2022 Candidate Information
Below is a list of candidates for the 2022 Whistler Municipal Election, listed alphabetically.
Candidates displayed have officially filed their nomination documents.
The deadline to challenge a candidate nomination is Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 4 p.m. The deadline for a candidate to withdraw is Friday, September 16 at 4 p.m.
Mayor (one to be elected)
Jack Crompton has served on RMOW Council since 2011 (as Mayor for the last four years). He is passionate about the future of this community. For Jack, serving as Mayor of Whistler has been the greatest privilege of his life and he is excited about continuing the work.
Jack’s professional life has focused mainly on transportation and software. He founded Whistler Resort Cabs and operated it until selling the company in 2008. He then founded and served as CEO for Ridebooker; a Whistler based transportation software company. In October 2018, Jack resigned his position with Ridebooker to serve full-time as Mayor of Whistler.
Jack is in the last year of the Masters of Public Policy and Global Affairs program at UBC. He likes to talk politics of any description and is fascinated by political history, local government and international affairs.
Jack and his wife Carolyn have four children; Georgia, Margaret, Van and Harriet.
Email: jack.crompton@ridebooker.com
Website: jackcrompton.ca
Twitter: @jacksoncrompton
Instagram: @cromptonwhistler
Facebook: facebook.com/crompton/
We have some major challenges ahead of us, not just locally but also globally. We need immediate action and there is no time to waste.
One can stand by watching it happen, or step forward and do something.
The working class is the glue that holds Whistler together. We’ve already lost a large portion of what makes Whistler so special!
Solve the housing crisis and we also fix the staffing shortages that are crippling every sector. Workers are distressed!
Other easy to address action items include: locals park parking passes, affordable child care, retirement homes, bear awareness.
Someone needs to step up to encourage transparency and responsible spending; to also hold ourselves to our carbon commitments.
Globally and locally, profound action is needed!
Please make an informed decision and exercise your civic responsibility by voting on October 5 or 8 (Whistler library), or October 15 (Myrtle Philip School Gymnasium).
Email: marcusculver@gmail.com
Twitter: mostlymindfulness
Instagram: whistlerexperience
Brian Walker, candidate for Mayor.
Whistler, the town I have lived full time in since 1989, is in deep trouble.
We have a tourism based economy that is fundamentally dependent on service.
Despite this our service community has been steadily declining because previous administrations have failed to nurture a critical component and greatest resource of our success.
Whistler/Blackcomb, the hotels, the restaurants, the retail boutiques, the hair salons, the art galleries, the myriad of activities Whistler offers, the administration of Tourism Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler all require a stable work force.
One that understands the art and craft of service and are qualified for the work they’re paid to perform.
Whistler should accommodate our service community like we do our guests because they are just that important.
I dedicated myself to Whistler by moving here and I will continue to do so as your Mayor.
Phone: 604-389-8348
Email: brianwhistler@gmail.com
Website: todayatwhistler.com
Councillor (six to be elected)
PLATFORM:
Current council priorities stand: Housing, Affordability, Climate, and Balance Model.
PLATFORM FIVE W’S
1. Wildfire The most sustainable thing Whistler can do is: not lose our town to a wildfire. Number 1 priority of local government is to keep its community safe – wildfire is by far our greatest threat.
2. Weather With reference to climate change – it’s here its happening. 90% of Whistler’s emissions come from cars and NG use. We need to step up our response.
3. Wildlands In my term I not only want to see Old Growth Logging banned within RMOW boundaries, I also want to see any commercial logging within town boundaries discontinued.
4. Wellness Community wellness is a key priority with respect to affordable housing, health-care, child-care, and affordability in general.
5. Whistler: Overall and in reference to our balance model. WE ARE AT BUILD-OUT. Any additional beds must be employee housing only.
Email: arthur@artdejong.com
Related Files
Jen Ford is serving a second term as municipal councillor in Whistler and serving, as elected by her peers, as Chair to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. As a mother of an 8-year-old son, Jen brings a perspective that working families can relate to in terms of difficulties accessing reliable childcare, primary healthcare, and secure and affordable housing. For that reason, she is committed to continued advocacy for actionable solutions in these areas.
In September, Jen steps up to President of Union of BC Municipalities – an association guiding advocacy with the province. And since 2018, Jen has been representing Whistler’s council at Whistler Community Services, Whistler Housing Authority, Whistler Healthcare Foundation and the Governance and Ethics Committee. As a citizen, Jen became a founding member of the Whistler 360 Health Care Collaborative. Jen holds a Graduate Certificate in Change Management from Royal Roads University and studied Political Science at York University.
