Whistler

Whistler’s transformation from a logging town to an Olympic host city tells you everything about its gravitational pull. When the 2010 Winter Olympics rolled through, they didn’t just leave behind world-class venues—they cemented Whistler’s status as Canada’s alpine playground where property values reflect global demand.

The numbers paint an interesting picture: nearly 80% of residents are working age, yet unemployment sits at 17.5%. That’s not economic weakness—it’s the rhythm of a resort economy where seasonal work patterns create statistical quirks. When your town hosts 3 million visitors annually across two massive ski mountains, traditional employment metrics don’t tell the whole story.

Tekamar’s maximum LTV in Whistler is 0%—we don’t lend here, and the reasons are written in the resort economics. With median household incomes at $99,000 but property prices reflecting international buyer demand, the math doesn’t work for our equity-focused approach. This isn’t a knock on Whistler; it’s recognition that some markets operate by different rules.

The housing mix reveals Whistler’s character: only 30% single-family homes, with the rest split between condos, townhomes, and duplexes designed for mountain living. Over 10,000 private dwellings serve a population of 14,000—a ratio that makes sense when you consider the vacation property market and short-term rental economy.

Whistler’s appeal transcends seasons. Summer brings mountain biking that rivals the winter skiing, while the village maintains its European alpine charm year-round. The Sea-to-Sky Highway connects it to Vancouver in two hours, making it accessible enough for weekend warriors but remote enough to feel like an escape.

For mortgage brokers, Whistler represents the kind of market where traditional lending often hits walls. The combination of seasonal employment, high property values, and complex ownership structures creates opportunities for specialized lenders who understand resort economics—just not us.