WCWC shocked: Jumbo Ski Resort Given Green Light by BC Government Despite 90% Opposition : WC Mediawire

Since 1986, local, regional and international organizations have fought the Jumbo Ski Resort proposal, which would see a small city built atop a mountain pass near critical habitat for endangered mountain caribou and sensitive grizzly bear populations. The project is overwhelmingly opposed, for economic and ecological reasons, by local groups.

Andy Miller, wildlife biologist with the Wilderness Committee commented, "The location of the resort is the big problem. It will bring thousands of people into an area directly adjacent to a pristine alpine pass, which is bookended by clearcuts to the east and west. The resort, if built, would complete the barrier; limiting the critical north-south movement of animals that shun human habitation such as caribou, grizzly bear, wolverine and others, in the Purcell Mountains. The resort is a biological catastrophe."

The Liberals claim that the resort was approved largely because of the "downsizing" and "mitigation" efforts of the proponents. However, Miller points out that "the downsized resort will still house 6,250 bed units and cover some 104 hectares making it a resort city". "The line we are being fed by the BC Liberals is that because the resort has been minimally downsized, threats to the environment can be mitigated. Local residents, scientists and the environmental community have always maintained however, that it is not just an issue of how big or small the resort is that's an issue. The issue is that regardless of size, the resort will have such a profoundly negative impact on wildlife, that it should not be built at all," said Miller.

Dr. Brian Horejsi, a grizzly bear expert, has reported that the resort would increase local grizzly bear deaths by between 500 to 1100%. Furthermore, just two weeks ago the Forest Practices Board issued a report stating that the provincial government was not doing enough to prevent the pending extinction of mountain caribou in the region. The mountain caribou herd immediately south of the proposed Jumbo ski resort has only about 40 animals remaining and the herd immediately to the northwest has only 70 animals remaining, down from 240 in 1996. "This decision sends a strong message to the Federal Government that BC does not care about extinction, and does not heed federal endangered species legislation," said Miller.

"Simply put, the negative effects of the Jumbo Resort can not be adequately mitigated," said Miller. "Whether the resort ski runs are 100 metres or 500 metres away from critical wildlife habitat is not the issue. The issue is that it should not be built, period. "This decision is not only scientifically unsound, it is vehemently opposed by people who live in this region. In the government's own Environmental Assessment process over 90% of the 5,000 stakeholders who responded, including several local communities, and all local First Nations, were opposed to the development."

The Wilderness Committee vows to join with other environmental, community and First Nations groups to see that the Jumbo Glacier Resort is never built.

For Further Information contact: Andy Miller - WCWC Wildlife Biologist at 604-683-8220 or 604-708-0238.

Jumbo Glacier Resort means 6250 beds - is that 6250 toilets? How do we combat such short sighted greed. The life of that glacier is ? And it sets precendence (spelling) for future resorts on more glaciers...

No only am I shocked but I and truly sickened that this so-called "Liberal" government would allow the desecration and destruction of the pristine West Kootenays!! And for what reson?!! It tells me very clearly that these power brokers have no heart or soul what-so-ever for anything except greed, for so-called growth and that they truly have sold out the very heart and soul of the Kootenays. They must be thrown out of power. The citizens of BC had better wake up and correct what is grossly wrong with BC! This will destroy a way of livng and of life in the Kootenays and perhaps that is the reason it went through?!! This is a true example of what multinational corporations with no heart or connection to the land can do with weak governemnt who forgot why they are in office and power and who they truly represent, This is a missive sell-out!!!

Not only am I shocked, but I am truly sickened that this so-called "Liberal" government would allow for and actually support the desecration and destruction of the pristine West Kootenays and even against overwhelming oppostion to this development!! And for what reason?? Clearly these power brokers have no back bone let alone no heart and soul for anything except greed; for industrial "tourism"; and for soo-called growth at all costs! This decision will go down in the annals of BC government as one of the most short-sighted, repulsive, and environmentally disasterous decisions in years and years and there is no turning back! They have sold out the very heart and soul of the Kootenays! These power brokers must be thrown out of power! The citizens of BC must wake up and correct what is grossly wrong in BC!! This venture is a true example of what multinational corporations with no care, heart, compassion or interest in the land or people can do with and through weak govenment, who has forgotten who and what and why they are in power let alone who they truly represent! This is truly a massive sell-out!!

I would prefer to see a ski hill developed, rather than the forests being clearcut, which no one seems to worry too much about.

tuly i am quite shocked! the government allowing such a resort to enter into a place where there are animals in danger. i read the one part where the deaths of bears will go from 500% to 1100% if JGR takes place. i'm really just surprised at the government!

don't waste canada's wild life and greatoutdoors we don't need another las vagus in north anarica

why do they think we need another ski hill in this general area we already have panorama,fairmont,kimberlyand kicking horse its not worth the new trails if its going to hurt the environment!

I think Jumbo Glacier Resort is a great project I will go there as soon it opens!!!!

i dont get why are government doesnt lsten to what the masses says i think it's time for a fucking revolution!!!
like come on man svae the grizzies and tha cariboooos and besides i ski at jumboa ll the tme and personally think its bbetter as bacountey thatn a huge frggin resort dude..i do suppose it would create tonnesof jobs for the wicked local kids.....i like fuck i ho;e thre arent any auzzies or japs near the place forr work it should be reserved for the locals only unless more emplyees are needed

Western Canada Wilderness Committee

Western Canada Wilderness Committee