Former Olympic gold medalist and medical cannabis entrepreneur Ross Rebagliati may need to find a new place to board.
As of May 30, 2015, smoking will be completely banned on Whistler Blackcomb property.
And yes, that includes the green – even medicinal.
The ban will be in effect on all Whistler-Blackcomb chairlifts, gondolas, ski runs, hiking trails, valley base areas, parking lots, bike trails, and lift lines, as well as on all restaurant and bar patios. Guests will be prohibited from smoking immediately once the ban kicks in, while staff will be given a one-year period to hopefully wean themselves off the habit.
Whistler Blackcomb President and CEO Dave Brownlie considers the measure a move “to preserve the pristine alpine environment our guests come here for,” and it’s also been praised by Vancouver Coastal Health medical health officer Dr. Paul Martiquet: “Eliminating smoking in public places, such as on our mountains, creates healthy role modelling so youth and others are less likely to even consider using tobacco.”
It’s hard to argue with the resort’s pro-health initiative, but dictating a legal activity with such Draconian measures will certainly fan a few flames.
If Sun Peaks is packed next year, you’ll know why.
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