Mandy Rousseau
medium sized with moxie and might
Who I Am & Why I'm Running for Municipal Council
Whistler is an engaged community that has shaped me into the community connector, mentor and advocate that I am. Having spent my early childhood in Whistler, then growing up in Pemberton, I have deep roots in this region. After university, I chose to return to Whistler, committed to building my career here and giving back to the community that has given so much to me. I believe good leadership starts with listening, asking questions and bringing people together.
My career spans across Whistler’s non-profit, cultural, tourism and business sectors, complemented by hands-on governance and volunteer experience. As an experienced non-profit manager, I understand the importance of setting clear direction, being fiscally responsible, measuring results and remaining accountable to the people you serve.
I’m running for council because I believe Whistler benefits from fresh perspective, thoughtful planning and leadership willing to roll up its sleeves. I’m not an expert on everything—and I don’t pretend to be. I listen, seek out expertise, and am willing to change my mind when new information helps us make better decisions.
I care about Whistler, and I’d be honoured to put my experience and energy to work for the community I call home.
My Three Pillars
Fiscal Responsibility
Are we spending wisely and planning ahead?
What it means for you: Lower pressure on property taxes, smart use of public dollars, and investment in community services residents need.
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Ensure the Beedie Living 4500 Northlands Blvd. development delivers a multipurpose community centre for Whistler. I’m open to exploring all viable options, including phased construction and temporary structures, to help make this long-needed community asset a reality.
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Property taxes have been rising faster than inflation. I would like to see greater transparency in the municipal budgeting process, including a clearer distinction between operational and project costs, and more visibility into how budget decisions and tax increases are determined.
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Help move the dial on childcare, including fast-tracked zoning amendments when appropriate land becomes available and prioritizing childcare spaces in public and future public buildings.
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Support Whistler’s non-profits by exploring opportunities to provide public space and shared services in-kind.
Destination Stewardship
Are we taking care of the place and infrastructure we already have?
What it means for you: A safe, vibrant Whistler with infrastructure and services that keep pace with the needs of residents, workers and visitors.
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Focus on infrastructure maintenance and rejuvenation, informed by feedback from residents and visitors through Tourism Whistler.
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Establish a Whistler Village Rejuvenation Working Group that brings the municipality, commercial landlords, and strata hotels together to address aging infrastructure and find shared solutions.
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Develop a Valley Trail safety strategy that combines education, enforcement and infrastructure, with input from residents, bike rental companies, Bylaw and the RCMP.
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Work collaboratively on regional transit solutions that serve residents, workers and visitors.
Environmental Protection
Are we protecting the natural environment that makes Whistler what it is?
What it means for you: Protecting the natural environment that supports our quality of life, recreation opportunities and local economy.
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Continue FireSmart projects while strengthening communication with residents and remaining open to different approaches.
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Explore an optional practice evacuation day to educate residents, identify real-world pinch points and help reduce anxiety about how an evacuation would actually work.
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Recognize and amplify the leadership of local organizations such as AWARE and the Cheakamus Community Forest, and use Whistler’s government networks to share successful approaches with other communities.
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Support regional approaches to environmental protection and transportation where collaboration can achieve more than Whistler acting alone.
Governance Experience
2017 - 2019
Library Trustee (volunteer position)
At the Whistler Public Library, I chaired the Fundraising Committee and acted as Board Representative to the Friends of the Library. My hands on, proactive approach to staying informed on our community’s fabric positively contributed to my advocacy of the Library and earned me a Civic Service Award in 2019, making me the youngest recipient of the award since its inception.
2012 - 2015
Director of Skills and Fundraising (volunteer position)
At the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA) I researched and applied for grants, solicited sponsors, presented to council, and produced events. I recruited, managed and retained a volunteer fundraising committee to support this work. My role with WORCA proved my ability to work in an unstructured environment while adhering to the organization’s mandate.
2021 - 2022
Director of Marketing & Communications (volunteer position)
For the Whistler Children's Chorus, I participate in regular board meetings and provide guidance on marketing and communication strategies with the goal of recruiting program participants and rehearsal attendees.
Work Experience
2024 - 2025
Executive Director
At the Whistler Institute, I led the development and execution of strategic plans and programs. I designed and managed community engagement initiatives, communicated clearly with diverse audiences, and fostered inclusive environments and trust-based relationships. I was responsible for the organization’s budget, operational delivery and performance measurement, ensuring our work stayed focused, accountable and aligned with our strategic priorities.
2023 - Present
Marketing Analyst
At Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners, I lead the development and implementation of proactive communication strategies, including key message frameworks and reputation management. I provide strategic support on confidential, high-impact projects through comprehensive data research, analysis, and informed recommendations.
2025 - Present
Bike Guide & Coach
At Arbutus Routes, I lead guests along Whistler's world-renowned trails and share my local knowledge and tips to make their experience unforgettable. When requested, I provide coaching to guests to unlock new skills and take their riding to the next level.
2025 - Present
Ski Instructor
At Whistler Blackcomb, I help guests develop their confidence on snow by teaching new skills and guiding them safely through new terrain across the resort. My goal is to ensure every guest leaves with a positive and memorable experience.
2022 - 2023 (contract position)
Manager, Communications & Member Relations
At Tourism Whistler, I was responsible for the creation of proactive communication plans, supporting the president and organization with key messaging and reputational management. I oversaw news media relations, developed department strategies and budgets, and managed the member relations and corporate communications specialists.
2021 - 2022
Regional Business Liaison (contract position)
At the Squamish Lillooet Regional District, I exercised a high level of confidentiality as I worked with businesses and organizations impacted by the pandemic to access recovery resources. To meet people at their convenience, I travelled to different communities throughout the region to deliver public presentations and facilitate face to face conversations.
2018 - 2021
Manager, Marketing & Communications
At the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, I lead all brand, marketing, and communication initiatives. I delivered external presentations; managed staff and contractors; drove museum strategy through managing museum programming; and I collaborated with all departments to develop content that put culture at the centre of all our business.
2015 - 2018
Development Officer
At Arts Whistler, I was responsible for the fundraising activities at the society: planning and executing annual events, managing corporate sponsor and donor relations, and building a robust membership. I recruited a high performing team of staff and volunteers to support this work, supervising and coaching them along the way.
Recipient of the Resort Municipality of Whistler's Civic Service Award in 2019 for distinct work as Trustee for the Whistler Public Library.
Local Race Achievements:
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Won age category in Crankworx’s 2025 Canadian Open Enduro.
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Placed second in age category at Whistler Bike Park’s Bars of Fury downhill mountain bike race in 2025
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Second women in timed descent of WORCA’s Back Forty in 2025
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Place third in age category in WORCA’s women’s enduro, the Witsend, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
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Won overall women’s category in WORCA’s Back Forty in 2022
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Placed third in age category at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival’s Saudan Couloir Extreme Race in 2018
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Placed third in age category in Pemberton’s Nimby Fifty in 2018
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Won age category in Pemberton’s Nimby Fifty in 2017
You've made it this far...
If I sound like someone you'd like to see at our municipal council table, I'd love your support. You can make a donation by e-transfer to mandyforoffice@gmail.com, share this page with friends and neighbours, or volunteer to help spread the word.
Get in Touch
Do you have any questions or comments for me? You can reach me via email, and I will respond as soon as I am able.
email: mandyforoffice@gmail.com
"You've always got more gas in the tank."