Accessible Whistler

The Resort Municipality of Whistler's goal is to become an accessible and inclusive resort community for community members and visitors. Supported by many community partners and Whistler2020's Health and Social, Visitor Experience, Built Environment and Recreation and Leisure Task Forces we are working toward this shared goal.

Preparing for and hosting the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games have helped to accelerate Whistler's journey towards accessibility.

The work started with strategy development. Prior to the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler was selected to be a pilot community in the British Columbia Government's Measuring Up program, which seeks to provide a framework for B.C. communities to become accessible and inclusive.

The RMOW also launched the Accessibility Project, which is ongoing, and focuses on upgrades to signage, wayfinding information, and progressive, inclusive changes to the physical environment. In December 2009, RMOW Council created the Measuring Up Select Committee of Council, a broad-based advisory group of community stakeholders which actively work to develop accessible ideas and solutions in support of Measuring Up.

The resort community recognizes the heightened responsibility it has to continue providing people from around the world - with all ranges of ability - with a seamless resort experience based not only on accessibility, but also on inclusivity.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler has several examples of programs and community features that support community accessibility.

Parking - There are 34 of accessible parking stalls in the Whistler Village Day Lots in close proximity to the pedestrian exits along Blackcomb Way. Accessible spaces per day lot are as follows: five spaces in Lot 1, Nine spaces in Lot 2, 10 spaces in Lot 3, 10 spaces in Lot 4. There are also a number of accessible parking spaces located throughout the Village and Marketplace, which are marked on the barrier free route map

Visitors can acquire Whistler Parking Access Permits by bringing permits issued from their home community or apply through SPARC BC for a parking pass at: http://www.sparc.bc.ca/frequently-asked-questions. The RMOW honors out of province and out of country disabled parking passes.

Accessible Gas Station - Whistler Husky Market located at 2101 Lake Placid Rd. in Creekside. They can be reached at 604-932-3959. There are always at least two attendants available 24 hours a day, who will come into assist with refueling by either honking your horn or phoning them directly.

Taxis - Resort Cabs in Whistler has three wheelchair-accessible vans, which can be pre-booked at 604-938-1515.

BC Transit - BC Transit offers a fully accessible, low-floor bus fleet in Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton. These busses feature wider doors, extendible ramps, and hydraulics. For more information visit bctransit.com

Barrier Free Route Map - This map works in conjunction with the ramp signage program and includes the slope of each ramp as well as indicating specific access features, such as elevators. The map is promoted on the municipal website and through the Whistler Way accessibility awareness campaign. Download map here.

Wayfinding improvements  - Throughout the Village, way-finding improvements (including audible intersection crossing signals, and textured sidewalk ends) have been implemented for persons with visual and hearing disabilities, testing new standards for accessible sidewalks. Signage has being provided at each set of stairs to show where the ramp access is for that particular building or concourse level.

Inclusive Village playground - A recently opened 4,000 square-metre inclusive playground provides play opportunities for all children meeting the needs of children with disabilities or parents with disabilities to allow side-by-side play with their friends, families, and care-givers.

Cheakamus Crossing - Whistler's newest neighbourhood and the former site of the Olympic and Paralympic Athletes' Village, recently designed urban structures - accessible bus shelters and bike racks - which also substitute as exercise equipment. These everyday objects provide opportunities to increase fitness levels and maintain healthy bodies regardless of age or physical ability.

The High Performance Centre - Located in Cheakamus Crossing, the High Performance Centre is the first-ever permanent and affordable accessible training facility in Whistler.

Whistler Mountain - Whistler Mountain is wheelchair-accessible with the gondola service to the top of Whistler Mountain available in winter and summer, as well as the Peak to Peak Gondola available for sightseeing tours only.

The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program - This highly successful non-profit society and community partner provides year-round recreational programs for people of all ages with disabilities.