Living in the beautiful community of Cheakamus Crossing, Whistler BC, I cherish the parklands that not only define the aesthetic beauty of our neighbourhood but also serve as essential hubs for community gatherings and recreational activities. Our neighbourhood, with its ever-growing family-oriented community, heavily relies on these green spaces that include crucial recreational facilities such as tennis and basketball courts. These aren't just places for random leisure; they are vital focal points for local community programs and families alike.

While Mayor Crompton calls the application for rezoning parkland to housing  "a key motivation for exploring opportunities to help create a more complete community at Cheakamus Crossing" he describes the proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment as an opportunity to "explore opportunities to help create a more complete community at Cheakamus Crossing." 

What this really means is that the parkland they are seeking an amendment for was NEVER part of the Official Community Plan in the first place and they want to take parkland that was never slated for housing or any other development. 

Yes, we need a grocery store. Yes, we need more parking, better services, and more housing. I am not against housing. What I am against is sacrificing more parkland to achieve it. Parkland that was NOT included in the Official Community Plan for more housing/development in the first place! In this case at 1005, 1001, & 1010 Legacy Way, Whistler BC.

If we are planning for a larger community, then we also need the infrastructure to support it. We need a second access route into and out of Cheakamus Crossing. With increasing wildfire risk, relying on a single exit is a serious concern for residents. Even on a normal day, traffic congestion within the neighbourhood and onto Highway 99 can be challenging. Infrastructure must keep pace with growth. 

Whether the tennis and basketball courts are relocated is beside the point. Residents want this parkland to remain parkland. Once green space is lost, it is gone forever.

There is already disturbed and excavated land near the Train Wreck trail that should be explored for future development before taking away one of the few remaining green spaces in Cheakamus Crossing.

The proposed official community development amendment, File 7503.06, seeks to change the zoning of parkland on Legacy Way to potential housing sites/development at 1005, 1001, & 1010 Legacy Way, Whistler BC. Such a conversion compromises the recreational opportunities that our entire community, especially families and children, depend upon.

In a neighbourhood characterized by high density, infrastructure and recreation must be prioritized as much as housing. While construction in our area is already ongoing, basic amenities are frequently neglected. Garbage bins limited, park maintenance is irregular and poor at times, very limited parking and the scarcity of safe recreational opportunities is felt heavily by an ever-growing family community.

It is vital that we preserve the balance between development and maintaining spaces that nurture both community interactions and community.

It’s crucial that we act now to protect our shared spaces and ensure future generations of Whistler residents can enjoy the same open areas that we have cherished. Please join me in opposing the official community amendment on  the proposed official community development, File 7503.06 for 1001,  1005, 1010 Legacy Way, Whistler BC for the betterment of our community.

Sign this petition to keep Whistler’s public spaces accessible and ensure a balanced development approach that respects both our living requirements and recreational needs.

In addition please consider sending a letter to planning@whistler.ca ; jcrompton@whistler.ca, to have your voice heard!