Email: jen@jenford.ca
Website: jenford.ca
Twitter: @jen-ford
Instagram: @jenfordforwhistler
For 30 years I’ve called Whistler home, moving here -from Quebec- in 1991 to teach skiing. If you’re doing the math, I’ve been a washed-up ski instructor for at least a decade. Truth is I’ve never been the best skier on the mountain, but I do have awesome style.
I was elected to RMOW Council in 2005 and 2008. I’ve never been accused of being the smartest guy in the room or the calm voice of reason, despite that, I won again 2018.
My most cherished time is spent skiing with my wife, Stephanie. I also try to keep up with my boys Jack and Liam on the mountain bike trails, where I curse like I’m in a Guy Ritchie movie
After 30 years in Whistler I (almost) feel like a real British Columbian, I make my own granola, but I draw the line at wearing socks and sandals.
Email: ralph@ralphforsyth.com
Website: www.ralphforsyth.com
Twitter: @ralphforsyth
Instagram: @ralphforsyth
Facebook: @RalphDForsyth
Tina moved to Whistler with her young family for their love of the mountains. She has climbed Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, lived and breathed in the mountains of Chamonix, France and now here in her hometown of Whistler for 18 years.
Tina is a long time environmentalist and advocate for social justice. She is an effective inspiring advocate for bears, climate change facing ski resorts, and is keen to address the systemic problem of affordable housing and its correlation to mental health issues.
She worked in Alberta with Indigenous people assisting with mental health and has been working with the first peoples of the land locally here for the last 16 years.
She built her own successful health and yoga business in England, traveled all over the world teaching and as a young entrepreneur later created Loka Yoga, a hub of Whistler community for 10 years. Tina also volunteered with Whistler Ski Patrol for 8 years.
Email: tinalokayoga@gmail.com
Website: www.tinalokayoga.com
Instagram: Tina_Pashumati
After running in the last two federal elections, Gordon Jeffrey is ready to set his sights locally for a chance to serve the community and add a younger voice to an aging council.
Gordon’s main focus is affordability and empowering the workers that make Whistler run. Not just affordable housing for those who lack it, but keeping costs low for young families who have managed to buy something and are struggling with mortgage and/or strata payments while facing down a recession. Nobody should give the best years of their life to a place they love, only to feel pushed out of town because they’re ready to settle down.
After studying business administration and computer studies, Gordon arrived in the Whistler area in 2009 for ‘a ski season or two’. Quickly falling in love with the mountains, he embraced Whistler life permanently.
Email: mrgordonjeffrey@gmail.com
Facebook: @gordonjeffrey
Cathy came to Whistler in 1976 for a winter. Most of her working life was spent as a Professional Ski Patrol for Whistler Blackcomb, she retired 2019.
Cathy chaired the District PAC for six years and was a Director on the BC Confederation of PAC Board. Cathy currently volunteers as Chair for Communities That Care Whistler. She was a founding member of AWARE and WORCA. In 2016 Cathy was awarded Whistler’s Citizen of the Year.
Cathy has served on Council since 2017. Currently Cathy is Council appointee on the Boards of: Arts Whistler, Audain, One Whistler, Whistler Museum & Archives, WORCA and Whistler Valley Housing Society (Chair), Festival and Events & Animation Standing Committee. Cathy Chairs the following Committees of Council: Governance and Ethics, HR and Zero Waste.
Cathy looks forward to serving the Whistler electorate with a continued focus on climate change/environment, affordability, transportation and housing.
Email: cojewett@gmail.com
Vote LADNER for a Skiable Future
SNOW – We need to hit our climate targets. Snow on the ground is what this town is built on, and it’s awesome!
PEOPLE – A thriving community. Housing and Dignity. Enough appropriate housing so our businesses thrive and guests leave inspired.
Brendan Ladner is the father of two boys, the husband to Green Party nominee Amanda Ladner, a professional musician, and a successful entrepreneur. Disappointed by a lack of leadership in the current RMOW municipal council, Brendan Ladner has spent the past two years advocating for smarter actions by the RMOW. It’s the municipal level that decides on land-use and transportation – these are the two strongest levers available to lower our GHG emissions, improve housing and increase happiness.
Let’s build for a better future.
It’s time for the next generation of ideas, it’s time for leadership.
Let’s work together towards a skiable future.
Email: brendan@brendanladner.ca
Website: brendanladner.ca
Twitter: @brendanladner
As an avid mountain biker and skier, Curtis enjoys Whistler as his home! Whistler is a great place to live, but the town does face some challenges. A shortage of affordable employee housing is one of the biggest. Other challenges include replacing aging infrastructure while keeping property tax increases relatively low, preserving our environment, optimizing transit usage and streamlining processes at muni hall to make it easier for people to build homes, start businesses, etc.
With formal training in management and Electrical Engineering (BASc, MENG), coupled with real world management and strategic planning experience, and experience with a $10/20 million expense/capital budget, Curtis believes he has the skills to read or create financial statements and to make a positive difference as a councillor.
