Report on Council and Senior Staff Planning Retreat December 17 and 18, 2014 Presentation to Council January 27, 2015
Outline of retreat Update about state of the community Review of foundational work for previous three years Overview of organization and municipal operations Discussion of Council plans and priorities Consideration of key initiatives, deliverables and next steps
State of the community Moving toward vision of four season destination resort Benefiting from economic recovery from 2008 (US$) Year over year growth in Winter and summer business Strong signs of turn around in real estate sector SKI Magazine #1 ranking and other recognition Overall positive momentum and progress by the resort community Need to reinvest in resort infrastructure Need to fill occupancy gaps in fall, spring and week days
Summers: Year over year growth 2011 2014 Occupancy 2011 2012 2013 2014 May June July August Sept Oct 4
State of the community Whistler economic drivers $1.27 billion Estimated annual end consumer commercial spending 85 90% Consumer spending generated by visitors $1.3 billion Annual estimated GDP from consumer spending $428 million Annual tax revenue (federal, provincial, municipal) $1.1 million Daily tax revenue generated 22.5% Whistler portion of tourism export revenue of the Province
Building on foundation of last three years Strong fiscal management Increased accountability and transparency Quarterly Financial reporting Strong provincial relationships Significant collaborative planning with resort partners Economic Partnership Initiative Cultural Planning Learning and Education Recreation and Leisure
Building on foundation of last three years Growth in Festivals, Events, and Animation program Focus on FireSmart initiatives and wildfire protection Investments in Alpine Trails, Spearhead huts Development of Financial Reserve Policy Innovative and cost effective Solid Waste Strategy Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention New May Long Weekend Celebration
Resort Municipality of Whistler structure The Community
Council direction 1. Continued focus on prudent and efficient fiscal management 2. Continued commitment to the Corporate Plan, transparency and accountability, and evidence based decision making 3. Success that continues to be based on partnership, stakeholder collaboration, and meaningful and respectful community engagement
Council direction (continued) 4. Continued commitment to progressive and informed community planning and economic development 5. Continued commitment to enhancing the visitor experience with a focus on the core tourism product and implementing economic, learning and education and recreation and leisure plans.
Council direction (continued) 7. Delivering on our cultural tourism development strategies and commitments 8. Ongoing and enhanced monitoring of key metrics to track long term resident affordability in Whistler 9. Renewed focus on the community s commitment to environmental performance outcomes
Key initiatives in 2015 Partnerships with First Nations neighbours Customer Service Strategy Wildfire Management Plan Solid Waste Management Plan Investment into wayfinding Updates to Gateway Loop Village Rejuvenation Alpine Trails Program Opening of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute at Whistler
Corporate plan on a page 2015 2018
What s next Audit & Finance Committee review early February Budget open house February 25 2014 Community and Corporate indicator report Preliminary budget overview Budget public input February/March Budget report to Council March Budget adoption April Final Corporate Plan and budget May
Budget Process
Thank you