On this episode of The Whistler Podcast, we zoom out from our mountain town and look at the broader picture of what it means to be part of the Sea to Sky corridor in 2025. Hosts Jack Crompton and Brandon Barrett sit down with Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford and Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman for a candid conversation about shared challenges, evolving identities, and the power of regional collaboration.

From regional transit and housing affordability to climate resilience and the pressures of growth, this episode explores the threads that connect our communities and the work it takes to strengthen them. You’ll also hear about log-rolling at Squamish Logger Sports, the transformation of Sp’akw’us Feather Park, coaching high school basketball, and what it means to preserve the character of a place while embracing inevitable change.

Whether you live in Whistler, commute from Pemberton, or spend the weekend in Squamish, this episode highlights why regional conversations matter more than ever. Please tune in and look deeper at the mayors leading the charge behind the places we call home. 

On this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton sits down with glaciologist Dr. Jeff Crompton, who also happens to be Jack’s cousin, to explore the past, present, and rapidly changing future of our mountain glaciers. Jeff shares insights from his family's deep history in Canadian mountaineering and surveying and his own research on glacial surges and geohazards. The conversation covers everything from catastrophic landslides to the impacts of the thinning of local glaciers like Overlord and Horstman. 

Glaciers are more than frozen landmarks; they are vital indicators of climate change and environmental shifts. This episode is a sobering, informative, and occasionally hopeful look at what these changes mean for Whistler and why acting now is essential.

In this episode, we sit down with Hannyliz Villafuerte, an entrepreneur, community organizer, and founder of Barangay Sea to Sky, Whistler's first registered Filipino society, which promotes representation, inclusivity, and Pinoy culture across the corridor. 

Originally from the Filipino island of Siquijor, Hannyliz shares her journey, from earning a Law degree to building a multi-faceted life in Whistler as the CEO of retailer Tinda2x, a beauty consultant, an event producer, and a former banquet captain at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

We explore Pinoy values like Bayanihan (community spirit), how local Filipinos stay connected to their roots through things like Balikbayan boxes, and how the local Filipino-Canadian community is processing the recent Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy with compassion and strength.

Season Four of the Whistler Podcast starts with a conversation featuring Líl̓wat Nation Political Chief Skalulmecw Dean Nelson, a thoughtful, passionate community leader whose work often occurs behind the scenes. 

In this wide-ranging conversation, listeners will learn more about Chief Nelson’s role as a political leader and advocate for positive change. 

From economic development to cultural revitalization, from partnerships with the broader Sea to Sky community to reflections on reconciliation, Chief Nelson offers insight into the deep responsibilities Indigenous governments carry. He also shares stories about working toward Indigenous-led events like the Invictus Games and memories from his early days as an educator and mentor.

On this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Jeremy Valeriote, an environmental engineer and longtime Whistler resident who is now our MLA. They discuss the historic moment for the Sea to Sky Corridor with the BC Greens securing the party's first-ever mainland seat in the BC Legislature, and what this means for Whistler. 

From affordability and housing to climate action and regional transit, they dive into the pressing issues shaping our community. Listen to how Crompton and Valeriote discuss plans to advocate for Whistler and drive meaningful progress in our region.

From squatting in the Valley (and getting kicked out...) to becoming Mayor of the Resort Municipality and ultimately being awarded with Whistler’s highest honour—Nancy Wilhelm-Morden is one of our mountain town’s most influential citizens. After coming here for a two-week holiday at 18, her work and volunteerism have helped shape the foundation of Whistler; in addition to her two terms as Mayor and her work as a lawyer, she is credited with helping secure Whistler as a selection for the site of the Audain Art Museum, founding the Community Foundation of Whistler, which provides grants to non-profit organizations throughout Sea to Sky, and signing the first official proclamation of Pride Week.   

On October 22, 2024, Wilhelm-Morden was recognized with the Freedom of the Municipality. She and ski industry pioneer Hugh Smythe became the 15th and 16th recipients.   

