Public consultations are currently taking place regarding a proposed all-seasons resort in Kananaskis Country, Alberta. Announced by the provincial government in December, the initiative aims to establish three new all-season resort areas—Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska—which officials claim will generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions to the local economy. This marks a significant shift, as these will be the first all-season resorts located on provincial land in Alberta, though the change in designation comes with adjustments to certain provincial park boundaries.
Revitalising Fortress Mountain
On Friday, an informative open house was held at Mount Royal University in Calgary to discuss the future of Fortress Mountain, a former ski area situated approximately 125 kilometres west of Calgary. The site, which ceased operations in 2004, currently offers only Cat skiing. The revitalisation plans for Fortress Mountain include constructing hotels, gondolas, and extensive trail networks, as well as opportunities for private real estate sales. Proponents of the project assert that it has the potential to create over 1,000 jobs.
David McKenna from Ridge North America, collaborating with Western Securities on the resort development, emphasised the need for community input. “What we’re doing right now is figuring out exactly where Albertans would like to see aspects included in this project or not included, and we want to gather as much information as possible,” he stated.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Despite the anticipated economic benefits, apprehensions have emerged regarding the potential ecological impact of the year-round resort. Critics, including Gareth Thomson from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, argue that the environmental assessment conducted for the project was inadequate and failed to address numerous critical questions. He noted that Kananaskis Country already attracts around five million visitors annually—outpacing even the National Park in Banff by a million visitors, which leads to concerns about traffic congestion during peak times.
Chloe Hahn from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society added further weight to these concerns, highlighting that the proposed site overlaps with vital wildlife habitats. “Fortress overlaps with important wildlife habitats for multiple species, including grizzly bears and wolverines. We also have critical habitat for threatened bull trout coinciding with the site,” Hahn remarked, underscoring the delicate balance between economic development and environmental preservation.
Next Steps in the Consultation Process
The provincial government is keen to engage the public, with the next round of consultations scheduled for February 23 in Edmonton. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how community feedback will shape the future of the resort and whether it can successfully balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Why it Matters
The development of the all-seasons resort in Kananaskis Country presents a pivotal moment for Alberta, with the potential to significantly boost the local economy while also raising critical questions about environmental integrity. As stakeholders weigh the benefits of job creation against the preservation of Alberta’s natural landscapes and biodiversity, the outcome of this project could set a precedent for future developments in ecologically sensitive areas. Striking a balance between economic aspirations and environmental responsibilities will be crucial as Alberta navigates its path forward.
