SEA-TO-SKY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Challenge:
The Sea-to-Sky highway from Vancouver to Whistler was undergoing a major improvement project and renovation. The Sea-to-Sky project team wanted to inform the public about the proposed changes, garner feedback and gain community support.

Solution:
Hoggan developed a consultation planning process aimed at local governments, communities, residents and businesses in the most affected areas from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler.  Also included were organizations such as the Technical Liaison Committee, the Lions Bay Community Advisory Group, the Howe Sound Community Forum, Tourism Whistler and environmental groups.  

The goal was twofold:

1) to give communities and key stakeholders the opportunity to provide input during the preliminary design stages; and

2) to provide timely information to minimize the disruption and maximize the predictability of traffic delays during construction. Communities along the corridor were consulted about seasons, days of the week and hours of the day when highway construction would cause the least disruption.

Result:
Based on feedback from the various stakeholders, the Sea-to-Sky project team learned that road closures and delays should be limited to non-peak hours. The overall experience improved relationships between communities and the Sea-to-Sky project.