Our Story
AWARE's journey began in 1989, sparked by a small group of determined locals, led by Michelle Bush, who shared a vision: to bring recycling to Whistler. At a time when recycling was a new idea, this group took action. They organized monthly collections and personally hauled recyclables down the old highway to the nearest facilities.
They laid the foundation for an environmental movement that would grow much bigger than they ever imagined.
As Whistler developed, AWARE’s mission grew with it. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, we led efforts to protect wetlands, forests, and wildlife corridors. In 1997, AWARE successfully saved 70 acres of riparian habitat along the River of Golden Dreams from a golf course development, showing the power of community action.
Collaboration has always been key to our success. In 2006, we helped shape the W2020 sustainability vision, which still guides Whistler’s growth today.
We also played a critical role in protecting the Emerald Forest and advocating for sustainable land use during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Over the past decade, AWARE has driven climate action and circular economy projects that connect and empower the community. We’ve led educational campaigns to reduce landfill waste and minimize the environmental impact of major events through our waste management service and social enterprise.
By revitalizing community gardens, we’ve fostered sustainability, social inclusion, and local food security. Our circular economy events—like Clothing Swaps, Community Garage Sales, and Repair Cafes—have set new standards for consumption.
We’ve also introduced programs to encourage cycling and alternative transportation, helping reduce car use and lower our overall environmental footprint.
We’re not just talking about change; we’ve making real, measurable progress.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to protecting Whistler’s natural environment. With the pressures of development, natural disasters, and climate change threatening our environment, the time to act is now—before we lose what makes this place so special.
Pivotal Moments
1989: Citizens Unite on Recycling
Led by Michelle Bush, a dozen locals meet at Citta to find a way to bring recycling to Whistler. AWARE is formed in 1989, and early directors hosted monthly recycling collections, driving recyclables down the old highway to the nearest facilities.1991: Nest Units or Bed Units
As the Resort Municipality of Whistler adopts community recycling, AWARE's focus shifts to habitat conservation, specifically protecting "nest units" as development spreads across the flat valley bottom.1997: River of Golden Dreams Corridors Saved
The River of Golden Dreams wetland corridors survive because AWARE members pushed back against golf course development plans, saving 70 acres of riparian habitat.Late 1990s: The War in the Woods
Environmental and Indigenous groups rally together with protests to protect 1,300+ year-old Douglas Fir trees from logging in the Elaho Valley near Squamish. The area was later protected.1999: Protected Areas Network (PAN)
AWARE members support the identification of a Protected Area Network (PAN) to help safeguard Whistler’s important natural areas and their ecological connectivity (now aligned with Development Permit Areas).2000: Emerald Forest Becomes Protected
Thanks to AWARE’s voice at council meetings, intelligent controls on rampant development were put in place to protect sensitive areas like the Emerald Forest.Early 2000s: Proposing an Olympic Wildlife Legacy
Understanding that the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games would bring change to the Callaghan Valley, AWARE lobbied VANOC to protect the adjacent upper portion of the Soo Valley as a legacy for nature and future generations. These efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.2003: Smaller Footprint for Olympic Park
AWARE successfully advocates for a reduction in the footprint of the Whistler Olympic Park due to concerns about habitat fragmentation, increased area use, and wildlife disturbance.2006: Whistler 2020: Vision for Sustainability
AWARE is one of the early adopters of The Natural Step and the subsequent W2020 community sustainability vision. The vision and community-driven process were recognized as world-leading.2007: Grappling with Motorized Recreation
Recognizing growth in motorized recreation, AWARE conducts a snowmobile survey which is then used to create the case for the designation of non-motorized zones.2008: Regional Land Use Legacies
The Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan sets the rules for land use in the region. AWARE provided a voice for nature through ongoing engagement and, along with others, pushed for the inclusion of user-restricted 'wilderness' zones.2009: Advocating for Red-Listed Wetlands
With over 70% of Whistler's wetlands already lost, AWARE members protested development on an area of red-listed wetland and the creation of a new oversized transit yard in preparation for the 2010 Winter Games.2013: AWARE’s Social Enterprise is Born
AWARE launches Zero Waste Heroes, a social enterprise offering waste prevention and management services for Whistler events. The revenue is reinvested into the organization to support its mission of promoting sustainability and reducing landfill waste in the community.2014: Whistler Development Quashed
AWARE successfully lobbies to see the development of a university on the uplands next to Millar and Alpha Creek wetlands squashed. We continue to monitor development proposals for the 'Zen' lands that would overstep existing zoning.2016: GROWing with Intention
AWARE begins managing Whistler’s community greenhouses and gardens from WCSS, driving its commitment to sustainability and climate action.2016: Launch of Circular Economy Events
Recognizing the power of community-driven sustainability, AWARE launched community clothing swaps in 2016, followed by garage sales in 2017 and repair cafes in 2019—fueling circular economy practices and cutting down on waste.2017: Teaching Children to Rethink Waste
AWARE teams up with Squamish-Lillooet Regional District to offer free, interactive workshops in elementary schools, teaching kids about waste reduction and sustainable practices.2019: Whistler Joins Global Climate Strike
Around 400 gather at Lost Lake Park to protest climate inaction, joining millions worldwide. Local students lead the charge, inspired by Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future movement.2020: Empowering Youth for Climate Action
Building on the 2016 Community Energy & Climate Action Plan, AWARE launches Project NOW, a youth mentorship program that empowers Whistler's youth to take climate action and tackle global challenges.2020: Encouraging Mode Shift
To combat GHG emissions, with transportation being Whistler's biggest source, AWARE partners with RMOW and GoByBike BC Society to bring GoByBike Week, promoting biking as a sustainable transport option.2024: Food Waste Action = Climate Action
AWARE teams up with GFL and the RMOW to tackle food waste in Whistler, helping divert organics and reduce methane emissions. This partnership boosts the community’s Zero Waste goals and strengthens climate resilience.Today: Stewards for a Maturing Resort
AWARE continues to advocate for ecosystem and habitat protection in Whistler, ensuring that this beautiful place will inspire and support generations to come.
Impact Stories
Fungus Among Us
Fungus Among Us brings provincial experts together to take inventory of Whistler’s diverse and abundant fungi.
Whistler BioBlitz
The Whistler BioBlitz, Canada’s longest-running BioBlitz showcases both Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor’s amazing biodiversity through hands on learning and hard science.
AWARE has a seat at the table—for Whistler’s climate future
AWARE Whistler is proud to represent the voice of the environment on the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) Climate Action and Environment Committee.