Issues for Whistler
What are the environmental issues facing Whistler?
AWARE has been a voice for Whistler’s natural environment since 1989. We know that residents care about environmental issues and have prepared a series of briefing notes that demonstrate the issues we face, why they matter, the progress of the municipality so far, and ultimately where improvements and changes need to be made – action items future elected officials could act upon.
These briefing notes are centred around three core topics: Conservation, Climate Action, and Circular Economy, the same key pillars that AWARE’s work is centred on. We have also included a briefing on Impact Thresholds, demonstrating the interplay between these topics. Voters and candidates can read the briefing notes by clicking the link below.
Get Informed For 2026 Municipal Elections | AWARE | Whistler B.C.
Where do candidates stand on these issues?
This election is critical, and who we elect will shape the future of our community for decades to come. We engaged with candidates, and asked them to complete a questionnaire to find out where they stand on climate and environmental issues.
Policy commitments for Whistler
Summary of candidates' policy commitments, grouped by category. Click on each candidate's name to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
| Candidate | Buildings | Climate Justice | Ecosystems | Land Use | Transport | Watersheds | Zero Waste | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates for Mayor | ||||||||
| Lance Bright | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Jack Crompton | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Brandon Smith | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Marco Zunino | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Candidates for Council | ||||||||
| Nicole Baudisch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Raul Bautista | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| John Blok | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Robin Brown | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Michael Burnett | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Jen Ford | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ralph Forsyth | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ~ | |
| tina pashumati james | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Cathy Jewett | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Arthur De Jong | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Jessie Morden | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Jeff Murl | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ivan Otto | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Mandy Rousseau | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Claire Ruddy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dawn Titus | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Eduardo Vazquez-Vela | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Candidates for Whistler
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Candidates for Mayor
Lance Bright
Mayor
I was raised in Whistler and went to Myrtle Philip School. My father, Jack, managed Whistler Mountain from 1967 to 1977. We lived ten years in staff housing, which makes me a first-generation employee. We still run the businesses he built here today.
Jack Crompton
Mayor
We have raised our family here. On Council, I've worked to advance housing, climate action, & community well-being locally, while contributing to climate leadership efforts across British Columbia through the BC Municipal Climate Leadership Council.
Brandon Smith
Mayor
I am a natural leader. I am ready to lead a great team. My name is Brandon Smith Please visit my website and learn my story: www.BrandonForWhistler.com
Marco Zunino
Mayor
Marco is currently the Finance & Development Manager for Arts Whistler. He worked at the Bank of England for nearly a decade before returning to further study to complete an MSc in Sustainable Urbanism. He sits on the board of 3 local non-profits.
Candidates for Council
Nicole Baudisch
Council
This community has given so much to me and I want to give back. I bring a practical, collaborative and fiscally responsibly approach. I will consider all stakeholders views and ensure that the bigger picture is always considered.
John Blok
Council
I'm 72 year old triathlete and love this town and the community. I'm a Personal Trainer at the Core gym and take responsibility for my clients health and plan to do the same for Whistler and the environment.
Robin Brown
Council
Full time resident for 25 years and taxpayer for 39 years. Practising Professional Engineer for 45 years, with my own firm for the last 33 years. My Wife and I built our home 25 years ago and made it our home as we wanted to live here.
Michael Burnett
Council
My education in and work history (practising responsible-decision making for community well-being), prepare me to be a strong, capable, and helpful municipal councillor. I will stand by my values and vision, a shared vision for a better Whistler.
Jen Ford
Council
I have been serving on Council since 2014. I volunteered with WAG and WHA between 2011 and 2014. I am happy to be raising my family here, but I am challenged like many with the pressures of growth. Climate anxiety is real, and I want to help.
Ralph Forsyth
Council
A passionate (often failing to make the distinction between “inside” voice and “outside” voice) advocate for the citizens of Whistler, I've been elected four times 2005, 2008, 2018, 2022. Ski Instructor, Entrepreneur, Raconteur, Cachinnator.
tina pashumati james
Council
Tina Pashumati James is a Whistler resident, mountaineer and former Ski Patrol volunteer running for Council. She is passionate about protecting wildlife and habitat, addressing climate change, and building a sustainable future for people and nature.
Cathy Jewett
Council
As a resident of Whistler for 50 years I’ve had a lot of adjustments - the Village, the first traffic light. I hold strong values, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished along with other community members for people and the planet.
Arthur De Jong
Council
- Mountain Resort Professional with over 45 years of leadership experience in sustainable development and mountain resort operations. - Pioneered work in environmental planning on Whistler Blackcomb leading to over 40 national/international awards.
Jessie Morden
Council
I am born and raised local, who is growing her family in our community. I am passionate about Whistler and want our community to thrive.
Jeff Murl
Council
Jeff Murl's career has spanned finance, hospitality, and education, and he currently operates his own accounting practice. When he's not working with clients, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, skiing and exploring Whistler.
Ivan Otto
Council
I came to Whistler six years ago with two suitcases and a work permit. Today, I’m a proud Canadian citizen and call Whistler home. Six years of community work, combined with my PhD in logistics, shaped who I am and inspired me to run for Council.
Mandy Rousseau
Council
Raised in the corridor, Mandy returned to Whistler in 2010 after university. Since then, she’s worked across the non-profit and business sectors, gaining governance experience and a passion for bringing people together to achieve shared goals.
Claire Ruddy
Council
Dawn Titus
Council
43 year resident. Educator Sea2Sky Queen’s U. Canada Triathlon; raced Hawaii Ironman. Twin sons. 10 years of engagement in Municipal government, appointed to RLAC 2018. Aware, MAC, Worca member. Ski and Yoga instructor 40 yrs Volunteering 😊
Eduardo Vazquez-Vela
Council
Born in Toronto, raised in Mexico, Lawyer, Masters in Public Administration, 16 years Whistler resident and 28-year entrepreneur. I’ll ensure sensible spending, streamlined muni services, accountability and and long-term protection for the community
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, Whistler voters will elect a Mayor and six Councillors.
Are you registered to vote?
Update your voter information such as your residential or mailing address with Elections BC: elections.bc.ca/register
Find out more about how and where to vote from: Municipal Election | Resort Municipality of Whistler
Voting tip
When you vote, only vote for the candidates you want elected. If that is one mayor and five councillors, only put down those names. For council, the top candidates with the most votes are elected, so if you vote for someone that you don't really want elected, that may bump your preferred candidates off the list.
Voting opportunities
| Date | Type | Location | Start time | End time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Whistler Public Library | ||
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Whistler Public Library | ||
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Myrtle Philip Community School |
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