In this memorable episode full of unique local history, Mayor Jack Crompton sits down with his friend and former colleague to look back at the stories and events of the past 50 years, how they shaped her, and how she helped shape Whistler into the thriving community it is today. 

On this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Belinda Trembath (BT), Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. BT is approaching her second opening day at the helm of Whistler Blackcomb, bringing fresh insights after a year of learning and surprises while adjusting to the scale of a world-renowned resort at the heart of our town.

We’ll chat with BT about her journey, from managing challenges facing Whistler Blackcomb to celebrating a new chairlift and updated on-mountain experiences coming this winter. We'll also dive into how Whistler Blackcomb's team prepares for the season, with new staff arriving, snowmaking underway, and the mountain filling with fresh energy from passionate seasonal workers ready to deliver an unforgettable experience for all.

Tune in as we explore BT's insights and discuss how Whistler Blackcomb is gearing up for another epic season.

This week on The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton is joined by Whistler Public Library Director Mikale Fenton and Program & Marketing Coordinator Jeanette Bruce. They speak about the evolving role of libraries in the digital age, how they have become community innovation hubs, and why they're more important than ever. The episode showcases how libraries have transformed into places of creativity, learning, and connection. 

This episode and the rest of this season were recorded from the Whistler Public Library’s Wonder Lab's sound booth. The Wonder Lab is a space equipped with filmmaking kits, coding tools for kids, and professional editing software. It's free and available to anyone with a library card. Come check it out. 

In this special episode of the Whistler Podcast, we hand the mic over to Jeremy West, a member of the Squamish Nation, for an insightful conversation with Master Carver Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) and Apprentice Brandon Hall, both from the Squamish Nation. 

They discuss their incredible work on a housepost commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Squamish Nation's amalgamation, their journeys in carving, and the reclamation of Indigenous arts and culture. Tune in to hear about the power of mentorship, community, and the deep connection between art and heritage.

On this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks to Chris Fair as they explore the future of tourism in our community. 

Can Whistler remain a world-class destination while leading the way in sustainability? Is it possible to preserve both our environment and local economy? We’ll dive into these important questions and consider how reimagining Whistler beyond just a winter resort could be the key to balancing growth, sustainability, and community well-being. Tune in as we challenge the status quo and explore what it means to create a sustainable future for Whistler.

This episode of The Whistler Podcast is the second in our two-part series on housing. Today's guest is Beau Jarvis, a born and raised Whistlerite and president and CEO of Wesgroup Properties. Beau shares his deep ties to the community, from his family's early days running the Keg restaurant, to his extensive work in real estate development.

Jarvis dives into the housing crisis, offering insights from his unique perspective in the development sector. He discusses the national and local challenges of housing affordability, the history of Rainbow Ski Village, and his enduring love for Whistler. Join us as we delve into the past, present, and future of housing in Whistler with Beau Jarvis.

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton explores Whistler's housing challenges with Dale Mikkelsen, a long-time Whistlerite who joined the municipality in 2023 as General Manager of Whistler's Climate Action Planning and Development Services Division.

Before his current role at RMOW, Mikkelsen was the Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer for Simon Fraser University’s sustainable community model, UniverCity, sat on the Whistler Advisory Design Panel, the Whistler Housing Authority board, and was the president of WORCA. Mickelson's insights are grounded in a passion for community and sustainability.

This episode explores rising land and construction costs layered with the challenges of natural and legislative constraints. How can we strike a balance by increasing density within these limits while preserving the spirit of our local spaces?

Join us as we unravel the complexities, possibilities, and future of housing in Whistler.

Kirby Brown,  Sea to Sky Gondola General Manager, speaks with Mayor Jack Crompton on the Don't Love It to Death campaign. 

