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Whistler Blackcomb’s Renaissance Plan Faces Opposition
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(Posted on Apr 22, 2016 at 08:14PM by Michelle Bogle)
Since the release of the $345 million Whistler Blackcomb Renaissance modernization plan, opinions have been mixed over the project’s impact on housing, the environment and culture of the mountain resort, and the commercial real estate market as a whole.
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Plans for this long-term, three-phase, multi-million dollar investment include a new lift, an indoor adventure centre and waterpark, two luxury real estate developments and a major expansion of new bike trails.
Complete details of the plan can be seen here.Â
Complete details of the plan can be seen here.Â
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While some locals agree that revitalizing Whistler Blackcomb is necessary due to climate change and lower tourism rates, many others have major concerns:
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Affordable Housing
Whistler is already struggling with a tight housing market. It is estimated that the Renaissance will bring in 122,000 room nights and 407,000 visitor days annually by the third year of operation. The development will also have an additional 200- to 300-bed units from a 60-unit luxury townhome complex and a boutique hotel/residence at the base of Blackcomb. Residents are concerned about the lack of affordable housing – especially housing for all of the mountain resort’s employees.
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Strain on Infrastructure and Culture
Many locals are concerned about the anticipated strains on highway traffic and municipal infrastructure, as well as the erosion of Whistler's long-time ski culture.
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Environmental Impacts
There are a number of environmental impacts that residents are concerned about – one, in particular, is the sheer amount of water needed to fill The Watershed, which is the year-round, indoor adventure center focusing on water-based play located at Blackcomb’s upper base. It is estimated that it will take 2.9 million litres of water to fill the facility with an expected 15.9 million litres of water lost to evaporation flow/waste. This represents a third of a percent of Whistler's total annual water volume.
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Impact on Bear Habitats
Wildlife representatives are also concerned that the bear habitat will be put at risk, particularly in the Creekside area where 50 kilometres of new trails are slated for construction.Â
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Lack of Health Care
With any massive indoor/outdoor adventure project, availability of health care options is critical. Many residents are worried that their already strained health care system will not be able to handle the increased volume of visitors.
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With such limited support services and infrastructure in Whistler Blackcomb, the sustainability from a commercial real estate perspective is also being questioned by industry experts. As plans continue to evolve for this project, many are following this project very closely, which is sure to generate more opposition as the modernization unfolds.Â
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In our Vancouver office, David Fox monitors commercial real estate activity in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, including Whistler and Squamish. Please contact him for more information related to this exciting market.
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