Public consultations are currently taking place regarding a proposed all-seasons resort in Alberta’s picturesque Kananaskis Country. In December, the provincial government unveiled plans to establish three new all-season resort areas—Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska—promising significant economic benefits, including the creation of thousands of jobs. However, this ambitious initiative has sparked concerns regarding its environmental impact and potential disruption to local ecosystems.
A New Vision for Fortress Mountain
The site in focus, Fortress Mountain, located roughly 125 kilometres west of Calgary, is a former ski resort that ceased operations in 2004 but has since offered Cat skiing. An open house event held at Mount Royal University in Calgary aimed to gather public feedback on the development plans, which entail revitalising the area with hotels, gondolas, and an extensive network of trails, alongside private real estate opportunities.
David McKenna, a representative from Ridge North America, which is collaborating with Western Securities on the project, emphasised the importance of community input. “What we’re doing right now is trying to understand what aspects Albertans would like to see included in this project, as well as what they would prefer to exclude. We genuinely want to gather as much information as possible,” he stated.
Economic Promises Amid Environmental Concerns
Proponents of the project assert that it could generate over 1,000 jobs and stimulate the local economy substantially. However, the proposal has not been without its critics. Environmental advocates have raised alarms about the potential repercussions for local wildlife and plant life, particularly as Kananaskis Country already attracts around five million visitors annually—exceeding the footfall of nearby Banff National Park.
Gareth Thomson from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley expressed his reservations, highlighting the inadequacy of the environmental assessments conducted thus far. “The assessment failed to address numerous critical questions, leaving us unable to support the development as it stands,” he remarked.
Protecting Sensitive Habitats
The ecological significance of the area cannot be overstated. Chloe Hahn of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society pointed out that Fortress Mountain overlaps with essential wildlife habitats, including those for grizzly bears and wolverines. Moreover, critical habitats for threatened species such as bull trout are also at stake.
“The sheer volume of visitors combined with the development of this resort raises serious questions about the sustainability of the region’s ecosystems,” Hahn warned. “We must consider the long-term implications on local wildlife and their habitats.”
The next public consultation is scheduled for February 23 in Edmonton, providing another opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on the proposed resort.
Why it Matters
The development of all-season resorts in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country presents both economic opportunities and environmental challenges. As the province seeks to enhance its tourism sector, it must also balance these ambitions with the need to protect fragile ecosystems and wildlife. The decisions made in the coming months will not only shape the future of Kananaskis but may also serve as a precedent for similar developments across Western Canada, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
