The Whistler Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Hannyliz Villafuerte, an entrepreneur, community organizer, and founder of Barangay Sea to Sky, Whistler's first registered Filipino society, which promotes representation, inclusivity, and Pinoy culture across the corridor. Originally from the Filipino island of Siquijor, Hannyliz shares her journey, from earning a Law degree to building a multi-faceted life in Whistler as the CEO of retailer Tinda2x, a beauty consultant, an event producer, and a former banquet captain at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.We explore Pinoy values like Bayanihan (community spirit), how local Filipinos stay connected to their roots through things like Balikbayan boxes, and how the local Filipino-Canadian community is processing the recent Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy with compassion and strength.

Season Four of the Whistler Podcast starts with a conversation featuring Líl̓wat Nation Political Chief Skalulmecw Dean Nelson, a thoughtful, passionate community leader whose work often occurs behind the scenes. In this wide-ranging conversation, listeners will learn more about Chief Nelson's role as a political leader and advocate for positive change. From economic development to cultural revitalization, from partnerships with the broader Sea to Sky community to reflections on reconciliation, Chief Nelson offers insight into the deep responsibilities Indigenous governments carry. He also shares stories about working toward Indigenous-led events like the Invictus Games and memories from his early days as an educator and mentor.

On this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Jeremy Valeriote, an environmental engineer and longtime Whistler resident who is now our MLA. They discuss the historic moment for the Sea to Sky Corridor with the BC Greens securing the party's first-ever mainland seat in the BC Legislature, and what this means for Whistler. From affordability and housing to climate action and regional transit, they dive into the pressing issues shaping our community. Listen to how Crompton and Valeriote discuss plans to advocate for Whistler and drive meaningful progress in our region.

From squatting in the Valley (and getting kicked out...) to becoming Mayor of the Resort Municipality and ultimately being awarded with Whistler's highest honour—Nancy Wilhelm-Morden is one of our mountain town's most influential citizens. After coming here for a two-week holiday at 18, her work and volunteerism have helped shape the foundation of Whistler; in addition to her two terms as Mayor and her work as a lawyer, she is credited with helping secure Whistler as a selection for the site of the Audain Art Museum, founding the Community Foundation of Whistler, which provides grants to non-profit organizations throughout Sea to Sky, and signing the first official proclamation of Pride Week.   On October 22, 2024, Wilhelm-Morden was recognized with the Freedom of the Municipality. She and ski industry pioneer Hugh Smythe became the 15th and 16th recipients.   In this memorable episode full of unique local history, Mayor Jack Crompton sits down with his friend and former colleague to look back at the stories and events of the past 50 years, how they shaped her, and how she helped shape Whistler into the thriving community it is today. 

On this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Belinda Trembath (BT), Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. BT is approaching her second opening day at the helm of Whistler Blackcomb, bringing fresh insights after a year of learning and surprises while adjusting to the scale of a world-renowned resort at the heart of our town.We'll chat with BT about her journey, from managing challenges facing Whistler Blackcomb to celebrating a new chairlift and updated on-mountain experiences coming this winter. We'll also dive into how Whistler Blackcomb's team prepares for the season, with new staff arriving, snowmaking underway, and the mountain filling with fresh energy from passionate seasonal workers ready to deliver an unforgettable experience for all.Tune in as we explore BT's insights and discuss how Whistler Blackcomb is gearing up for another epic season.

This week on The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton is joined by Whistler Public Library Director Mikale Fenton and Program & Marketing Coordinator Jeanette Bruce. They speak about the evolving role of libraries in the digital age, how they have become community innovation hubs, and why they're more important than ever. The episode showcases how libraries have transformed into places of creativity, learning, and connection. This episode and the rest of this season were recorded from the Whistler Public Library's Wonder Lab's sound booth. The Wonder Lab is a space equipped with filmmaking kits, coding tools for kids, and professional editing software. It's free and available to anyone with a library card. Come check it out. 

In this special episode of the Whistler Podcast, we hand the mic over to Shixm'el'texw (Jeremy West), a member of the Squamish Nation, for an insightful conversation with Master Carver Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) and Apprentice Brandon Hall, both from the Squamish Nation. They discuss their incredible work on a housepost commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Squamish Nation's amalgamation, their journeys in carving, and the reclamation of Indigenous arts and culture. Tune in to hear about the power of mentorship, community, and the deep connection between art and heritage.

