Public consultations are currently in progress for a proposed all-season resort in Alberta’s picturesque Kananaskis Country. In December, the Alberta government unveiled ambitious plans to establish three all-season resort areas—Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska—within the province. Officials assert that this initiative could generate thousands of jobs and inject billions into the local economy. However, the reclassification of these areas has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the adjustments made to provincial park boundaries.
Revitalising Fortress Mountain
An open house at Calgary’s Mount Royal University on Friday offered the public a glimpse into the plans for the Fortress Mountain site, which is situated approximately 125 kilometres west of Calgary. Once a bustling ski destination, Fortress Mountain has been dormant since 2004, now only offering Cat skiing. The revitalisation plans include constructing hotels, installing gondolas, developing extensive trail networks, and facilitating private real estate sales. Proponents of the project claim it could create over 1,000 new jobs.
David McKenna, a representative from Ridge North America, spearheading the project in collaboration with Western Securities, emphasised the importance of community feedback: “What we’re doing right now, we’re 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 and we really want to get as much information we possibly can.”
Environmental Concerns Raised
Despite the potential economic benefits, the proposed all-season resort has sparked significant concern regarding its environmental impact. Critics argue that the environmental assessment conducted prior to these plans was inadequate. Gareth Thomson from 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, so given the fact that we don’t really know — we don’t have answers to any of our questions so we cannot support the development as it’s proposed.”
Kananaskis Country already attracts an impressive five million visitors annually, surpassing the traffic seen in Banff National Park. Thomson highlighted the potential ramifications of increased visitor numbers, particularly during peak weekends when transportation congestion can become overwhelming.
Wildlife at Risk
Concerns extend beyond visitor traffic; the development site overlaps with critical wildlife habitats. Chloe Hahn of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society noted the presence of vulnerable species, such as grizzly bears and wolverines, in the area. Furthermore, the site is home to essential habitats for threatened bull trout. Hahn underscored the importance of preserving these ecosystems, stating, “Fortress overlaps with important wildlife habitat for multiple species.”
The next round of public consultations is scheduled for February 23 in Edmonton, providing an opportunity for further community engagement as discussions continue.
Why it Matters
The proposed development of all-season resorts in Kananaskis Country represents a significant crossroads for Alberta’s energy and tourism sectors, poised to reshape the economic landscape while simultaneously raising critical environmental questions. With the potential to create jobs and enhance local economies, the challenge lies in ensuring that such growth does not come at the expense of the unique ecosystems and wildlife that define this cherished region. Balancing economic aspirations with environmental stewardship will be essential as stakeholders navigate the complexities of this ambitious project.
