Public consultations are currently taking place regarding a proposed all-season resort in Alberta’s picturesque Kananaskis Country. Announced by the Alberta government last December, the initiative aims to establish three new resort areas—Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska—with the promise of generating thousands of jobs and billions in economic benefits. This will mark the first time that provincial lands in Alberta are designated for all-season resort development. However, the reclassification has necessitated adjustments to existing provincial park boundaries, raising concerns among environmental advocates.
Fortress Mountain: A New Vision
On Friday, an open house was held at Mount Royal University in Calgary to discuss plans for Fortress Mountain, a former ski destination that ceased lift operations in 2004 and now primarily offers Cat skiing. The revitalisation plan includes developing hotels, gondolas, extensive trail networks, and opportunities for private real estate purchases. Proponents of the project assert that the resort could create over 1,000 jobs, presenting a unique opportunity for economic stimulation in the region.
David McKenna of Ridge North America, a key player in the development alongside Western Securities, emphasised the importance of community input. “What we’re doing right now is trying to identify the aspects that Albertans want to see included in the project or excluded, and we aim to gather as much feedback as we can,” he stated.
Environmental Concerns Emerge
Despite the potential economic benefits, significant environmental concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the proposed development on local wildlife and ecosystems. Critics argue that the environmental assessment conducted for the project is inadequate and fails to address critical questions about its ecological implications.
“The environmental assessment that was done failed to answer many of those questions and is insufficient,” said Gareth Thomson from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley. “Kananaskis Country already sees around 5 million visitors annually—more than Banff National Park—and the thought of the resulting traffic congestion on busy weekends is alarming.”
Moreover, environmentalists highlight that Fortress Mountain overlaps with vital habitats for various species, including grizzly bears and wolverines. Chloe Hahn of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society noted, “We also have critical habitat for threatened bull trout overlapping with the site.”
Future Consultations and Community Engagement
The next round of public consultations is set for February 23 in Edmonton, where community members will have another opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed all-season resort. As the discussions progress, the balance between economic development and environmental stewardship remains a central theme.
The anticipated influx of visitors and the associated infrastructure development present both opportunities and challenges. Stakeholders must consider how to harmonise economic growth with the preservation of Kananaskis Country’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Why it Matters
The proposed all-season resort in Kananaskis Country represents a pivotal moment for Alberta, as it grapples with the dual imperatives of economic development and environmental sustainability. With the potential to create jobs and stimulate the local economy, the project must also heed the calls of conservationists who advocate for the protection of sensitive ecosystems. As Alberta’s tourism landscape evolves, the decisions made in the coming months will shape the region’s future, impacting both its economy and its environment for generations to come.
