AWARE Calls on RMOW To Make Climate Action Non-Negotiable in 2026

To Mayor and Council, Resort Municipality of Whistler,

In October 2025, AWARE launched the petition “Whistler Can’t Wait: Make Climate Action Non‑Negotiable in 2026,” calling on the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) to ensure climate action remained a central pillar of the 2026 municipal budget. The petition received 640 verified signatures, demonstrating strong community support for decisive climate leadership.

On December 16, 2025, Council received Climate Action Update Report No. 25‑095, outlining the priority actions and budget needed to close the gap toward Whistler’s GHG‑reduction targets. We commend Council for directing staff to prioritize these actions and for allocating the necessary funds in the 2026 budget. Taking corrective action when the data shows we are off‑track is the leadership this moment requires.

We also applaud the two additional motions adopted at the same meeting. Reviewing the municipal fleet replacement plan to identify priority vehicles for electrification and incorporating those replacements into the 2027 budget demonstrates a practical commitment to reducing corporate emissions. Similarly, reviewing RMOW’s procurement process to prioritize contractors with low greenhouse gas emissions is an important step toward embedding climate accountability into everyday operations.

Together, these decisions signal meaningful progress toward aligning municipal spending, procurement, and long‑term planning with Whistler’s climate goals. While the 2026 budget was an important first step, it is equally essential that the required funds be committed in the 2027 budget to ensure timely implementation of the remaining priority actions.

Council’s recent actions reflect the growing call from the Whistler community, as expressed through AWARE’s petition. Many residents want climate accountability embedded into every major municipal decision, and your responsiveness shows this message is being heard. This expectation is echoed in Pique’s Best of Whistler 2025, which identified “strengthening environmental rules” as the second‑best Council decision of the year, an indication that residents are paying close attention to environmental issues and continue to expect meaningful action to protect the natural environment that defines our community.

While these steps are significant, the scale and urgency of the climate challenge require continued focus and sustained commitment. Many in the community are looking to Council to build on this momentum and ensure climate accountability remains central to municipal decision‑making. We hope to see this commitment reflected clearly in the 2027 budget and in the timely implementation of the priority actions that follow.

Sincerely,  
Alison Jenkins
Executive Director, AWARE