On this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks to Chris Fair as they explore the future of tourism in our community. Can Whistler remain a world-class destination while leading the way in sustainability? Is it possible to preserve both our environment and local economy? We'll dive into these important questions and consider how reimagining Whistler beyond just a winter resort could be the key to balancing growth, sustainability, and community well-being. Tune in as we challenge the status quo and explore what it means to create a sustainable future for Whistler.

This episode of The Whistler Podcast is the second in our two-part series on housing. Today's guest is Beau Jarvis, a born and raised Whistlerite and president and CEO of Wesgroup Properties. Beau shares his deep ties to the community, from his family's early days running the Keg restaurant, to his extensive work in real estate development.Jarvis dives into the housing crisis, offering insights from his unique perspective in the development sector. He discusses the national and local challenges of housing affordability, the history of Rainbow Ski Village, and his enduring love for Whistler. Join us as we delve into the past, present, and future of housing in Whistler with Beau Jarvis.

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton explores Whistler's housing challenges with Dale Mikkelsen, a long-time Whistlerite who joined the municipality in 2023 as General Manager of Whistler's Climate Action Planning and Development Services Division.Before his current role at RMOW, Mikkelsen was the Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer for Simon Fraser University's sustainable community model, UniverCity, sat on the Whistler Advisory Design Panel, the Whistler Housing Authority board, and was the president of WORCA. Mickelson's insights are grounded in a passion for community and sustainability.This episode explores rising land and construction costs layered with the challenges of natural and legislative constraints. How can we strike a balance by increasing density within these limits while preserving the spirit of our local spaces?Join us as we unravel the complexities, possibilities, and future of housing in Whistler.

Kirby Brown,  Sea to Sky Gondola General Manager, speaks with Mayor Jack Crompton on the Don't Love It to Death campaign. Brown speaks about educating visitors who are experiencing nature for the first time and Sea to Sky locals together. How do we balance the desire to travel to beautiful places and embrace tourism while managing experiences to navigate responsibly and respectfully? 

In this special episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Wilson Williams, an elected Councillor in his third term and spokesperson for the Squamish Nation. This episode was recorded live at the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Center (SLCC) on July 1, 2023. There are some audio gaps in the recording. Listeners are encouraged to stick with this important episode. It discusses the recent history of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and how we are uniting to meaningfully include Indigenous peoples through dialogue, education, and action. Listeners are invited to learn how we can "paddle forward together."

Tune in as Mayor Crompton and Bob Brett discuss how we can foster coexistence with our natural habitat and wildlife, ensuring that Whistler remains a sanctuary for all its inhabitants. This episode discusses biodiversity in Whistler,  the vital importance of our old-growth forests, Grizzly Bears, challenges posed by invasive species, and the fascinating world of slime molds. 

Welcome to season three of the Whistler Podcast, where we explore the heart of our mountain community's pressing issues. In this episode, Mayor Crompton and Fire Chief Thomas Doherty shed light on Whistler's proactive measures in wildfire preparedness. Join us as they discuss the town's comprehensive strategies and the vital role residents play in safeguarding our environment. From innovative initiatives to practical tips, discover how Whistler is gearing up to respond to wildfires and learn how you can contribute to our collective resilience. Tune in for insights, advice, and a deeper understanding of our commitment to protecting Whistler.LinksSign up for Whistler AlertRead the Sea to Sky Evacuation Plan Learn how to prepare for a wildfire emergency

Join Mayor Jack Crompton in conversation with Braden Dupuis, Editor of Pique Newsmagazine. Braden shares his vision for the Pique and they discuss housing, the Northlands rezoning process, the upcoming election and transit. 

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he talks to longtime Whistler resident and Pique Newsmagazine columnist, G.D. Maxwell.  Listen in to learn Maxwell's episode to learn his Whistler origin story as a self-proclaimed corporate dropout turned local legend. If you agree with his opinion pieces or not, this is a must-listen episode. 

Join Mayor Jack Compton as he speaks with the Chief Administrative Officer at the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), Virginia "Ginny" Cullen. Ginny shares her experience living in Whistler, how her role supports the RMOW and why the Whistler sessions were so important.  Ginny explains that the intention behind the Whistler sessions was to clearly imagine Whistler's future. Listen to the episode to find out why Ginny aimed to provoke emotional responses to possible scenarios and make people uncomfortable to find solutions. 

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he has a powerful conversation with Tanina Williams of the Líl̓wat Nation,  who shares her relationship with Canada, colonization, and her experience with systemic racism. Williams also speaks about healing trauma and her role working with youth. 

