Real Estate Agents (and clients)

At some point, virtually every Tourism Whistler member has received information from a Real Estate Agent. There are over 8,000 members, so it is important that Real Estate Agents have the most current information to give. Tourism Whistler is responsible for promoting the resort as an international, four-season destination with the goal of increasing overnight visitation. The primary source of funding is member fees.

In 1979, Resort Land was designated by the Provincial Government to ensure:

• Sufficient inventory of nightly rentals beds available close to lifts and other recreational facilities: ‘warm beds’ for a vibrant village
• Guaranteed funding for Whistler Resort Association to market and sell the resort – learn how in our Annual Report.

• Legal Notation on Title: “This land may be subject to sections 14 to 22 of the Resort Municipality of Whistler Act and the bylaws of the Whistler Resort Association filed under the Societies Act”
• Please see the decision tree on the right to determine which resort lot classification a property may fall under. There are various factors to be considered, including location, restrictive covenants, usage, etc. to determine which resort lot classification a property falls under.
• View the Resort Land Map on the right. Resort Lands are now included in the GIS map>>
• Please provide the strata plan and lot number when requesting fee information.
• Always confirm with us – we are happy to answer Real Estate Agents’ questions : 604.938.2742 assessments@tourismwhistler.com

Overview of Purpose, Mission, Vision

You can find the Purpose, Mission and Vision information here: About Tourism Whistler

Membership

Tourism Whistler is a legislated mandatory membership organization, empowered to market Whistler on behalf of its Members. All owners on designated "Resort Lands" in Whistler must be a Member of Tourism Whistler and contribute assessment fees to support ongoing marketing and sales initiatives.

Owners or Tenants of residential or commercial property on Resort Land as defined by the Resort Municipality of Whistler Act (linked on the right) are mandatory members of Tourism Whistler and pay fees to support the marketing and sales efforts.

Fees

Fees are assessed on all properties on Resort Land including bare land, commercial properties and accommodation. Fees are calculated based on the configuration, location, usage, zoning and covenants of a property, so it is best to check with the Assessments Department before quoting to a client. You can reach the team at 604.938.2742 or by email at assessments@tourismwhistler.com

Board of Directors

Tourism Whistler is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors – seven elected and six appointed.

Members of Tourism Whistler are encouraged to participate in the annual Election of Directors. Depending upon their classification and status with respect to outstanding assessments, a Member will be eligible to vote for Director position(s) representing specific Member categories up for election in any given year. Only Members eligible to vote will receive a voting package prior to the Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of its Members, the Board establishes the vision, mission, strategic objectives and priorities for Tourism Whistler, contributes to and approves the annual business plan, approves operating and capital budgets and ensures continued financial viability and the fulfillment of the organization’s mission.

Accountability to our members

Tourism Whistler is accountable to you, our Membership, to show results for your assessment dollars. Your monies are invested in marketing and sales initiatives aimed at achieving our primary objective: increasing overnight visitors to the resort. Our initiatives include brand advertising, group sales, promotional campaigns, events and media relations – all focused on attracting guests to the resort. The whistler.com website and Coast Mountain Reservations (1-800-944-7853) provide central reservation service for the resort, ensuring that potential visitors directed to this call-to-action – via our marketing and sales efforts – are given the information and encouragement they need to book their visit to Whistler.

While Member assessment fees account for approximately 55% of our marketing and sales budget, Tourism Whistler also acquires funding through its operations (i.e. Whistler Conference Centre, the Whistler Golf Club and whistler.com) as well as municipal regional district tax (MRDT) contributions, sponsorships, and partnerships. To leverage the impact of our Members’ assessment dollars and optimize our investments, Tourism Whistler continues to identify and access new funding sources.

Phase 1 and Phase 2 Covenants (Restrictive)

Phase 1 and Phase 2 covenants are registered on the title to a property and restrict how the property is used in order to ensure enough accommodation is available for Tourist Accommodation.

Phase 1 covenants allow for unlimited owner usage, but when the property is not being used by the owner it must be placed in a rental pool.

Phase 2 covenants restrict the number of days the owner is allowed to use the property. The rest of the time the property must be placed in a rental pool.

How Covenants affect Tourism Whistler Assessment Fees

Properties with Phase 1 covenants that are located within the area designated as Town Centre according to the RMOW Act and the Tourism Whistler Bylaws are assessed as a Lodging Resort Lot at all times regardless of the usage of the property. Examples include (but are not limited to): Marketplace Lodge and The Marquise.

Phase 2 properties (regardless of location) are always assessed as Lodging Resort Lots due to rental pool requirements and restrictions on owner usage.

Phase 1 properties that are located outside of the Town Centre designated area are assessed according to the declaration of usage annually.

There is a list of properties that are always assessed as Lodging Resort Lots (Phase 2 and Phase 1 in the Town Centre) in the Resource Toolbar on the right.

Please see the link to the Member FAQ document on the right.

What is "Bare Land" and how is it assessed?

Bare land is any property that is located on Resort Land that is not yet developed.

Single family or duplex lots:

• Which have not yet been occupied - $57.39 incl. GST

On land, other than single or family duplex lots, without improvements:

• That has not received a development permit - $1,092.84
• That has received a development permit - $2,733.14
• That has received a building permit - $5,466.28

What is "Town Centre" and why does it matter?

This refers to an area defined in the RMOW Act and Tourism Whistler Bylaws. Any property with a Phase 1 restrictive covenant located within this area will be assessed as a Lodging Resort Lot regardless of usage. See the section above "Restrictive Covenants and Assessment Fees" for further information.

What are the Payment Due Dates & Payment Options?

• Monthly Installment Plan: Sign up by February 27 - 10 monthly installments starting February 28
• Payment (if not paying by intsallments) - March 31
• Use Declaration Form (UDF)- March 31

For the complete list of payment options, and more information see the Fees and Payments document on the right.

What are interest charges & how do we avoid them?

Accounts that are not paid by the due date of March 31 will be charged a 3% late payment penalty, plus 1% interest per month that the balance remains unpaid. Interest will be charged on the full amount of the fees owing on the account, even if a Use Declaration Form is submitted later and the commercial portion credited. Make sure the Use Declaration Form (UDF) is submitted before the due date of March 31.

Why do we always need to quote account numbers/ legal descriptions when speaking with Tourism Whistler?

Please quote member numbers or the Strata Plan and Lot Number when contacting Tourism Whistler. This helps us make sure we are giving you the correct information.