Phase 1 and Phase 2 in Whistler

When perchasing a home in Whistler it is important to note that as a resort town, Whistler has specific zoning and property limitations. The Whistler municipality has done this to make sure that designated areas have enough nightly rental units for its visitors as well as maintaining residential areas for its residents. 

In order to support both visitors as well as residents, there are two types of properties in Whistler Phase 1 and Phase 2. These are covenant agreements that impose restrictions on properties and are registered on the land titles of properties in Whistler. To obtain copies of the covenant registered on your property, you may contact a lawyer, notary, land surveyor or independent registry agent. 

Understanding Phase 1 and Phase 2 in Whistler

Phase 1 | Less restrictive than Phase 2, more common and permits unlimited use by owners, Phase 1 covenants are intended to maximize occupancy of properties for use by owners and visitors. When not in owner use, the covenants generally require that the accommodation units be made available to visitors through a rental pool. With properties where the covenant does not specify a single, integrated rental pool, Whistler council policy supports multiple rental booking and unit management arrangements within a property including the self-management rental of units by owners.

Phase 2 | More restrictive than Phase 1, less common and generaly used for hotel zoning, Phase 2 covenants require that all units must be available for commercial rental to visitors at all times except for limited owner use. Owners have a basic allotment for personal use of their unit, limited to 28 days for a defined summer period and 28 days for a defined winter period. Terms specifying how and when owners may use their basic allotment are detailed in the covenants with terms that also specify opportunities for additional owner use. Every accommodation unit on the property must be placed or listed in a single, integrated rental pool, as selected by the strata owners through which the units will be made available for rental to visitors. This provides for the orderly and assured management of reservations and use of units by visitors and unit owners.