Join Mayor Jack  Crompton when he talks to Jen Ford about local, regional and provincial politics. Jen Ford is a councillor at the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Chair of the Squamish Lillooet Regional District. She is also the first Vice President of the Union of BC Municipalities. 

Join Mayor Jack  Crompton as he talks to Audain Art Museum Director and Chief Curator, Dr. Curtis Collins about how he joined the Audain team and his connection to Indigenous artists and supporting their work.    

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he connects with photographer and avid stand-up paddleboard athlete, Arne Gutmann to discuss the process and approach to his art. Arne speaks to the importance of working to address the impact of EPS styrofoam on Whistler's waterways. The podcast shines a light on places we need to pay attention to as a community. 

Alison speaks with Mayor Jack Crompton about her role as the curator of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center Curator (SLCC) and the path she took to step into her role. Alison shares her experience with speaking Ucwalmícwts, the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil'wat) Nation's traditional language, and how she feels about sharing her culture and history with the visitors to the SLCC. 

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he talks to Whistler High School students Tomas Rasmussen and Hugo Steiner about where we need to go as a community. Learn more about how they imagine the future and how our decisions today will impact what Whistler will look like tomorrow. 

Join Mayor Jack Crompton and Claire Ruddy as they discuss how the pandemic has impacted a shift to working from home, environmentalism and the threat of our changing climate. Claire shares her vision for the big changes and conversations that we need to embrace to shift towards a more sustainable society. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Tricia Smith, a four-time Olympian in rowing and current president of the Canadian Olympic Committee. Smith talks about her multifaceted career in sport, including her early connection to the Whistler community, her experience as an Olympian and her career leading the Canadian Olympic Committee. 

In this episode Rob talks about growing up in the Okanagan, raising his family in Whistler and his experience as a Ski Coach and Real Estate Agent. Rob also shares details on his extensive ski career including behind the scenes of his 1989 World Cup Downhill win on Whistler Mountain. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton talks with Cheximiya Allison Burns Joseph, the Manager of the Indigenous Youth Ambassadors Program (IYA) at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Cheximiya Allison Burns Joseph talks about the IYA Program, and the linguistic histories of the Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation. She also shares about her weaving under the mentorship of Chepximiya Siyam' Chief Janice George and performing in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony. Transcript available on request. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Councillor Cathy Jewett speaks with multi-disciplinary artist Christina Nick. Christina Nick talks about her work, in particular her recent welded sculpture of a swan and her famous salmon pieces, as well as her Seppo sculpture at the head of Lost Lake Park. She also talks about her global travel and launching the art and performance show Artrageous!

