Dear Sylvie Paillard,
I am writing to correct several inaccuracies in your editorial "Out of touch," [The Chief, Oct. 8].
The article states:
"Melamed said this week he believes the commuter bus service between Squamish and Whistler, which brings in the droves of workers needed to make the resort a luxury destination, should be entirely paid for by Squamish since it's Squamish folks alone who benefit."
In fact, as the attached September 21 RMOW staff report indicates, the Squamish-Whistler Commuter does not bring "droves of workers" to Whistler.
The Squamish-Whistler Commuter accounts for 75 to 120 people (140 to 210 rides) per day, which accounts for the extremely high cost per rider and one of the challenges of funding this service. Approximately 12,000 employees (full-time equivalent) work in Whistler.
We continue to strive as a community to house our workforce within Whistler, recognizing that this enhances the health and vitality of our community and quality of life for Whistler employees.
The 2010 Whistler Housing Authority Employer Needs Assessment released this fall indicates that Whistler housed 76 per cent of its full-time employees and 81 per cent of seasonal employees during the 2009/2010 season.
The remainder resided outside Whistler in Squamish, Pemberton and other surrounding areas.
In my interview with reporter Meagan Robertson on Oct. 6, I did not suggest that "it's Squamish folks alone," who benefit from the commuter service.
What I did suggest is that the commuter bus mainly serves Squamish residents and should be funded by the community it serves, as is common across Canada.
A key policy is to ensure equitable funding relationships between Squamish and Pemberton.
BC Transit currently funds approximately 47 per cent of the service, while the Resort Municipality of Whistler and District of Squamish share the remaining 53 per cent. Whistler's costs for this service were originally projected at $77,000 per year and are currently $208,000.
BC Transit provides funding for 47 per cent of the Pemberton commuter service, while the remainder is funded by the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (20 per cent), Village of Pemberton (40 per cent), and Mount Currie (40 per cent). Whistler Council supports discussions about a regional funding model for transit.
The article suggests that I dismissed, "the notion of using hotel taxes to subsidize the service." The Squamish-Whistler Commuter is not funded through hotel taxes, nor is this option available. The hotel tax is dedicated to tourism related projects.
The article states:
"Whether it's seasonal residents or Australian lifties, the very nature of the resort undermines that all-encompassing feeling that one lives in a town where all are striving to make it better."
I disagree heartily with the above statement. Whistler is a resort community filled with passionate people dedicated to making things better, both for current residents and for future generations.
"Melamed would do well to remember the symbiotic relationship his resort municipality has with its Squamish workers."
Whistler Council recognizes the importance for our resort community of employees, and we respect the choice of those who choose to reside in neighbouring communities.
As I indicated in my interview with Meagan Robertson, I believe that regional transit is an important initiative and we will continue to explore alternatives.
Ken Melamed
Mayor, Resort Municipality of Whistler
