Hello and welcome back to the Builders’ Corner newsletter, your one-stop shop for timely updates and information on the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s development policies, permitting process, Building and Step Code information, and provincial bulletins.

Our building services team is here to help you. Drop us a line at: building@whistler.ca.

Staff discussing the Works & Services Charges Bylaw update with community members at our Add Your Voice engagement event in October 2025. Photo credit: Oisin McHugh.

We have updated our Works and Services (W&S) Charges Bylaw to ensure new development contributes fairly to the infrastructure that supports our growing community.

The new fee structure is now in effect, with size-based charges, and new Transit and Parks categories. There is a 12-month instream protection period for eligible applications already underway.

We’ve put together a clear overview of what’s changed, why the updates were made, and how the new fees apply to your projects.

👉 Full details are available at whistler.ca

If you have any questions about how the updates apply to your current or future permits, our team is here to help.

Thank you for your continued partnership in building a sustainable and thriving Whistler.

Photo from 2025.

We are excited to bring back the Reusable Wood Program from April 20 for the local building industry and community.

This initiative offers free access to quality salvaged wood for reuse, while also supporting Whistler’s zero-waste and climate action goals.

Builders can now separate and deliver clean, untreated, reusable wood to the Whistler Transfer Station for $75/tonne, a discount of $135/tonne compared to the clean wood tip fees.

Why it matters 🌱

Every tonne of wood reused is one less burned or landfilled. This program keeps valuable wood in the local loop, helping you save on material costs while reducing emissions and supporting Whistler’s circular economy.

Discounted wood drop-off

Wood Waste is discounted under the Reusable Wood Program which includes dimensional lumber, off-cuts, pallets, or plywood that is clean, untreated, and meets the qualifying criteria.

Eligible materials include:

• Dimensional lumber (over 1 metre long).
• Plywood (over 1 m x 1 m).
• Pallets (must be HT, KD, DB, DH, or EPAL stamped).
• Except for pallets, reusable wood products cannot be joined together with fasteners, adhesives, or jointing.
• All wood must be visibly free of rot, insect damage, moisture damage, discolouration, excessive fasteners, cracks, excessive warping, paint, or preservatives.  

Important Handling Notes 🚧
 

• No cutting or dismantling on site.
• Closed-toe shoes are required and safety gear is recommended (gloves, eyewear).
• All customers must check in at the scale house.
• First come, first served; material pickup is FREE.

Builders – Get involved 📣
 

• Drop off clean, reusable wood separately from other waste.
• Encourage clients and crew to pick up free project wood.
• Help us improve! Send feedback to zerowaste@whistler.ca.

Non-compliance with firestopping is frequently the cause of inspection issues in Whistler.

Join Cory Newman, professional engineer at IPEX, for a Builders' Corner educational seminar on firestopping in accordance with BC’s Building Code.

Learn firestop basics and the history of firestop importance, including the importance of compartmentation, material versus assembly ratings, and how firestops work.

Gain an understanding of firestop listings, including code requirements, listing components, selecting the correct listing, and engineering judgements.

Explore combustible pipe fire behaviour, including common plastic pipe materials, typical applications, and flame and smoke performance.

Take advantage of this opportunity to improve your BC Building Code knowledge, fly through inspections, and keep your projects on time and on budget.

📅 Thursday, April 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

📍 Aava hotel

Photo credit: Whistler Housing Authority

The building and construction sector can support regional emission targets by waste prevention and diversion. Better design, deconstruction, material reuse and recycling all make this possible.

To support this work, we have developed a practical Construction and Demolition Waste Reduction Guide to help industry professionals identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve environmental performance across their projects.

The guide covers key areas including:

• design and procurement (such as designing for disassembly and material selection),
• relocation and adaptive reuse,
• deconstruction and salvage, and
• practical reuse opportunities.
   

It also highlights how reusing materials can keep valuable resources in circulation while reducing tipping fees and project costs. Additional guidance is included on waste diversion and how to set up effective onsite recycling stations.

If you’re interested in receiving a copy of the guide, please reach out to zerowaste@whistler.ca.

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is updating its Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan – the long-term strategy guiding waste reduction, recycling, and disposal across the region.

With construction and demolition activities making up a significant portion of regional waste, the SLRD is looking for a representative from the building and construction sector to join its Public and Technical Advisory Committee.

This is an opportunity to provide input on construction and demolition waste reduction, help shape future recycling and recovery strategies, and review proposed policies and programs.

If you’re interested in influencing practical waste solutions for the construction industry in Whistler and the wider region, consider applying or sharing with someone in your network.