If Whistler council and the Province approve the proposed project, there could be a $7 million “Visitor Amenity Hub” in the resort’s future.

Municipal staff members are recommending the project, which would likely serve as a “transportation mall” for bus arrivals and shuttle pick-ups, assist guests with the check-in/check-out process, and provide bag storage and other services for visitors, said Bill Barratt, municipal administrator.“It’s all about improving customer service,” he said on Monday (Nov. 29).

“I think it would be a really good asset for the community.”

Right now, the proposed facility is little more than a line item on the draft 2011 budget for Whistler’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding, which was previously known as the four-per-cent hotel tax. The total overall proposed budget is $7.2 million over the next five years, with $200,000 earmarked for 2011 to pay for a feasibility study and the development of a business plan, Barratt said.

In order for the project to move forward, council would have to approve the overall RMI budget and then the Province would also have to give its go-ahead, he said. It could be April before approval is received from the Province, which would allow things to move ahead with a business plan, he added.

The idea for such a facility has been discussed in vague terms over the years. It has come up in talks with property managers and others in terms of improving customer service in the resort, Barratt said.

Those who have heard about the proposal say it’s badly needed, he added.

The existing Village Greyhound stop is “not optimal” and the nearby existing Visitor Info Centre isn’t designed to cater to visitors who are driving, Barratt said. The proposed hub would provide more space for transportation functions and parking for those who need assistance.

Another example Barratt provided was helping guests who have to check out of their accommodation by 11 a.m. but want to ski for the day before leaving town. The proposed facility would provide them with bag storage and perhaps even shower facilities, he said. A business plan would provide more detail on what could be offered, Barratt added.

The hub would likely serve as an additional visitor assistance centre, not replacing the more pedestrian-oriented existing visitor centre, he said.

As for a location, the tow yard between Day Lots 3 and 4 has been identified as a possible site, he said. Discussions would need to take place with the Province to use that spot, he added.

Tourism Whistler (TW) President and CEO Barrett Fisher on Tuesday (Nov. 30) said though she hasn’t heard much so far about the municipality’s idea for a Visitor Amenity Hub she’s looking forward to further discussions.

TW runs the existing visitor centre. Fisher said given its small size and lack of parking, the current centre is “probably not the most ideal location” and its amenities could potentially be supplemented.

“We look forward to sitting down with the (municipality) to discuss their vision and working in partnership in creating a long-term plan,” she said.