Michael Burnett for Whistler Council

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who supported my council campaign. Thank you for the encouragement, for answering your door and speaking with me, for sharing your feelings and needs, for contacting me to make suggestions, asking good questions, supporting my social media posts, giving me helpful guidance, and for voting for me.

Connecting with you was the richest part of my campaign. I gained new appreciation of how great the people in Whistler are, and I trust, more than ever, in the power of community.

Thank you to the Pique for fair coverage and candidate interviews. Thank you to the organizations that held all candidates meetings and sent out questionnaires.

Meeting the other candidates was great, as well. You are talented people, and I know that each of you cares deeply about Whistler.

Congratulations to the new council members. I wish you a successful, productive, and impactful term in office as you work to serve our community.

I’m grateful for the experience—it’s been a ride!

Michael

---

Community-centred governance starts with listening. I believe the best decisions are made for the community, by the community.

I’m Michael Burnett, and I ran for Whistler council on a simple idea: you should have a bigger role in shaping the community you live in. Take a look at my five priorities.

A bit about me

I’ve spent 30 years working in social services — frontline work, program supervision and management, running non-profit societies, advocacy, and policy work with the provincial Ministry of Children and Families. I also taught as a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria for more than a decade.

After Victoria, I moved to Whistler, and I’ve been proud to call it home ever since. I’ve put in many seasons volunteering on the mountain, giving back to the community that’s given me so much. I can often be spotted inline skating on the Valley Trail, or walking with my grandpuppy Sam.

I believe in building strong communities. I’ve done a lot of policy work, and studied policy just as closely, because that’s what it takes to get it right.

I’m running for Whistler council because I believe nobody knows this place better than the people who live here — and that democracy can always be deepened. I want to be a councillor who’s accessible, who listens, and who follows through.

My Five Priorities for Whistler

Whistler deserves a councillor who listens first and always acts with care. Here are the five priorities guiding my campaign for council.

1. Deep Democracy

I want to widen who has a real say in Whistler’s decisions.

More info →

2. Affordability, Housing & Community Services

I’ll work to make life in Whistler more affordable, from housing to everyday costs.

More info →

3. Transportation & Regional Transit

I want better connections within Whistler and across the region.

More info →

4. Environment & Development

I’ll be straight about what council can decide on development, and push for residents to weigh in early.

More info →

5. Municipal Finance & Accountability

I’ll take a careful, transparent look at how the municipality spends.

More info →

Let’s keep talking — not just at election time

I believe meaningful engagement happens through more than just an election every four years. If elected, I plan to convene regularly scheduled in-person and electronic town hall style meetings, where you can ask questions, raise issues, advocate for change, and engage me directly on the topics that matter to you.

Before you vote

The all-candidates meetings are now over: the Whistler Chamber on September 24, AWARE and partners on October 1, and WORCA on October 6. Thank you to everyone who came and asked questions. Between now and election day, I’ll share anything else on Facebook and Instagram, so follow along there. Advance voting is on October 7 and 10, and general voting is October 17; How to Vote has the details.

Is there a topic you want covered, or a neighbourhood you think I should visit? Tell me. Your ideas will shape how I engage with the community, on the campaign and if I’m elected.

If elected, what I’ll do

I’ll hold town halls both in person and online, so that shift work, childcare, or simply being out of town doesn’t shut you out.

I’ll also invite the mayor and other council members to meet the public and take part in these meetings.

Between town halls, I’ll keep in direct contact with the community using Facebook, Instagram, and this website, listening and responding year-round rather than only checking in at election time.

Ways to connect

Campaign Facebook group: Vote Burnett for Whistler Council

Instagram: @burnettforwhistlercouncil

Email: BurnettforWhistlerCouncil@proton.me