Public consultations are currently taking place for an ambitious plan to develop an all-seasons resort in the picturesque Kananaskis Country of Alberta. Announced by the provincial government last December, this initiative aims to establish three new resort areas—Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska—promising significant economic growth with the creation of thousands of jobs and an estimated influx of billions of dollars into the local economy.
Transforming Fortress Mountain
The proposed resort at Fortress Mountain, located approximately 125 kilometres west of Calgary, is particularly notable as it seeks to breathe new life into a site that has been dormant since its ski lift operations ceased in 2004. Currently, the area offers limited Cat skiing, but the new plans envision a comprehensive development that includes hotels, gondolas, extensive trail networks, and opportunities for private real estate investment.
At a recent open house held at Mount Royal University in Calgary, stakeholders gathered to discuss these proposals. David McKenna from Ridge North America, who is partnering with Western Securities on the project, emphasised the importance of community input. “What we’re doing right now is trying to figure out exactly where the points are that Albertans would like to see as part of this project or not see, and we really want to gather as much information as we can,” he stated.
Economic Promises and Job Creation
Proponents of the project are optimistic, claiming that the development will generate over 1,000 jobs. The government views this as a crucial step towards enhancing the province’s tourism sector and providing a year-round recreational destination, which could alleviate some of the seasonal pressures currently faced by other resort areas.
However, while the potential economic benefits are enticing, the environmental implications of such a large-scale development are raising concerns among local conservationists.
Environmental Concerns and Community Pushback
Critics are voicing their apprehensions regarding the ecological impact of the proposed resort. Gareth Thomson from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley highlighted that the environmental assessment conducted for the project fell short of addressing critical concerns. “Given the fact that we don’t really know the answers to many of our questions, we cannot support the development as it’s proposed,” he remarked, noting that Kananaskis Country already attracts around five million visitors annually—surpassing visitation rates at Banff National Park.
Chloe Hahn from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society expressed further worries about the overlap of the proposed resort with vital wildlife habitats. “Fortress overlaps with important wildlife habitat for multiple species, including grizzly bears and wolverines, as well as critical habitats for threatened bull trout,” she explained.
The next public consultation is scheduled for February 23 in Edmonton, where stakeholders and residents will have another opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed developments.
Why it Matters
The proposed all-seasons resort in Kananaskis Country represents a significant crossroads for Alberta—a blend of economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. As the province seeks to diversify its economy and embrace tourism, the potential ecological consequences of such developments cannot be overlooked. Balancing growth with conservation will be crucial in ensuring that Kananaskis remains a cherished natural landscape for generations to come. The outcome of these consultations may well set a precedent for future developments in Alberta’s pristine wilderness areas, shaping the relationship between industry and nature in the province.
