From tourist destination to destination village.

The original Whistler Village was a remarkable success – a purpose-built tourist village located at the base of two massive ski areas. Designed by landscape architect Eldon Beck, the Village overcame a shaky start, but roared back to capacity following the 1986 Vancouver World’s Fair. A key design feature was the ability to ski down Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains right into the Village centre. Unfortunately, the original plan made little allowance for expansion nor local residents’ needs.

Whistler Senior Planner Doug Leighton lead a plan to double the original village, build on its quality and character and accommodate residents’ needs. Working with the BC Government, he oversaw the consulting team (including Eldon Beck) and extensive community engagement.

Doug helped negotiate land for new community services, including a library. A rigorous two-year engagement process led to unanimous Whistler Council adoption of the plan in 1990.

Winner of multiple design awards, Village North incorporates almost 6,000 beds and 26,000 m2 of commercial space, and reinforced Whistler as one of world’s most successful purpose-built destinations. The Village has also become the community heart of the entire Whistler valley.