All Candidates Meeting, Mon 3rd Nov 6:30-9:30pm

[heading]WORCA "Meet the Candidates" Night[/heading]EVENT DETAILSDate: Monday, November 3rdTime: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation: Whistler Secondary School (heading north turn right at the traffic lights in Alpine)Room: Multipurpose RoomWhistler's municipal election is fast approaching (Saturday, November 15) so come on out to the WORCA "Meet the Candidates" Night and get more informed. Have a question for a candidate? Not sure who are all the names on the ballot? We will be dividing up into small groups and sitting down at a table with the candidates giving them a chance to give a short 'elevator pitch' before providing you the opportunity to ask them your question. Every five minutes the candidates will move from table to table, speed dating style.

The meeting is open to the general public, not just WORCA members, and is a great way to communicate with the candidates in a casual environment.

WORCA has sent the candidates the following question for their response:“Mountain biking is the leading economic driver for Whistler in the summer months. We are seeing an increased use and degradation of the trails as a result. We have a lack of low intermediate trails in close proximity to the village and the bike rental operators. As a member of Whistler’s council how would you propose to remedy these items as well as promoting and supporting the sport of mountain biking in Whistler during the upcoming four years?”Here are the candidates responses to the above question:Nancy Wilhelm-MordenI recognize the importance of mountain biking to Whistler and therefore will continue to support community enrichment programme grants to WORCA for trail construction and maintenance.  The Municipality has embarked on an ambitious, multi-year, multi-use trail construction and reclamation project and I will support this as well.  Finally, the RMOW supports both by way of value-in-kind and RMI monies Crankworx, the premier celebration of mountain biking in Whistler.  This too has my support. Andrée JanykThe Recreation and Leisure Advisory Committee has discussed the need for "green" level mountain bike trails. Some of us have visited Squamish and enjoyed the variety of trails there.  What are the topographical limitation in Whistler is a question that needs answering and the opportunities for a flowing x country mountain bike trail like Tin Pants that stretches from one end of town to the other.  Collaborative work between WORCA, RLAC and the Forest and Wildlife Committee needs to happen leading to a recommendation. With a plan funding could come perhaps in part from RMI funds. We also need to talk about trail etiquette, signage, & trail width to ensure the system remains a comfortable place for all to ride. As far a promotion - good trails (the first step) = good promotion through TW, Whistler Blackcomb, hoteliers, word of mouth, tour operators as well as the RMOW.Steve AndersonAs a regular rider on the trails in close proximity to Whistler I have noticed an upsurge in popularity which has resulted in degradation in certain sections.Where problems areas become evident, we need to pass that information along to municipal work crews to assess and allow them to budget for maintenance on a priority basis.The Lost Lake network, in particular, sees heavy usage. I am not positive if additional trails can be added as so many already exist.Conversely, the Emerald Forest zone experiences relatively low traffic so that fact could be highlighted for riders looking for a quieter trail riding experience.From what I have noticed of the bike rental clientele they tend to view the Valley Trail as the limits of extreme biking.I have stated clearly in my campaign platform that infrastructure investment directed to upgrades on sections of our Valley Trail commuter network is required.Priority 1 would be the completion of section from Nesters to Nick North.We know W/B has been trying to expand bike park product to Creekside. At this time land use issues are holding up the process in which the municipality could play a supporting role.During recent BC Parks management plan update I made my position clear in support of permitting limited bike access to alpine. I am still of the opinion an uphill only option for Singing Pass trail with downhill section to Cheakamus Lake would be an asset to our backcountry trail riding product offerings. Will I be able to see this come to fruition over the next four years? No promises..I do know that being at the council table lobbying for biking community through infrastructure spending and permitting processes will place us in a better position to realise positive actions taken.Sue MaxwellAs the summer business has expanded in Whistler over the last few years, no one can deny that mountain biking is a big economic driver.  The overwhelming success of the green and blue trails in the Lost Lake network both for tourists and kid’s programs has obviously put a lot of strain on the trails there.  On council I would like see RMOW staff work with WORCA's trail experts to determine where there may be suitable areas in the valley to develop more "low intermediate" trails while making sure we hold true to other important values in the community - I like the idea of planning our recreation infrastructure, of which mountain bike trails are a major part for Whistler. This could take pressure off Lost Lake and increase the number of accessible trails for anyone who enjoys this level of trail.   I would also support WORCA’s needs for funding for trail maintenance and development either through grants, RMI funding, or budget through the Whistler trail crews.  With more traffic on the trails throughout the valley there will be more and more need to maintain and improve our trail infrastructure.Jack CromptonWe’ve been investing in trails these last 3 years and will continue to. The RLMP will have suggestions around mountain bike trails. The most useful information we get on mountain bike needs is through direct consultation with WORCA. I look forward to considering RLMP recommendations with input from WORCA.I will continue to commit resources to trail maintenance and the growth of the existing network. I will continue to ride our local trails so that I understand the needs and continue as a direct beneficiary of the asset. Our family will continue to be members and participants in WORCA.Michael d'ArtoisIn answer to your question:  We are victims of our own success (again).  The vast network of intermediate trails around Lost Lake has undergone much stress and requires ongoing maintenance by muni parks department.In order to relieve this impact and cost of maintenance perhaps other trails could be made available. I would certainly encourage any suggestions WORCA might have.The volunteer trail maintenance work WORCA also provides the Community and Resort a very large benefit for the growing Summer market. I look forward to enriching this arrangement with the Community wherever possible.Tristan GalbraithThanks for the email and will do my best to attend because cycling has been a large passion of mine and big part of my life.  My old roommate and training partner won Cyclocross nationals yesterday again in Winnipeg.Your question has been on the radar of many of us for quite some time especially coming from a competitive cycling background here in BC, Ontario, Canada and the US.  Largely your question can be answered by WORCA, the public as well as Ian and the staff at cross country connection at the Passive Haus.Your time is best spend raising money for wages of rental and guide staff or motivating them to perform the work to get people out there, perhaps also motivating more people over at MAC and the community services to get out more to  motivate youth.More flat roads would also be nice for the cross and road bikes.Pete CrutchfieldWhen I first moved to Whistler in 1991, many considered it to be "a crazy dream" to believe Whistler might one day be as popular in the summer as it is in the winter. Today’s reality has seen that dream come true, and I have no doubt that is in large part due to the efforts of WORCA. I would fully support continuing the WORCA/RMOW partnership that has proven so effective. Mountain biking fits perfectly with the diversification recommendations found in the E.P.I., and I agree it would be great to ease the access for tourists by creating more trails within easy reach of the village and rental shops.John GrillsIncreasingly over the past few years there has been renewed attention (and funding) for the trail system in our valley. This work is taking into consideration all trial types and user groups. The continued growth of Whistler as a biking mecca has put increased pressure on our heavily used “close to the village trails” We are experiencing huge growth in all cycling/biking disciplines. WORCA has always played a valuable role in development and maintenance of our trails. I would think the first thing to do is convene a meeting in the next three months of all the key stakeholders. The goal is to establish what we need to do for the coming season and where we would like to be in five years. Decide on the priorities and develop the corresponding budgets.We look forward to seeing you on Monday, November 3rd from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Whistler Secondary School.