Public consultations are now in full swing for a proposed all-seasons resort in Alberta’s stunning Kananaskis Country. In December, the provincial government unveiled plans to establish three all-season resort areas aimed at generating thousands of jobs and injecting billions into the local economy. The regions designated for this transformation—Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska—will mark Alberta’s first all-season resorts on provincial lands. However, this change comes with adjustments to existing provincial park boundaries, raising concerns among environmental advocates.
Revitalising Fortress Mountain
An open house held at Mount Royal University in Calgary on Friday provided a platform for discussing the ambitious plans for Fortress Mountain, located about 125 kilometres west of Calgary. Once a thriving ski hill, Fortress Mountain ceased operations in 2004 and currently offers only Cat skiing. The revitalisation project aims to breathe new life into the area with the introduction of hotels, gondola systems, extensive trail networks, and opportunities for private real estate development.
David McKenna of Ridge North America, collaborating with Western Securities on the project, expressed the developers’ commitment to gathering feedback from the community. “What we’re doing right now is trying to figure out exactly where the points are that Albertans generally would like to see as part of this project or not see as part of this project,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of public input.
Economic Prospects and Job Creation
The proponents of the project are optimistic about its potential economic impact, claiming that it could create over 1,000 jobs. The allure of year-round tourism is expected to attract visitors from across Alberta and beyond, providing a boost to the local economy. However, the proposal has ignited a debate about the environmental ramifications of such developments in a region already under pressure from heavy tourist traffic.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Opposition to the resort plan is mounting, particularly from environmental groups concerned about the potential impact on local wildlife and ecosystems. Gareth Thomson from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley voiced his apprehensions, stating that the environmental assessment conducted was inadequate and left numerous questions unanswered. “Given the fact that we don’t really know — we don’t have answers to any of our questions, we cannot support the development as it’s proposed,” he remarked.
Kananaskis Country already welcomes approximately five million visitors annually, surpassing the traffic seen in Banff National Park. The prospect of increased transportation and congestion, particularly during peak summer weekends, adds to the worries of residents and environmentalists alike.
Chloe Hahn from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society highlighted the significant overlap between the proposed resort site and critical wildlife habitats. “Fortress overlaps with important wildlife habitat for multiple species, including grizzly bears and wolverines,” she noted. Additionally, habitats for threatened bull trout are also in close proximity to the development area, raising alarms about the ecological integrity of the region.
Future Consultations and Community Engagement
Further public consultations are scheduled for February 23 in Edmonton, where stakeholders hope to discuss the project in greater detail and address the concerns raised by community members and environmental advocates. This ongoing dialogue will be crucial in determining the future of the resort and its implications for Kananaskis Country.
Why it Matters
The development of all-seasons resorts in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country poses a complex challenge that balances economic aspirations against environmental stewardship. As the province seeks to attract tourism and create jobs, it must also consider the ecological ramifications of such undertakings. The outcome of these consultations could shape not only the future of Fortress Mountain but also set a precedent for how Alberta manages its natural resources and tourism initiatives moving forward. Maintaining the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental protection will be pivotal in ensuring the long-term health of this cherished landscape.
