• LATE & UNIQUE NIGHTTIME ALTERNATIVES
• OUR CONTRIBUTION TO WHISTLER
• HISTORY
• COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
• LUNA REPORTS

LATE & UNIQUE NIGHTTIME ALTERNATIVES (LUNA) has been helping to shape the future of our visitor experience and community life since 2003, and despite Whistler’s alcohol-focused nightlife, LUNA programming has contributed to a 20% reduction in alcohol-related calls to the RCMP.

“We proudly advertise and promote LUNA as a best practice." 
Norm McPhail, Officer In Charge, Sea to Sky Regional Police Services for the RCMP

Nearly half of Whistler's population is under 34 years old, compared to 30 per cent in the rest of British Columbia. LUNA has been helping to address Whistler’s top risk factors for young adults which contribute to the development of problem behaviours: community norms favourable towards alcohol, binge drinking, and poverty. Events are affordable, alcohol-free, and promote positive values.

From 2004 to 2011, LUNA events were produced and run by young adults for young adults, under the umbrella of the Community Event Coordination (CEC) internship program. The CEC program mentored young adults ages 18-35 in effective leadership, decision-making, communication and event management. Training entailed in-class sessions with industry professionals and hands-on experience with all aspects of LUNA events.

In 2011 the Resort Municipality of Whistler conducted a Service Review, which resulted in a 50% cut to LUNA's budget. As of 2012, LUNA operates seasonally rather than year-round, and the CEC program has been eliminated.

From 2003 to 2011, LUNA has

• Established an effective crime prevention program that contributes to a 20% reduction in alcohol-related calls to the RCMP
• Engaged over 13,000 people in alcohol-free nightlife
• Provided mentorship, events and leadership training, and networking opportunities to 52 young adults age 18-35
• Produced over 275 events, including arts & culture, health & wellness, sports, music and film
• Contributed over 6,200 volunteer hours to our community
• Been awarded the Innovative Community Capacity Building Award by the Canadian Cancer Society / BC Healthy Living Alliance
• Helped with Whistler's largest-ever power consumption reduction, for Earth Hour 2011
• Produced Whistler's first-ever Green Art Show
  

“We proudly advertise and promote LUNA as a best practice." 
Norm McPhail, Officer In Charge, Sea to Sky Regional Police Services for the RCMP

"I think what you are doing is amazing and I totally support it. All the best to you."  
Ndidi Cascade, hip-hop emcee, songwriter, recording artist and youth program facilitator

"Thanks again for a great event which was a great success. Soooooo many people there last night and the talent was just amazing over the last few days."  
Rob Michaels, Mountain FM Radio Jockey and Sea to Sky Battle of the Bands Judge, 2006 & 2007

"Thanks so much for hooking us up with the Snowbound night. The guys had a great time."  
Kevin Sansalone, pro rider, filmmaker, Sandbox Productions crew member, and snowboard designer

"I really enjoyed the movie and music at last Fri's LUNA event. You have a very informed group of people there."  
Pina Belperio, Council of Canadians member, Whistler Chapter

"I always hear good things about LUNA and the events that are put on, so we appreciate your efforts."  
Bill Barratt, CAO, Resort Municipality of Whistler

"I had an Events Management course during my schooling period, and your program, being hands on was far more beneficial, I learned more that way about events and had a blast doing it. Thank you, I obtained a lot from your program, I'm glad I participated in it, and keep up the good job!"
Magda Kwaterska, LUNA Community Event Coordination trainee 2006

"I just want to say thank you for being a great little program in Whistler, it was fun."  
Brenton Hays, LUNA member 2007