Whistler Mayor Sees Success in Games

Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed likes to spend as much time as possible skiing on Whistler Blackcomb, in part because it keeps him connected with the local workforce. But he also gleans feedback from resort visitors— by riding the chairlift incognito.

“It keeps me in touch, no question,” says the mayor, who works one day a week as a ski patrol on Whistler Mountain. “Everyday I go up there is special. I get to experience the camaraderie and morale and I can interact with locals and visitors on a personal level.”

Melamed is currently basking in the spoils of a long, seven-year Olympic campaign that has put the small mountain resort (population 10,000) in the world spotlight. But he wasn't always keen on the Olympics coming to Whistler. In 2002, Melamed didn't think the resort municipality was ready to face the massive challenges that lay ahead, and he wanted to make sure Whistler's community interests would be respected.

“We felt it was necessary to establish a relationship (with VANOC) based on respect for Whistler's core values and our community description of success,” said Melamed. “What we wanted to do was showcase our sustainability initiatives to the world, and to continue on our vision for a sustainable future. The success of these initiatives has been very-well received, and has become a central focus for VANOC and Games partners.”

Melamed points to the world's largest fleet of hydrogen-fueled buses, and the construction of the most LEED-certified buildings (30) in the world. Then there is the Olympic Village: its legacy as sustainable and permanent affordable-housing project form the feathers in Whistler's green cap.

During thepast seven years, his once-concerned outlook at hosting the Olympics has changed 180 degrees.

“I'm completely converted now, even more so than I ever thought I would be. I've come to see what the power of the Olympic movement can do — for the development of sport, for the commitment of the global values of fellowship. It's been good for us, good for Canada.”

With all of the pitfalls on the road to the Olympics that he and his team faced, the past two weeks have put everything into perspective for the mayor. Most of all, there is something that couldn't be planned for or calculated into budgets.

“I think the sense of community pride and spirit that has shone through in all of our locals and volunteers is something I'll never forget. Ever since the torch came into town, the energy and enthusiasm has been palpable. The welling of community pride has really been a standout factor.

"It was a long road to get here and it took a lot of hard work, but experiencing this all first-hand gives us a great sense accomplishment as a community.”

As the Games close out the final week, Melamed continues to enjoy the fruits of Whistler's labors. But he says the hard work won't stop once the flame has been extinguished.

“Our challenge now is to convert the exposure into visits and continue this with economic viability. The tourism industry is extremely competitive. We have a tremendous product to offer, and our goal is not to lose sight of our intentions to showcase what we have and to keep inviting people to experience it all.”

Written by Todd Lawson in Whistler.