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Councillor Cathy Jewett speaks with artist Dave Petko (“Pepe”). Dave's art spans from murals, paintings, sculptures, large scale installations for music festivals, and snowboard graphics to tattoos. You'll find his work around Whistler: the mural on the Whistler Olympic Plaza washrooms, and at Black Ohm Tattoos. He was awarded the Whistler Champion of Arts and Culture in the 2021 Whistler Excellence Awards. Dave's glow-in-the-dark exhibit Starry Nights is at the Gallery at the Maury Young Arts Centre. The exhibit is running until March 6. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Councillor Cathy Jewett speaks with renowned contemporary indigenous artists Xwalacktun, from the Squamish Nation, and Levi Nelson, from the Lil'wat Nation.  Xwalacktun and Levi Nelson collaborated with James Hart on the recently unveiled two-part work The Three Watchmen (by Hart) which is placed on a carved band called The Great Flood (Ti A7xa7 St'ak') (by Xwalacktun and Nelson) outside the Audain Art Museum. The location is on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil'wat (Lil̓wat7úl) Nation and Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation.  The artists discuss the stories depicted in The Three Watchmen as well as their artistic methods, cultural influences, and the intent behind their work. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk speak to Chad Chomlack. Chad Chomlack is best known as a photographer, but is also a business person, wedding and celebration of life officiant, and facilitates the Soul Atrium retreat for men as part of his work as a life integration coach.  Mayor Crompton and Chad Chomlack have been friends for almost 30 years. In this episode they talk parenting children on the cusp of adulthood, Sea to Sky culture, men's mental health, and photography. Chad Chomlack describes his groundbreaking Deep Winter Photo Challenge slide show from 2016—It All Belongs—which captured local snowboarding legends JF Pelchat, Devun Walsh and DCP in their element both on the mountain and in their roles as fathers. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Councillor Cathy Jewett takes the reins as podcast host and speaks to renowned Whistler artist Isobel MacLaurin. Isobel MacLaurin describes how she and her late husband Don MacLaurin first moved to Whistler, the cabin they built for their family, life raising their four children (whose ski passes she obtained in return for paintings commissioned by the Garibaldi Lift Company) and her work as an artist in Whistler, as well as around the world. Isobel MacLaurin has lived in Whistler almost 60 years. She helped the arts scene in Whistler find its feet and was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award in 1991.  She celebrated her 90th birthday this summer when Arts Whistler threw the Fashion Garden Party in her honour. Her paintings, many of animals, flora and fauna, can be found around Whistler and on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk talk waste diversion, climate action, adapting operations during COVID, circular economy and the new ReLoveIt online store with Dave Clark and Lori Pyne of the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS). October's theme in Whistler's Climate Action BIG MOVES Strategy is: Let's love this place, reduce our waste. Lori and Dave detail how they accomplish this by reducing single-use plastics, minimizing food waste, buying second hand clothes, and they also share that the Re-Build-It Centre has tools for borrowing, to help people restore and repair. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk speak to Dr. Clark Lewis about his primary care practice BettrCare that has used technology to modernize the house call, in a community with a shortage of family doctors.  Dr. Lewis is an ER doctor, skier, mountain biker and surfer who, over his career, has watched access to primary care get more difficult for patients, and Dr. Lewis decided to bring back the house call to help fill that gap. During the pandemic, BettrCare has also offered COVID testing for travellers. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk speak to Cathy Jewett and Heather Paul about the 2021 Whistler Excellence Awards. Jewett and Paul share their thoughts on the individuals and businesses recognized at the event and discuss the valuable work being celebrated, as well as reflecting on how Whistler has pulled together during the past 18 months of the pandemic.  Both Jewett and Paul are former winners of the Whistler Citizen of the Year.

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk speak to Anoop Virk. Anoop is Executive Producer of TEDxWhistler, an event that shares “ideas worth spreading” on this year's theme of Legacy. Anoop was one of Canada's Top 20 Under 20 and BC's 24 Under 24. She is known for her work reconnecting homeless individuals with their loved ones in Vancouver, building a gender equality based school in Africa and managing and operating a culinary business with co-owner of the Food Network Canada's Bal Arneson.  The virtual TEDxWhistler event runs Sunday, September 12 with speakers including artist Chief Janice George, first responder Dr Renata Lewis, and gold medal Olympian Jon Montgomery. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk speak to Marla Zucht, General Manager at the Whistler Housing Authority (WHA). The WHA manages 6,600 bed units through its ownership and rental programs, allowing around 80 per cent of employees to be housed within Whistler. Marla talks about the energy and vibrancy WHA housing developments bring to neighbourhoods. They also discuss how the program has evolved, debunk some myths, discuss the wait list and talk about future housing inventory.The WHA was created by the Resort Municipality of Whistler to oversee resident-restricted housing for both ownership and rental. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk speak to Juliette and Amalia (Billy) Pelchat and Mayor Crompton's daughter Maggie Crompton, of the Real Wild Kittens. The Real Wild Kittens are a non-profit skateboard collective with the goal to provide a safe environment for women to learn to skateboard and to progress in a male-dominant sport. The Real Wild Kittens hosts jams, camps and private lessons.  Juliette, Amalia and Maggie also talk about growing up snowboarding in Whistler, and Juliette competing in the Youth Olympics last year. 

This week in The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk speak to Jayson Faulkner about the Spearhead Huts project.They discuss how Whistler's counterculture helped this region have a pivotal global influence on action sports. Jayson shares memories of trips to the Spearhead Range as a child, before ski touring and avalanche safety equipment were available. And describes how his trips to the Alps inspired his interest in alpine huts. Jayson shares how outdoor recreation is a way of promoting sustainability and environmental sensitivity through an emotional connection with the outdoors. Jayson has compressed a lot into his career that's focused on helping people fall in love with the mountains, from working on the Whistler Mountain marketing team, founding Escape Route with their Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau, serving as VP of Sales and Marketing at Arc'teryx, co-founding the Sea to Sky Gondola Corporation, and is currently serving as president and founder of Bridal Falls Gondola Corporation. He also was on the Whistler Council from 2011 to 2014.   

