28.3°C Mainly Sunny 
The distribution of vehicle access permits for the Sea to Sky Highway vehicle checkpoint that will be in operation for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games got underway on Monday (Nov. 30).
Two permits per household — which are fully transferable between vehicles, tenants and/or guests who have a parking space — have been mailed by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to Whistler residential property owners and distribution has started to the accommodation sector in Whistler and Pemberton. Permit distribution offices will open Dec. 14 in four locations — in Vancouver, Whistler, Pemberton and Squamish.
The checkpoint, north of Squamish near the Alice Lake turnoff, is designed to manage traffic volume into and through Whistler during the Games, with the ultimate goal of only allowing access to vehicles that have confirmed parking spaces at private residences, businesses or hotels. There will be no parking at venues or on public streets.
From Feb. 11 to 28, 2010, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., only vehicles with a checkpoint permit will be allowed to proceed up the highway.
In addition to the direct mailing, permit distribution offices will open on Dec. 14 in Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. The Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton offices will remain open through the end of the Olympic Games. The Pemberton office is at the old community centre on Pemberton Meadows Road. It will be open Monday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. The Whistler office is at Whistler Municipal Hall and is to be open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
