Rhegan Williamson is one of the new board members who has joined the Whistler Housing Authority Board. We're excited to have her on the team, and we took a few moments to get to know Rhegan.
Tell us about yourself, how long have you been living in Whistler?
Born and raised in Whistler, I've embraced the community's incredible opportunities, from skiing with Valley Kids and competing internationally in Freeride to enjoying backcountry adventures, hiking, WORCA camps, soccer, violin, and Outdoor Education at Whistler Secondary. Summers working in the local construction industry fueled my passion for design and innovation, leading me to a career as an Architectural and Engineering Technologist after graduating from Thompson Rivers University. Growing up in Whistler has deeply shaped my love for the outdoors, community, and thoughtful design.
What drew you to become involved with the Whistler Housing Authority board?
I work as an Architectural and Engineering Technologist for a high-end homebuilder, specializing in custom single-family homes valued between $5M and $25M. Through my work, I've seen the challenges tradespeople face in securing affordable housing. Growing up locally, I feel a strong responsibility to give back to my community. As a renter and professional, I regularly encounter housing affordability and stability issues and am committed to contributing meaningfully to addressing these challenges.
What goals do you have for WHA as a board member?
As a board member, my goal is to create affordable housing for local employees, including seasonal workers, to support our community's year-round economic health. I'm also committed to long-term, sustainable solutions that ensure future generations can live, work, and thrive in our community.
If you could snap your fingers and "fix" one thing in Whistler, what would it be?
If I could instantly resolve one issue in Whistler, it would be the affordability and availability of housing. Despite the town's exceptional quality of life, the growing demand for housing and rising costs have created serious challenges, especially for local residents in essential industries like hospitality and trades. Solving this problem would help Whistler remain a vibrant, inclusive community where people from all backgrounds and professions can thrive.
What advice would you give to a community member interested in contributing to the WHA and Employee Housing programs?
For anyone interested in contributing to the Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) and Employee Housing programs, I encourage active engagement in understanding our community's housing challenges and opportunities. Stay informed about ongoing initiatives and consider how your skills-whether in construction, finance, or community planning-can support these efforts. By collaborating as a community, we can effectively address Whistler's critical workforce housing needs.
