Whistler\u2019s Lost Lake Disc Golf Course is set for a rejuvenation after council endorsed a related feasibility study on July 22.<\/p>\n
The study was initiated in 2023 \u201cin response to issues of unauthorized course building, environmental impact, safety, user experience, trespass and capacity,\u201d said parks planning technician Connor Eccles in a presentation to the committee of the whole on July 8.<\/p>\n
Disc golf, with its wide range of appeal for all skill levels and physical abilities, is considered an important activity in the resort, Eccles said, noting its low cost barrier has led to steady growth in the past decade.<\/p>\n
In 2022, more than 18,000 users were tallied on the Lost Lake course from May to October.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Lost Lake Disc Golf Course is truly unique, offering both open and forested play, wilderness experience appeal, and several holes are considered iconic,\u201d Eccles said. \u201cThe issues previously listed require attention through an increased level of formalization, investment and management.\u201d<\/p>\n
Resort Municipality of Whistler staff and a \u201cconsultant team\u201d developed three different scenarios through the study, ultimately recommending a plan (which council supported) to expand the Lost Lake course using its existing footprint, while also expanding to connect with Spruce Grove Park.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis scenario can meet the project’s objectives, address stated issues and best balance new course development with environmental protection, mitigation and restoration,\u201d Eccles said. \u201cThe location is central to the community and is accessible by active transportation and transit, and use of facilities at Spruce Grove Park makes best use of existing infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n
All told, three different consulting agencies worked on the study with RMOW staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe total project cost so far is $68,000. A portion of that value\u2014$30,000\u2014 was for environmental review and monitoring on all seven possible study sites, which was key to understanding the impacts of disc golf, the need for remediation in some areas, and identifying the sites with the least ecological impact. This work helps us understand how best to manage the current facility and would have been done whether or not a new course is developed,\u201d a municipal communications official said in response to questions from Pique.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsing the findings of the environmental review, the other consultants came onboard to identify several potential course options for consideration. This feasibility work was necessary and will help guide any future decision on a possible course option.\u201d<\/p>\n
The costs were covered by MRDT revenue and included in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 project budgets, the official added.<\/p>\n
As part of its resolution, council also directed staff to explore external funding opportunities for capital development and annual operating costs of the Lost Lake course. It is expected a budget of about $400,000 will be required to cover things like course development, hardware (tee pads, baskets and signage), environmental protection and restoration, professional services and permitting (as well as a 15-per-cent contingency).<\/p>\n
The RMOW expects annual operation and maintenance costs will be about $5,000 a year.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking to the future, it is recommended that a smaller course near Function Junction be given consideration for longer-term development,\u201d Eccles said. \u201cA second course would disperse users over a larger area, thus reducing wear and capacity issues on the Lost Lake course. Being located on mostly disturbed lands under the hydro right-of-way and former highway right-of-way, it is preferable to using non-disturbed lands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Council was supportive of the project in endorsing it on July 22.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople say, oh it’s a \u2018nice-to-have,’ or whatever. Yes, it’s a \u2018nice-to-have,\u2019 but let’s find some grant funding and do it because it is an incredible community asset that our guests enjoy and that our own young people enjoy, that is something that we can create, that is free for someone to do,\u201d said Councillor Ralph Forsyth. \u201cSo [I\u2019m] all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coun. Jen Ford concurred, adding disc golf users are some of the most engaged in the forest.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe members of the Whistler Disc Golf Club are out there every day, and they’re watching. They’re watching for fires, they’re watching for changes in the landscape. They’re watching for broken trees,\u201d Ford said, adding Whistler is becoming a \u201cdestination\u201d for disc golfers.<\/p>\n
\u201cBelieve it or not, there’s actually a professional Disc Golf Association, and they do like big-time tours, so it’s a thing,\u201d she said. \u201cBut these people are also watching for cigarette butts, and they’re watching for garbage and they’re cleaning up our forest. So having people in that park is hugely beneficial to the use of the space.\u201d<\/p>\n
An Expression of Interest will be posted for the project work, which will inform next steps.<\/p>\n