FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In our initial presentations on the university concept the following were frequently asked questions. We will update these on a regular basis as you identify further questions that you would like answered. Your questions can be sent to dplayer@whistleru.com
- Have any studies of this land been undertaken?
|
Yes. Four studies have examined this land. They included:
- March 2000 Environmental Review of the Alpha Creek Lands undertaken by Talisman Land Resource Consultants Inc. (Principal: Paul Christie).
This consultant was chosen by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). The report concluded the land is suitable for development and "that development should be confined to the bench platforms on the land".
- March 2004 Comparative Evaluation of Potential Residential Housing Sites in Whistler undertaken by Whistler Housing Authority and the RMOW.
This report was a combined effort of Cascade Environmental Group; C.J. Anderson Civil Engineering Inc.; Drew Meredith; and Jensen Resort Planning. It was "commissioned by the RMOW to determine the most available sites for the WHA to pursue". The report states that: Based on the established ecological, social and economic criteria, each site was evaluated within the four System Conditions of The Natural Step Framework. The sites were compared by attendees of a workshop session and given a qualitative ranking of development sustainability." The workshop included RMOW Council Members and staff, WHA Board members and staff and the study team. This study gave the Alpha Creek Lands site their highest rating: "Good" defined as "sites for which appropriate development could occur.
- March 2005 Initial Environmental Review: "Alpha Creek Lands" undertaken by Cascade Environmental Resource Group (Principal: Dave Williamson).
This consultant is located in the RMOW and was commissioned by the owner of OKA Holdings to complete the study. This report identified the same bench platforms identified in the Talisman Report as acceptable for development. It also indicated that development offered "a number of potential enhancement opportunities on the Alpha Creek Lands site that would increase fisheries and wildlife values."
- 2010: Protected Areas Study by Dr. Phillip Dearden.
This study was done by one of Canada's foremost experts on protected areas and stated that a learning campus anchored by a university campus is an ideal use of the Alpha Lands and perfectly compatible with the eco-system of the land.
|
|
|
- What percentage of the site will be occupied by the university?
|
Of the 77 acres the environmental studies identify 50 % as developable. The university would only use a maximum of 25% of the land. Structures would all be located on the identified environmentally safe bench platforms.
|
|
|
- Does the proposed University achieve any of the objectives of the Whistler 2020 Plan?
|
Yes. The university proposal meets the primary objectives of diversification, sustainability, economic development and lifelong learning while protecting the environment. A detailed examination of the Whistler 2020 plan indicates that the University would align with all five priorities identified in the report while directly satisfying multiple objectives.
|
|
|
- Would the University increase room night usage in the resort?
|
Yes. The University intends to house its core population on site and use hotel rooms to house those taking the extensive executive program offerings. It is expected that conference offerings will also increase use of not only rooms but also conference and recreation facilities throughout the year, particularly in the shoulder seasons.
|
|
|
- Will the land be maintained in its current undeveloped state?
|
No. The owner has the right to build four large houses on the property and intends to do so should the University not be built. We would prefer to use the land for something that benefits the economy and community in a much more positive way.
|
|