In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk are joined by Mary Ann Collishaw and Pete Crutchfield, long-time Whistler locals who are leaving Whistler to move into their new home in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick. Mary Ann and Pete talk frankly about their lives in Whistler, and what they feel Whistler could do better. Mary Ann explains that the dignity of local residents and workers isn't often discussed in conversations about housing, and warns that Whistler needs to value its uniqueness, particularly in the arts. 

Nicolette Richer joins Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk in this episode of The Whistler Podcast. Nicolette is the founder and CEO of The Green Moustache Juice Co. Inc. as well as Richer Health, Sea to Sky Thrivers Society and the Richer Health Nutrition + Detox Wellness Centre. She is a Regenerative Medicine Educator, author, podcaster and doctoral student who is currently running and biking her way around the province, 100 kilometres a day.Nicolotte shares her passion for teaching people how to build health and reverse chronic disease through an organic whole food diet of vegetables, fruits, pulses and legumes. When Nicolette started her first The Green Moustache café eight years ago, she met a lot of resistance. She was told people wouldn't pay money for healthy food. There are four locations now and another ten locations set to open. She describes how plant-based wholefoods could be sold at more food establishments and appeal to a public who aren't used to eating fruits and vegetables. 

In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk are joined by AWARE Executive Director Claire Ruddy. AWARE is committed to protecting Whistler's natural environment by speaking up and taking action on environmental issues, while empowering others to do the same.The discussion begins with how to get nature a seat at the table and how to place value on the services in which nature provides that replace infrastructure requirements.  What value does nature provide in Whistler, and how do we represent that?  The discussion then moves to logging old growth, and the swell of momentum that the issue has received including the deferment announcement from the Squamish Nation. They discuss the forestry industry, and question if we should be reducing the annual allowable cut limit. Through the lens of timber value, how do we restore our forest infrastructure to its original biodiversity? Claire discusses the Big Moves Strategy, and how we move forward with funding change. Lastly, Claire provides some history of AWARE including how the organization started and her involvement since 2013.  

In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk are joined by Jackie Dickinson, Executive Director of the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) and Councillor Jen Ford, who serves on the WCSS board of directors.  Jackie reveals her secret to caring, which is recognizing that everyone belongs to someone. They discuss the connection between municipalities and social services, where the money comes from, and the benefits to WCSS of raising their own unrestricted funds through the Re-Use-It centre, the Re-Build-It centre and the Bottle Recycling Program.  They review the past 30 years of the WCSS, and how the organization has adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic. New initiatives including their food and hygiene kit delivery programs and temporary isolation sites are just some examples of how the WCSS has adapted to changing community needs. They discuss the connection between housing security and social security, and the importance of understanding what creates a security net.  They further the conversation with the idea of a social prescription, which was the framework for the collaboration between WCSS and the health clinic and discuss the success of that connection.  Lastly, Jackie invites the listener to get involved and join the Together movement. It's ok to not be ok.  Free, confidential mental health and wellness support is available through Whistler Community Services Society. Outreach workers are just a click away and are here to help. Book an appointment at mywcss.org/contact-outreach

In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk are joined by Joey Gibbons, CEO of Gibbons Whistler. Joey is a passionate Whisterite, entrepreneur and avid skier who cares immensely for our town.  They begin by discussing the BC Restart Plan, and the challenges Gibbons has encountered trying to operate a business that centres around bringing people together during COVID-19.  Joey takes the listener through the history of Gibbons beginning with when the first buildings were constructed, and how he discovered his passion for hosting parties. He reflects on the energy that is created by his people and the environment in his businesses, and reveals some memorable experiences when celebrities have appeared on his patio. He expresses his excitement for the core culture of Whistler, and divulges his secret to having happy employees. The conversation moves to the vision of local ownership of Whistler businesses including Whistler Blackcomb.  Lastly, Joey discusses his experience with the reality TV Show Apres Ski which featured Joey and Gibbons Whistler.  

In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk are joined by Rodney Payne, CEO of Destination Think, whose purpose is to help ensure the tourism industry's actions lead to a better future for everyone. Rodney begins by discussing how COVID-19 has changed tourism and the effects of the remote workplace on tourism reliant towns. They discuss the delicate balance of tourism and the role of community leaders in managing residents' values and the economy that tourism creates.  How does a destination ensure they have the right visitor with the right values? Rodney poses the question if more tourism is always better, and why do we want more tourists?  He states the importance of aligning resident and tourism values, including capacity, infrastructure and environment. Lastly, Rodney asks the question if climate serves tourism, and what are the risks for climate action or inaction for the tourism industry. 

