Whistler Council will discuss two major active transportation initiatives at today’s council meeting. One of the key items is a staff proposal to apply for the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant to fund the construction of a new segment of the Valley Trail near the Highway 99 and Bayshores intersection.
If approved by Council and successfully funded, the project would address a critical gap in the Valley Trail network and improve safety in the area. The grant would cover 70% of the project costs, up to $500,000, with RMOW responsible for the remaining funds. Pending approval, the design work for the project is expected to be completed this year, with construction planned for 2025.
The project is part of a broader effort to enhance the Valley Trail, guided by the 2019 Valley Trail Safety Assessment and Whistler’s Official Community Plan. Staff noted in a report that the proposed extension along Highway 99 would improve connectivity for trail users and address localized safety concerns, making it a priority project that aligns well with funding criteria.
At the meeting, the council will also consider a proposal to apply for the BC Active Transportation Network Planning Grant (ATNPG). This grant would support the development of a comprehensive Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) for Whistler.
If the application is successful, RMOW staff will start a community engagement process to gather input from various stakeholders, including residents, commuters, the Líl ̓wat and Skwxwú7mesh Nations, businesses, and emergency services. The engagement would focus on identifying current active transportation patterns, barriers to access, safety concerns, and potential solutions to improve the network.
The community consultation phase is expected to begin within four to six weeks of receiving the funding and would include surveys, focus groups, interviews, and public open houses.