Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler is nestled amongst the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. At one time an isolated wilderness frequented only by the Lil'wat and the Squamish First Nations as a waypoint for trading, today's Whistler is home to 9,500 permanent residents from around the globe. With its role as Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Whistler was further established as the ultimate winter destination.

However, there is another side to Whistler - summer. As the snow melts, rolling expanses explored by snowshoe enthusiasts reveal four championship golf courses designed by legendary players such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Forested pathways that once housed groomed cross-country ski tracks transform into a network of family-friendly and single-track biking trails. Ski runs make way for alpine hiking and downhill-biking in the world famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Winter made Whistler famous but its natural beauty, diverse residents and limitless year-round offerings make it an original and unforgettable place.

The Delegation headed to Boise on January 16th, 2014. The delegation included Alana DeLong, MLA, Alberta; Herb Cox, MLA, Saskatchewan, Colin Smith, APEGBC; Dan Kirschner, NWGA; David Kettles, Alberta Government; Bruce Agnew, Cascadia Center for Regional Development; and Matt Morrison, PNWER Executive Director.

 

Delegates attended a PNWER Idaho Council meeting led by Lt. Gov. Brad Little. The PNWER Idaho Council was established by a Governor's Executive Order in 2012, and includes appointed members from the executive and legislative branches as well as invited private sector participants. Dr. Gloria Totoricag�ena coordinates the Idaho Council and works with council members to set the agenda. The Council meets three times per year to plan Idaho's agenda for the PNWER Working Groups and has determined that the top agenda items for 2014 include 1) Transportation, 2) Cyber Security and Emergency and Disaster Management, 3) Food Security and Agribusiness, and 4) Workforce Development.

 

The PNWER Idaho Council Meeting was led by Lt. Gov. Brad Little.

 

The visiting PNWER delegation also attended and presented to the Idaho Transportation Board statewide meeting and invited Director Brian Ness and other board members to the Annual Summit in Whistler. PNWER Transportation Co-Chair Bruce Agnew will be working directly with Gloria Totoricag�ena and Director Ness to plan the July sessions regarding truck weight and size limits streamlining and permitting.

 

Alana DeLong, MLA Alberta, presents to the Idaho Transportation Board.

 

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Director, Brigadier General Brad Richy, participated in PNWER's all day events on January 16th and also had a private meeting with the PNWER Delegation the next day to discuss the preliminary planning for Idaho- led workshops related to cyber security. 

 

A joint discussion with the House and Senate majority and minority party leadership focused on food security and the importance of the Columbia River Treaty negotiations for securing water availability and irrigation issues. House Speaker Scott Bedke, Pro Tem Brent Hill, House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, House Minority Leader John Rusche and Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett insisted that these are of fundamental importance to the State of Idaho and they expect PNWER to be an influential avenue for influencing best practices and continuation of good relations for water issues. Private sector sponsors Nunhems Seed and the Idaho Dairyman's Association are also especially interested.

PNWER meeting with leadership of Idaho.