After 35 years of feeding Whistler, Ingrid's Village Cafe is closing their doors.  In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefuik host Ingrid's owners Fiona Minton and Nancy MacConnachie as they reflect on the past 18 years of operating Ingrid's Village Cafe.  They discuss what it was like owning a business in Whistler with the ebb and flow of tourism and seasonal staff. They comment on COVID-19, and the importance of creating staffing cohorts.  They share heartfelt memories and stories of their regulars, reflecting on customers coming and going throughout their lives. Lastly, they touch on the overwhelming response and amazing community support they have received since their closing announcement.  Ingrid's Village Cafe will be closing its doors on March 29.  Be sure to visit before then, and decide for yourself if the Falafel Feta Wrap is truly underrated!

 In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk meet with Court Larabee, Executive Director of the Indigenous Life Sports Academy. The ILSA provides indigenous youth with unstructured sports, striving to create social change and development within Indigenous communities in the Sea to Sky Corridor.  Court begins the episode by educating the listener on the proper terminologies for Indigenous groups in Canada, and encourages people to follow the ILSA motto, which is “if you are not falling, you are not learning not learning.”  He reveals his personal experiences growing up in Thunder Bay as an Anishinaabe, and shares what inspired him to follow his current path.  He discusses what it means to be BIPOC in Whistler, and lastly invites the listener to help with the ILSA mission.  We want to hear from you!  Do you have comments, feedback or suggestions for the Whistler Podcast?  Reach out to facebook.com/mayorjackcrompton or @jacksoncrompton on twitter and let us know what you think.   

In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk are joined by Whistler's family doctor, Karen Kausky. Dr. Kausky has been treating Whistler residents for over 30 years, and provides an inside look at the pandemic from her perspective.  In the conversation, Dr. Kausky touches on the challenges family doctors face today and the battle between practicing medicine and operating a small business. They review the COVID-19 timeline and address specific community challenges including positive cases in dense housing situations. The discussion moves to vaccines and the risk of doing nothing. Lastly, they talk about mental health, and the importance of the first steps in seeking help.    Do you have feedback, comments or questions for the Whistler Podcast?  Reach out to @mayorjackcrompton on Facebook or @jacksoncrompton on Twitter.   

In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton is joined by the voices of the Sea to Sky radio station, Mountain FM's Darren McPeake and Marshall Whitsed.  They discuss emergency preparedness, and hear Marshall's first person account of his experience in the Fort McMurray wildfires. They reflect on how COVID-19 has changed their work and lives, and how they are battling the repetitiveness of COVID-19 messaging on air. Lastly, they discuss what they hope to see for the region in ten years from now, and what decision makers should think about in the future including regional transportation and park protection.  The next Whistler Podcast episode will feature Court Larabee, Vice President of the First Nations Snowboard Team. Submit your questions for Court now to https://www.facebook.com/mayorjackcrompton. 

 The Whistler Podcast is back for its second season!  In this episode, host Mayor Jack Crompton introduces Cole Stefiuk as a collaborative voice, and is joined by the Sea to Sky Corridor Mayors for their third Mayors discussion on the Whistler Podcast.  Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott and Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman join in and discuss COVID-19 and where they draw their inspiration from while leading through the Pandemic. They also discuss housing developments, growth and planning in their respective communities. We want to hear from you!  Do you have a comment, question or suggestion for the Whistler Podcast?  Contact Jack Crompton at facebook.com/mayorjackcrompton  or @jacksoncrompton on Twitter, and tell us what you want to hear on your local Podcast. 

Long time Whistler Real Estate professional Pat Kelly joins Mayor Jack Crompton with co-host Councillor Duane Jackson as they discuss the Whistler real estate market.  Pat identifies who the Whistler purchaser is and how interest rates affect those purchases. He shares his market forecast, and discusses short term and long term investments while touching on the Airbnb movement and how COVID-19 is affecting that market. They also discuss local resident housing, affordability within the corridor and supply and demand.   Pat has been active in the real estate business in Whistler and Pemberton since 1981, and is the owner of The Whistler Real Estate Company. Pat is a graduate of the Commerce Program at the University of British Columbia and holds a Master's Degree in Legal Studies from Simon Fraser University. With offices in Whistler and Pemberton, Pat has had his finger on the pulse of the corridor real estate market for almost 40 years.