Whistler Ramps Up for 2010

View from the Whistler Gondola
Photo by Charles Pannell

As the site of the 2010 Paralympic Games, Whistler is a city in flux. Changes are afoot as the powers that be plan access upgrades to accommodate the expected influx of disabled athletes. Indeed there is a lot of speculation that these Paralympic Games will be more visible, largely because Sam Sullivan, the mayor of Vancouver is a quadriplegic. And with that visibility comes an added scrutiny, and the challenge to make sure everything is done right access-wise.

As the Parks Planner for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Kevin Mc Farland is one of the folks making sure things are done right. After an initial access audit of Whistler village, Kevin's committee identified a number of barriers, including the need for better signage. To that end additional signs were added and a barrier-free map, which points out accessible routes of travel, was developed.

Whistler is also one of 10 communities participating in Measuring Up; an initiative of 2010 Legacies Now, which helps cities determine how to make their communities more accessible and inclusive. And of course structural access improvements, such the new elevator to The Old Spaghetti Factory and The Crystal Lodge, have been added to accommodate wheelchair-users and slow walkers. More access improvements are in the works as 2010 approaches.

So, make plans now to visit this very accessible city. For more information about Whistler, visit the Tourism Whistler website at www.whistler.com. Information about the Paralympic Games can be found at www.paralympic.org.

Whistler, which is located about two hours north of Vancouver, will serve as the host venue for the majority of the 2010 Paralympic events. For more information about accessible lodging, tourist attractions, transportation and recreational offerings in Whistler, check out the Winter 2007 issue of Emerging Horizons.