The Resort Municipality of Whistler will soon bestow one of its highest honors, the Freedom of the Municipality, upon two people who have made significant contributions to the community. This award, presented every three to five years, recognizes outstanding service and grants recipients permanent citizen status. Honorees can vote in municipal elections, regardless of residency or property ownership in Whistler.
This year, the award will be presented to two distinguished figures: Hugh Smythe, a key developer behind Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Blackcomb, and former Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. Both have played pivotal roles in shaping Whistler into the world-renowned resort destination it is today.
Hugh Smythe’s legacy dates back to 1978 when he led the team developing the ski resort on Blackcomb Mountain. He also contributed to the planning and development of Whistler Village, navigating challenges like soaring interest rates and a turbulent economy. Smythe later joined Intrawest, where he was involved in expanding ski operations, overseeing the 1996 union of Whistler and Blackcomb, supporting the bid for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and spearheading the development of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
“He is recognized worldwide as a real leader in the ski business, and it’s exciting to be awarding him the Freedom of the Municipality,” said current Mayor Jack Crompton.
Nancy Wilhelm-Morden’s connection to Whistler spans over five decades, during which she served as a lawyer, volunteer, and community leader. She was Whistler’s mayor from 2011 to 2018 and served on the council four times before her mayoral role. Among her many achievements, she is credited with helping establish the Community Foundation of Whistler, which provides grants to non-profit organizations throughout the Sea to Sky region. In 2022, she was honoured with the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
The Freedom of the Municipality awards will be presented during the Regular Council Meeting on October 22.
Comments