Public consultations are currently taking place regarding an ambitious plan to establish an all-seasons resort in Alberta’s picturesque Kananaskis Country. Announced by the provincial government in December, the initiative aims to create three new resort areas—Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska—promising to generate thousands of jobs and inject billions into the local economy. However, this proposed transformation of the region is not without its controversies, particularly concerning environmental impacts.
Plans for Fortress Mountain
One of the central sites of focus is Fortress Mountain, located approximately 125 kilometres west of Calgary. Once a thriving ski destination, Fortress Mountain has been largely dormant since its lift operations ceased in 2004, offering only Cat skiing in recent years. At an open house held at Mount Royal University in Calgary, developers unveiled plans for a comprehensive redevelopment that includes hotels, gondolas, and an extensive network of trails, alongside private real estate ventures.
David McKenna of Ridge North America, collaborating with Western Securities on the project, emphasised the importance of community input. “What we’re doing right now is trying to figure out the aspects of the project that Albertans would like to see included or excluded,” he stated, highlighting the developers’ commitment to gathering public feedback.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Despite the potential economic benefits, a significant segment of the community has voiced concerns about the project’s environmental ramifications. Gareth Thomson from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley expressed skepticism regarding the adequacy of the project’s environmental assessment. “The environmental assessment that was done failed to answer many of those questions and is insufficient,” Thomson noted, pointing out that Kananaskis Country already attracts five million visitors annually—surpassing the numbers seen in Banff National Park.
Chloe Hahn from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society echoed these concerns, warning that the proposed development overlaps with crucial wildlife habitats, including those of grizzly bears and wolverines. Additionally, she highlighted that the area is home to threatened species, such as the bull trout, whose critical habitat would be affected by the resort’s construction.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
The government is keen to ensure that local voices are heard throughout this consultation process. The next public meeting is scheduled for February 23 in Edmonton, giving residents another opportunity to express their views and concerns. The developers have stressed their commitment to addressing community feedback, but how effectively these concerns will be integrated into the final plans remains to be seen.
As discussions unfold, the balance between economic development and environmental preservation will be at the forefront of this debate.
Why it Matters
The proposed all-season resort in Kananaskis Country represents a pivotal moment for Alberta, where the potential economic benefits must be weighed against the ecological integrity of a cherished natural landscape. With millions of visitors already flocking to the area, the impact of increased human activity on local wildlife and ecosystems cannot be overlooked. As public consultations progress, the challenge will be to forge a path that not only supports economic growth but also safeguards the environmental health of this stunning region for future generations.
