Public consultations are now in progress regarding the ambitious plans for an all-seasons resort in Alberta’s picturesque Kananaskis Country. Announced by the Alberta government in December, this initiative aims to establish three new resort areas—Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska—which officials claim could generate thousands of jobs and inject billions into the provincial economy.
Transformative Plans for Kananaskis Country
The proposed reclassification of Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska as all-season resorts represents a significant development in Alberta’s landscape, marking the first such resorts to be established on provincial land. As part of this transition, adjustments to existing provincial park boundaries have been made to accommodate the new projects.
On Friday, a public open house at Mount Royal University in Calgary provided a platform for community members to engage with the plans for Fortress Mountain, a former ski area situated approximately 125 kilometres west of the city. Closed since 2004, Fortress Mountain currently offers only Cat skiing, but the revitalisation plan includes a range of developments such as hotels, gondolas, extensive trail networks, and opportunities for private real estate investment.
Proponents of the project, including David McKenna from Ridge North America, assert that the resort could create over 1,000 jobs. “What we’re doing right now is trying to understand the preferences of Albertans regarding this project. We want to gather as much feedback as possible,” he stated, highlighting the importance of community input in shaping the resort’s future.
Environmental Concerns Raised
While the economic potential of the proposed resort is a focal point for government officials and developers, many local residents and environmental advocates voice significant concerns regarding the impact of such a development on the surrounding ecosystem. Critics argue that the environmental assessment conducted thus far has not adequately addressed the potential consequences for local wildlife and plant life.
Gareth Thomson, representing the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, expressed his apprehension, stating, “The environmental assessment that was done failed to answer many of those questions and is insufficient. We cannot support the development as it stands.” He further noted that Kananaskis Country already attracts approximately five million visitors annually, surpassing the visitation levels of nearby Banff National Park. “The mind boggles when you consider the transportation traffic and congestion during busy summer weekends,” he added.
Adding to the concerns, Chloe Hahn from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society underscored the overlap of the proposed resort with vital wildlife habitats. “Fortress overlaps with important habitat for several species, including grizzly bears and wolverines. We also have critical habitat for threatened bull trout overlapping with the site,” she cautioned.
Next Steps in the Consultation Process
The next round of public consultations is scheduled for February 23 in Edmonton, continuing the dialogue between developers, local residents, and environmental advocates. As the community engages in this process, the balance between economic development and environmental stewardship remains a critical focus.
Why it Matters
The proposal for an all-season resort in Kananaskis Country encapsulates the ongoing tension between economic opportunity and environmental preservation in Alberta. As the province seeks to revitalise its tourism industry and create jobs, stakeholders must carefully consider the ecological implications of large-scale developments. The outcome of these consultations could set a precedent for future projects in the region, impacting not only the local environment but also the livelihoods of those who depend on its natural beauty.
