Straight Outta Crompton: A Fine Balance
I just got back from a limousine tradeshow in Las Vegas. Every year the limousine show is on the same week as Magic Marketplace which is one of the world’s largest fashion tradeshows. Every year I take great delight in the dramatic contrast between the two groups. High fashion is tall, chic and wonderful. Limousine is not as tall, wonderfully tacky and a little strange. It may sound as though I have something against the limousine industry… nothing could be further from the truth, it is where I feel most at home. Valentines in Vegas is a fine balance and whether you are a fubsy chauffeur or a 7-foot glamoratti, you are at home
I asked for questions from the public about municipal process and this week I received two. It seems to me both concerns ask for the RMOW to deliver a Valentines in Vegas fine balance.
1) Why do some Whistler neighborhoods (Tamarisk/Twin Lakes) not receive as high level services as other neighbourhoods (Blueberry)?
In short, because complete equity probably isn’t possible. I think this is true in most municipalities because different neighborhoods have different geography, different populations and development histories. Combining these issues, and others, with limited funds means municipalities need to find where money is best spent in each neighbourhood. Certainly, our goal is each neighbourhood is serviced well… differently, but hopefully well. The question asker specifically mentioned the fact that Tamarisk doesn’t have direct valley trail access. The valley trail is a project that continues and when there is money to commit to building trail, new sections are built. I live in Alta Vista and for a section through my neighbourhood the valley trail is on the shoulder of the road, probably because geography won’t cost effectively allow the trail to be anywhere else. Neighbourhoods that have close alternatives are typically pushed later in the program. Less than ideal? Yes. Necessary? Probably.
Some neighbourhoods have beaches to maintain, some have aging infrastructure and some have valley trail that needs maintenance. If there are concerns about the way your neighbourhood is being serviced continue to bring those concerns to council. Municipalities can provide the electorate direct access to government in a way that is not possible in other levels of government… continue to take advantage of that access. Servicing a whole community is a fine balance.
2) What’s with all the recent letters regarding party noise?
This questioner went on to say that if people don’t like the noise they should probably not choose village accommodation. In my view this points to another issue where we need to strike a fine balance. This town has been built on tourism… all kinds. We have noise bylaws and we enforce them. We provide opportunities for people to party and we promote those. I don’t think Whistler can afford to chase away either group. Our goal is to work hard to ensure different kinds of visitors can co-exist. The complaint letters hopefully serve as a catalyst for us to do better rather than a condemnation of the resort… we can always do better.
This week council:
- Released the legal costs attached to the asphalt plant process. The total costs are $591,050.00 and they are based on the legal process from 2009 forward.
- Received the news the Whistler helipad has failed a second inspection. The failure is due primarily to drivers not stopping at the flashing lights installed to stop traffic when helicopters are landing.
Article source: http://www.whistlerisawesome.com/2012/02/17/straight-outta-crompton-a-fine-balance/