Brown speaks about educating visitors who are experiencing nature for the first time and Sea to Sky locals together. How do we balance the desire to travel to beautiful places and embrace tourism while managing experiences to navigate responsibly and respectfully? 

In this special episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Wilson Williams, an elected Councillor in his third term and spokesperson for the Squamish Nation. This episode was recorded live at the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Center (SLCC) on July 1, 2023. 

There are some audio gaps in the recording. Listeners are encouraged to stick with this important episode. It discusses the recent history of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and how we are uniting to meaningfully include Indigenous peoples through dialogue, education, and action. Listeners are invited to learn how we can "paddle forward together."

Tune in as Mayor Crompton and Bob Brett discuss how we can foster coexistence with our natural habitat and wildlife, ensuring that Whistler remains a sanctuary for all its inhabitants. This episode discusses biodiversity in Whistler,  the vital importance of our old-growth forests, Grizzly Bears, challenges posed by invasive species, and the fascinating world of slime molds. 

Welcome to season three of the Whistler Podcast, where we explore the heart of our mountain community's pressing issues. In this episode, Mayor Crompton and Fire Chief Thomas Doherty shed light on Whistler's proactive measures in wildfire preparedness. Join us as they discuss the town's comprehensive strategies and the vital role residents play in safeguarding our environment. 

From innovative initiatives to practical tips, discover how Whistler is gearing up to respond to wildfires and learn how you can contribute to our collective resilience. Tune in for insights, advice, and a deeper understanding of our commitment to protecting Whistler.

Links
Sign up for Whistler Alert
Read the Sea to Sky Evacuation Plan
Learn how to prepare for a wildfire emergency

Join Mayor Jack Crompton in conversation with Braden Dupuis, Editor of Pique Newsmagazine. Braden shares his vision for the Pique and they discuss housing, the Northlands rezoning process, the upcoming election and transit. 

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he talks to longtime Whistler resident and Pique Newsmagazine columnist, G.D. Maxwell.  Listen in to learn Maxwell's episode to learn his Whistler origin story as a self-proclaimed corporate dropout turned local legend. If you agree with his opinion pieces or not, this is a must-listen episode. 

Join Mayor Jack Compton as he speaks with the Chief Administrative Officer at the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), Virginia "Ginny" Cullen. Ginny shares her experience living in Whistler, how her role supports the RMOW and why the Whistler sessions were so important.  

Ginny explains that the intention behind the Whistler sessions was to clearly imagine Whistler's future. Listen to the episode to find out why Ginny aimed to provoke emotional responses to possible scenarios and make people uncomfortable to find solutions. 

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he has a powerful conversation with Tanina Williams of the Líl̓wat Nation,  who shares her relationship with Canada, colonization, and her experience with systemic racism. Williams also speaks about healing trauma and her role working with youth. 

Join Mayor Jack  Crompton when he talks to Jen Ford about local, regional and provincial politics. Jen Ford is a councillor at the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Chair of the Squamish Lillooet Regional District. She is also the first Vice President of the Union of BC Municipalities. 

Join Mayor Jack  Crompton as he talks to Audain Art Museum Director and Chief Curator, Dr. Curtis Collins about how he joined the Audain team and his connection to Indigenous artists and supporting their work.    

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he connects with photographer and avid stand-up paddleboard athlete, Arne Gutmann to discuss the process and approach to his art. Arne speaks to the importance of working to address the impact of EPS styrofoam on Whistler's waterways. The podcast shines a light on places we need to pay attention to as a community. 

Alison speaks with Mayor Jack Crompton about her role as the curator of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center Curator (SLCC) and the path she took to step into her role. Alison shares her experience with speaking Ucwalmícwts, the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil'wat) Nation's traditional language, and how she feels about sharing her culture and history with the visitors to the SLCC. 

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he talks to Whistler High School students Tomas Rasmussen and Hugo Steiner about where we need to go as a community. Learn more about how they imagine the future and how our decisions today will impact what Whistler will look like tomorrow.