Email: clapadat@shaw.ca
Twitter: Curtis Lapadat
Facebook: Curtis Lapadat
I moved to Whistler in 2015 and started the region’s only after-hours veterinary emergency clinic, Twin Trees Vet. Due to the escalating housing crisis, it is no longer feasible to offer emergency services in Whistler.
When staffing shortages reach a critical point, the wellbeing of Whistler’s tourists, weekenders and locals suffers. Safety protocols and sanitation protocols break down.
Whistler is bleeding and emergency solutions are needed. Housing shortages for the workforce and poor accessibility of primary care are critical issues that must be prioritized, as they compromise public health and the viability of our resort community. I also deeply care about First Nations Reconciliation, the environment, climate change, and transportation solutions. Where there is political will, there are solutions for a peaceful path forward that is aligned with Whistler’s Vision and OCP.
I love Whistler so very much, but like another nominee said, “I can’t stand by and watch anymore.”
Email: melindalopezdvm@gmail.com
Website: twintreesvet.com/pages/whistler-council
I’m running for community. Whistler is unique, safe, and imbedded in nature – we need to keep it that way. I represent the smaller voices – small business, nature, and community supporters.
To remain unique, we need facilities for aging in place, integrated with housing for entry-level workers; both within walking distance of the village.
When confronted with decisions, we need to ask the right questions – how does this effect our community? Is this the best option for our small business owners, natural environment, and community supporters (volunteers, tradespeople, parents, long-term residents)? Taking fire management for example – following the approach based on dry forests is not the right approach for our coastal forest; volunteers helped me prove this. We need to keep our trees for shading, flood-control, and wildlife. The “beautification” project in White Gold is another example; with my neighbours, we helped council recognise the prohibitive cost to community.
Email: rlmillikin@gmail.com
Website: www.echotrack.com
Jessie Morden is running for municipal council to be a voice for the next generation of Whisterites. As a born and raised local who is growing her family in the community, Jessie is committed to finding long term solutions to the most pressing issues for families trying to make Whistler their home – housing, transportation and affordability.
Jessie knows what sets this town apart and she will be a tireless advocate for its spirit. She has served her community in several ways that qualify her to hold the office of councillor, including currently as the vice chair of Arts Whistler, and volunteering with organizations such as Whistler Community Services Society, Zero Ceiling, WAG, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Vancouver.
Chances are you’ve met Jessie, but if you haven’t, please reach out to learn more and share your thoughts about how Whistler can work for you.
Email: jessieforcouncil@gmail.com
Website: jessieforcouncil.com/
Social:
facebook.com/jessieforcouncil/
instagram.com/jessie_for_council/
Jeff Murl is running for Whistler Municipal Council for the second time. Since his first run in 2018, when he earned 22% of the vote, Jeff has dedicated himself to serving the Whistler community, volunteering on several boards and committees.
Jeff has deep ties to the Whistler community, having worked as a ski instructor since 2005. In 2016 he moved here permanently, expanded his accounting practice, got married, and started a family.
Since his first run for council, Jeff has served on the Board of Arts Whistler, the RMOW Board of Variance, Whistler Community Foundation, and as a Library Trustee. With a degree in finance and his accounting designation, Jeff brings fiscal acumen to the management of Whistler’s affairs. Jeff’s vision as a member of council is to help ensure the long-term financial and environmental sustainability and livability of Whistler for all residents, including his two young boys.
Email: jeffmurl@hotmail.com
Facebook: @jeffmurlwhistler
Humble Beginnings. Gabriel grew up a middle-child in Ottawa attending French Immersion (Français est importante) and graduated from Carleton University with a degree in Marketing/Finance.
Following university, Gabriel moved to Japan where he worked for a Marketing firm in Tokyo for 4 years. He has also lived in Germany where he travelled and worked for 2 years while learning German. In Vancouver, he served on the board at Kitsilano Community Centre for 2 years, helping to create the community garden before coming to Whistler in 2018. His international experience and cultural perspectives will contribute to a balanced Whistler Council.
Our home and native land needs a new viewpoint to see into the future: a clean, welcoming and inclusive municipality. He is passionate about gardening, helping others and loves riding his bike on Whistler and snowboarding on Blackcomb – a nice balance. The change candidate we need. The change we deserve.
Email: gabriel.pliska@gmail.com
Website: votewhistler.ca
Instagram: @pliska_whistler
Facebook: Gabriel Pliska
I have always loved and enjoyed what Whistler has to offer residents, second homeowners and visitors alike. This election I am ready to step up and play a role in helping Whistler grow and mature sustainably for the benefit of all.
