning and financial services, legislative services, human resources, communications and the administration of the Whistler2020 Comprehensive Sustainability Plan and Whistler’s Official Community Plan.

Whistler’s vision is to be the premier mountain resort community as it moves toward sustainability. Whistler was the proud Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.