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.

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.

The River of Golden Dreams wetland corridors survive because AWARE members pushed back against golf course development plans, saving 70 acres of riparian habitat.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recognizing the growth in motorized recreation, AWARE conducts a snowmobile survey, which is then used to create the case for the designation of non-motorized zones.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AWARE begins managing Whistler’s community greenhouses and gardens from WCSS, driving its commitment to sustainability and climate action.

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.

AWARE teams up with Squamish-Lillooet Regional District to offer free, interactive workshops in elementary schools, teaching kids about waste reduction and sustainable practices.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AWARE continues to advocate for ecosystem and habitat protection in Whistler, ensuring that this beautiful place will inspire and support generations to come.