Listening to the Community: Reflections from the First All Candidates Meeting

Me answering Question 6 - how to address the CAC value gap. Image courtesy of Ben Thomas.

On Sunday, September 20, I attended the first All Candidates Meeting of Whistler’s 2026 municipal election campaign. Hosted by the Whistler Tennis Association and Sea to Sky Pickleball Club, the discussion focused on the Northlands rezoning application and, in particular, the future of the Whistler Racquet Club.

After brief introductions from each candidate, we were grouped around tables to respond to six questions from the hosts. I appreciated this format for our first all-candidates meeting. It gave each candidate an opportunity to thoughtfully respond to the questions at hand, while also creating space for further conversation during the mix-and-mingle that followed.

While many of the follow-up questions were directed toward incumbent councillors, I also had opportunities to respond directly. For me, it was one of my first opportunities to contribute directly to the conversation around an issue that is clearly important to many in our community.

What I heard from attendees were passionate and hopeful voices seeking a permanent future for racquet sports in Whistler, along with a Community Amenity Contribution that provides meaningful benefit to the community.

I listened closely.

That, to me, is an important part of this campaign. Before we can make decisions about Whistler’s future, we need to understand what matters to the people who live, work and participate in this community. Sunday’s meeting was the first of many opportunities for residents to ask questions, express their priorities and hear directly from those of us seeking to represent them.

The Northlands rezoning is a complex issue with significant implications for Whistler. There are questions around the replacement racquet facility, continuity of play, location and operations, the size and scope of a future multi-use facility, and the value and allocation of the proposed Community Amenity Contribution.

These are not simple questions, and I believe they deserve thoughtful discussion, careful consideration and a willingness to listen.

You can learn more about Sunday’s meeting through Pique Newsmagazine’s coverage.

Questions from the hosts

Question 1: Should the rezoning application approval be conditional on the developer being responsible for actually building a replacement facility?

Supporting questions:

• Who do you think is the most qualified party to build the facility, Beedie or the Muni?

• Who would most likely deliver the facility “on time and on budget”, Beedie or the Muni?

• If you believe Beedie should build, would you support a negotiating strategy with Beedie to that end?

Question 2: The current Mayor and a number of councillors are on record saying the replacement facility should not be “less than we have now.” What is your vision for a replacement facility? What multi-use features would you like to see?

Question 3: What do you see as the process necessary to determine the location, form and scope for a replacement facility?

Question 4: Where do you think a replacement facility should be located, and how do you think it should be operated and run?

Question 5: Given that continuity of play is a priority for the racquet sports community, how do you propose ensuring that this is maintained (or not), since the current facility would be demolished in the proposed rezoning?

Question 6: The Muni and Beedie currently have a gap of approximately $21 million on the present value of the proposed CAC package. The RMOW values it at $38 million, versus Beedie’s valuation of $58 million. How do you propose that gap be bridged, what is your opinion on the overall number, and what portion should be allocated to a replacement facility?

What comes next

This is the first community gathering of many where residents will be looking for answers from those of us aspiring to serve on Council. I look forward to continuing these conversations, asking questions, listening to different perspectives, and sharing my own.

The next All Candidates Meeting is Thursday, September 24, hosted by the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Arts Whistler and Pique Newsmagazine. Registration is currently full, but you can join the waitlist here.

I’m looking forward to continuing to listen, learn and engage with our community as we move toward October 17.