Whistler’s tourism-based economy complicates the housing picture, but we still need to find solutions which provide enough affordable rental and ownership accommodation for both individuals and families who make Whistler their home and place of work, along with livable accommodation for critical seasonal workers. As climate change hits BC harder every year, I will continue to be an advocate for sustainable planning to preserve Biodiversity, respect First Nation Rights, increase food security whilst helping Whistler mitigate the effects of climate change. I look forward to using my experience from BC and around the world to help Whistler overcome these challenges to remain a livable, thriving community and Resort.
Email: sarah@sarahrushrd.com
Website: sarahrush.ca
Facebook: Sarah Rush for Whistler Council
Whistler is growing too fast. Over recent years, unconstrained development has impacted the environment, the visitor experience, and our sense of community. As we approach a crucial stage in the climate crisis (and investigate a potential Olympic bid), Whistler needs a Council that will promote responsible growth and protect our natural assets. Dawn Titus believes we cannot sell out our future for short-term gain.
Working with adaptive skiing during the winters and guiding historic tours for the Museum in the summer along with her membership in the Mature Action Committee, AWARE and the Whistler Lakes Conservation Association has provided Dawn with meaningful connections to the community and visitors. She was appointed to sit on the Recreation Leisure Advisory Committee in Dec 2021. Arriving in 1983, she worked as an Educator in the Sea to Sky corridor for 30 years, and now balances life with a commitment to cycling and yoga.
Email: madeiradawn2004@yahoo.ca
Facebook: dawn titus for councillor
School Trustee (two to be elected)
A retired university professor with experience in both public and private education. Deb’s professional roles include: program and board development, faculty management, marketing, fund-raising, PR, and teaching.
She believes in a student-centric-approach with mindful support for faculty and parents. She sees opportunity in bringing outside resources to our resort community.
Deb holds a Master of Arts degree in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University and capped her career teaching post-secondary. Her students learned effective communication skills, and the value of a multi-cultural point of view. Deb feels the greatest gift from her teaching experience was to serve both domestic, international and first-generation students. She believes in the strength of diversity and inclusion for all members of society.
Deb is an active community volunteer, and a grand-mother of two school-age Whistlerites. Her daughter is a business owner in Whistler and her son-in-law an employee of WB for 25 years.
Email: deborah7@telus.net
Instagram: deb_bordignon
A retired university professor with experience in both public and private education. Deb’s professional roles include: program and board development, faculty management, marketing, fund-raising, PR, and teaching.
She believes in a student-centric-approach with mindful support for faculty and parents. She sees opportunity in bringing outside resources to our resort community.
Deb holds a Master of Arts degree in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University and capped her career teaching post-secondary. Her students learned effective communication skills, and the value of a multi-cultural point of view. Deb feels the greatest gift from her teaching experience was to serve both domestic, international and first-generation students. She believes in the strength of diversity and inclusion for all members of society.
Deb is an active community volunteer, and a grand-mother of two school-age Whistlerites. Her daughter is a business owner in Whistler and her son-in-law an employee of WB for 25 years.
Email: deborah7@telus.net
Instagram: deb_bordignon
I am thankful and humble to have had the pleasure of serving on the unceded and ancestral territories of the Sḵwxwú7mesh, U̒xwumixw and St ̍át ̍y ̍emc Nations as a School Board Trustee over the past four years. The responsibility to govern effectively is paramount. I’m committed to ensuring that strong policies are in place that will allow the children entrusted to us to become the educated citizens of tomorrow. Two and a half years of COVID measures leaves us with much work to be done. Providing for the educational and socio-emotional needs for all staff and students is top of mind. Each decision I make will reflect this and the values, priorities, and expectations of the local communities. Reconciliation, inclusion, and diversity are vital to everyone. My door is always open as dialogue with the public is the most important tool we have for improving public education for all.
Email: cynhig@shaw.ca
I’m honoured to have served three terms as a current Whistler school trustee and privileged to serve on the unceded, ancestral territories of the Sḵwxwú7mesh, U̒xwumixw and St ̍át ̍y ̍emc Nations.
In my role as Trustee, our Board of Education (BOE) has worked tirelessly with our entire school district for the betterment of all students in the formulation of our Education Plan, Pathways to Learning. Achieving much in the last few years, by increasing our graduation rates to almost 100%, notably our indigenous Graduation rates from 35% to 98%, our work is not yet done. Ensuring ALL students have equal opportunities to succeed, and be emotionally prepared for life, is my motivation to continue this incredible work.
I am also a business owner, a parent of two recent Whistler Secondary School graduates and feel that I bring the experience that is vital for continuity and stability on the BOE.
Email: rachaelssc@me.com
Twitter: @rklytheseatosky
Instagram: @rachaellwhistler
Facebook: @Rachael Lythe, School Trustee
