Recognizing the community impacts of the recent Public Health Orders released by the Province of British Columbia on March 29, 2021, the Resort Municipality of Whistler is advancing several initiatives to support homeowners and businesses.
“The Resort Municipality and partners have been actively engaged in recovery work since the beginning of the pandemic. We will continue to address gaps and explore what recovery supports we can offer as a municipality to our community,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “I am also incredibly grateful for the businesses, community groups and citizens who have supported our local recovery efforts. There are people already talking about a big community cleanup effort. I am amazed at how quickly this community has moved from the sadness of losing spring on the mountain to planning summer cleanup and preparation efforts. Whistlerites are extraordinary people.”
Property tax penalty delay
For the second year in a row, property owners will be receiving relief in the form of a delayed penalty date for property taxes, should it be required. The 2021 due date for property taxes will remain unchanged at July 2 2021, with the penalty date for late payments delayed to September 30, 2021.
The postponement of the penalty date was introduced in 2020 in response to the financial burden COVID-19 imposed on the community and its taxpayers. As property taxes fund the majority of Whistler’s services, programs and projects, the RMOW encourages taxpayers to pay their taxes by the July 2 due date if they are able. Tax notices will be delivered to all property owners at the end of May, and property tax questions can be directed to the Finance Department at finance@whistler.ca.
In December 2020, Council approved budget guidelines that support the delivery of municipal services and projects with a modest increase in taxes and fees for the coming year. The 2021 increase to total general municipal tax revenue is 1.08 per cent, down from 4.89 per cent originally proposed, and there is no increase to utilities parcel taxes and user fees. For a Whistler residential property with an assessed value of $1.0 million, this would result in an annual estimated property tax increase of $16.83 (assuming the individual property assessment increase is in line with the community average).
Patio expansions
In an effort to support Whistler’s local food and beverage establishments, the RMOW is streamlining the application and renewals process for Temporary Use Permits (TUP) for patios, enabling these businesses to safely serve patrons while complying with physical distancing limitations ordered by the Provincial Health Officer related to COVID-19.
In 2020, the RMOW issued 20 permits for temporary patios. Staff will be contacting these existing permit holders to confirm their plans for the 2021 season. Existing TUP holders may renew their permit at no cost through to the end of October 31, 2021, providing the patio plans are consistent with their 2020 permit. Modifications to patio designs will also be considered and staff will work with establishments to determine if a renewal is possible, or whether a new permit needs to be obtained. Those who wish to submit a new application for a temporary patio should visit whistler.ca/patios for information and to download an application form.
Opportunities for park food service
Additionally, the RMOW is seeking to provide additional food and non-alcoholic beverage service opportunities in multiple parks as part of the Whistler Summer Experience 2021 Plan. The Plan aims to provide improved summer visitor and resident experiences while providing local businesses additional and unique opportunities to reach guests and expand their business reach. To view the Whistler Parks Food Service Opportunities RFP and other municipal bid opportunities, visit whistler.ca/bids.
For more information on current recommendations and restrictions, view the Province of BC’s Public Health Orders.
