Public consultations are currently taking place for a proposed all-seasons resort in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country, following the provincial government’s announcement in December regarding plans to establish three new resort areas. This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth by generating thousands of jobs and injecting billions of dollars into the local economy. However, the shift in designation for Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska resorts has prompted adjustments to provincial park boundaries, raising eyebrows among environmental advocates.
Revitalising Fortress Mountain
The proposed development at Fortress Mountain, a former ski destination located approximately 125 kilometres west of Calgary, intends to breathe new life into an area that has been largely dormant since its ski lift operations ceased in 2004. Currently offering only Cat skiing, the revitalisation plans include the construction of hotels, gondolas, extensive trail networks, and opportunities for private real estate sales.
On Friday, a public open house was held at Mount Royal University in Calgary, allowing residents to engage with project proponents and express their views. David McKenna from Ridge North America, collaborating with Western Securities on the project, stated, “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. We really want to gather as much feedback as possible.”
Job Creation and Economic Benefits
Supporters of the resort project assert that it could create over 1,000 jobs, a significant boost for the regional economy. The provincial government has positioned this development as a key driver for economic diversification, particularly in the tourism sector, which has been impacted by fluctuating visitor numbers in recent years.
However, with the promise of economic prosperity comes the need for careful consideration of the environmental implications that such developments entail.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Opposition to the project is growing, particularly from environmental advocates who fear the impact of increased tourism on local wildlife and ecosystems. Gareth Thomson from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of the environmental assessments conducted, stating, “The environmental assessment that was done failed to answer many of those questions and is insufficient. Given that we don’t have answers to any of our questions, we cannot support the development as it’s proposed.”
Thomson noted that Kananaskis Country already experiences heavy foot traffic, attracting around five million visitors annually—outpacing even Banff National Park. This influx has led to traffic congestion and overwhelmed infrastructure during peak seasons, raising questions about how a new resort would exacerbate these issues.
Further complicating matters, Chloe Hahn from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society highlighted the overlap of the proposed resort site with vital wildlife habitats. “Fortress overlaps with important wildlife habitat for multiple species, including grizzly bears and wolverines. We also have critical habitat for threatened bull trout overlapping with the site,” she warned.
The next round of public consultations is set for February 23 in Edmonton, where community members will have another opportunity to voice their concerns or support for the proposed developments.
Why it Matters
As Alberta seeks to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, the fate of the all-season resorts in Kananaskis Country presents a crucial test of this delicate equilibrium. The ability to create jobs while preserving vital ecosystems will determine not only the future of this stunning landscape but also the long-term sustainability of Alberta’s tourism industry. Engaging local communities in these discussions is essential as they navigate the complexities of development and conservation in one of the province’s most cherished natural areas.
