More Whistler Blackcomb staff will have access to secure, affordable housing thanks to a Vail Resorts plan to build a 200-bed development on Glacier Lane, adjacent to the Whistler Blackcomb Operations building, Vail Resorts announced this week.

“We certainly recognize housing is a critical issue in Whistler, and a very real day-to-day problem for many of our staff,” said Whistler Blackcomb COO, Pete Sonntag. “I am very pleased to put this plan in place, and to know we are harnessing the momentum of our summer buildout on the hill to make our contribution on a very challenging community issue in the valley.”

The Whistler community has made housing a top priority and officials said this project marks a step toward the type of project needed to solve Whistler’s affordable housing crisis, and demonstrates Vail Resort’s strong commitment to the community.

“Projects like this are instrumental to attracting the talent we need in the resort as we work toward building the stable, sustainable workforce we all envision for the valley,” said Sonntag.

Whistler Blackcomb currently houses 31% of its workforce, both in buildings it owns and units it sources in the community. The new development will bring its full complement of staff housing up to a level that ensures that over a third of Whistler Blackcomb’s workforce is housed by the company.

The new project will consist of 200 dorm-style units, and will be 100% dedicated to housing Whistler Blackcomb staff, targeting seasonal and seasonal-returning staff.

Rent will fall well below market rate, in line with other staff housing options. The rent for Glacier Lane’s current staff housing complex is calculated at $12.65 per night, for a minimum 14-day stay.

Currently operating under the name “Glacier 8,” the development also marks a strong legacy of support for outgoing Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden.

“Increasing affordable housing for our community’s workforce to support the long-term success and livelihood of our community has been a priority of this Council,” said Wilhelm-Morden. “This project, along with other projects initiated by the Mayor’s Task Force on Resident Housing, puts us well on the way to the target of adding 1,000 beds.”

The next stage of this process will include bringing the project before Whistler Council for the rezoning of the land.

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