As a member of Whistler’s community and a parent to students of the Whistler Waldorf School (WWS), I've witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts the school has made to build and grow opportunities for education and childcare in our community. This includes a 25-year journey to find a permanent home. Our school functions not merely as a school, but as a gathering place for the community. 

 

 

Most recently, the school was working in collaboration with the Municipality on plans for a new school at Spruce Grove that would have been on a smaller site and created new community amenities for everyone. In the Council’s most recent meeting, however, they voted to direct its staff to prepare and execute a final extension to the WWS’s current lease, which will end on June 30, 2025. Needless to say, the school was deeply surprised, saddened, and confused by this unexpected and sudden decision.

 

 

If this decision stands, it will have profound negative impacts on the entire Whistler community. It would displace over 170 K-12 students from 134 enrolled families and close 45-50 daycare spots. Additionally, it would result in the loss of approximately 45 jobs and likely, the closure of the school.

 

 

WWS isn't just a school, it's a non-profit society that brings together public, parent and charitable funding. The school is 50% publicly funded through the BC Ministry of Education. In 2019 in partnership with the RMOW and with the support of a grant from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, the school was able to open a second daycare in Spring Creek. The non-profit daycare operations rely on support from the school. Without a lease, the school would be unable to sustain the administrative operations of the daycare programs at Spring Creek and without a home the daycare program and school at Spruce Grove will no longer exist.

 

 

Unfortunately, the council recently decided against further collaboration to secure the site at Spruce Grove, jeopardizing the school's future. This undermines the hard work and dedication of everyone at WWS and risks the benefits this school brings to our community.

 

 

We believe that the council should reconsider its decision and resume collaboration with WWS to find a workable solution to ensure the survival and further development of the school. Stand with the WWS, stand with our children's education, stand with the very future of Whistler's community.

Sign this petition to voice your support and protect the future of the WWS in Whistler and access to quality childcare. 

Read the July 3 Pique story here.​

Read the July 5 follow-up Pique story here.​

Read the WWS’s follow-up post on Facebook.