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Jumbo Glacier, BC approved for a ski hill

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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
Source: CBC

The B.C. government has approved development of the Jumbo Glacier Alpine Resort, a controversial year-round ski resort 55 kilometres west of Invermere, B.C.

The development has been on the books for two decades, having gone through all regulatory approvals, but no government would sign off on it until now.

The Liberals made the $1 billion annoucement in Victoria Tuesday and said the resort will be comparable in size to Silver Star near Vernon, B.C., or roughly one-tenth the size of Whistler.

Even before the official announcement was made, the NDP was highly critical of the decision. Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald said the provincial approval changes nothing.

"People in the Columbia Valley have been absolutely clear. They feel strongly that building a resort in this area does not make sense," said Macdonald in a statement released Tuesday morning.

"It doesn't make sense environmentally or economically, and putting the B.C. Liberal stamp of approval on it doesn't change a thing."
With files from the CBC's Bob Keating




--

I think there are going to be some upset environmentalists
Mar 20 2012 3:30PM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
people lose interest in skiing after easter plain and simple. How many people from vancouver take advantage of the glacier at whistler?
Mar 22 2012 6:23PM
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baz1
Posts: 287 - Karma: -37
It won't me marketed towards people from Vancouver and Calgary. its gonna be marketed towards rich Europeans who want to train in the summer for downhill and other things.

They would probably put a park, so the kids would come from around to shred park.
Mar 22 2012 7:57PM
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CassiusClay
Posts: 1757 - Karma: 2
Real estate ponzi scheme? bahaha
Mar 22 2012 8:22PM
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hollygrove
Posts: 7845 - Karma: 93
yeah cause europeans definitely have the funds right now... not saying there arn't rich europeans, but currently the european economy is on its way down.

If we wanna talk about Europe, lets bring up Europe's "year round" glacier skiing. All throughout the Alps and into Italy their year round ski operations ARE SHUTTING DOWN because of the development. Putting lifts and industry on a glacier will cause it to disappear, there is no question about that, we've seen it time and time again.

So let's look at the points that we have against it:
- No real demand for it. (416, i take back what I said about Whitewater before, jeez the parking lots have been full this year)
- Inevitable glacial disappearance
- Destruction of precious wild land. Home to the biggest population of Grzzlies in BC (at least what I heard, either way destruction of precious natural habitat)
- Virtually zero local support.
- Precious native land

So really, everything is against the Jumbo project, and it's destined to fail. The only point for Jumbo, is that people from outside of the Kootenay's (from the coast, etc.) must see it has an economical boost because it will create however many jobs. Fair enough, but everything stacked against it will just ruin exactly that in the long run. It wil not succeed, and it's terribly unfair that the people who make the decisions have no part in the local communities and are choose the development from abroad.
Mar 22 2012 8:32PM
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baz1
Posts: 287 - Karma: -37
Pros:
- Jobs (But not great ones minimum wage bullshit lifty wage.
- WH2O could possibly open later to compete with it.



That said.


I love Jumbo Wild.
Mar 22 2012 10:15PM
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scientist
Posts: 6920 - Karma: 348
http://www.jumbowild.com/act

there is a link to send an email to the BC government. take a stand against development, at least attempt to make your voice heard.

This resort will benefit only a select few. I cannot count on one hand how many resorts already exist under 2 hours away from the proposed site...and they are all struggling.

Jumbo Wild Forever.
Mar 22 2012 10:26PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
heard from a friend that a news report said they would be OPEN for skiing summer 2014.
Mar 22 2012 10:30PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
I doubt these jobs will go to Canadians....
Maybe in the development of the hill.

You're argument for it is terrible, where as hollygrove's post is spot on.

The Columbia Valley doesn't need this hill. You kids may be stoked for it, but you're only looking at it from a "hey! I can go ski there" perspective.
Nobody wants Jumbo to be a hill, people have been campaigning against it for a reason. And a lot of these people are people that live a ski bum/winter orientated lifestyle.
Mar 22 2012 10:39PM
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scientist
Posts: 6920 - Karma: 348
...sounds reliable.

You guys can find me chained to a tree, playing a ukelele, reeking of patoulie oil and herbs with my flower power peace squad. We are looking for someone to play tamborine in our crew. You must be able to comfortably handle 3 hits of acid and not be afraid of logging machinery.
Mar 22 2012 10:43PM
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Jaimee.
Posts: 846 - Karma: 87
I'm pretty sure what the report said was that they want to break ground in 2014, not open.

I believe there is a rally on Sunday, in Nelson, against the development of the glacier.
Mar 23 2012 12:42AM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,010
So, I've been talking with my friends, and well... I'm going to play devils advocate here. As I have shown, I am against Jumbo. BUT, I fear, that if they actually build it, I may have to give it a try. I mean, I am a skier after all.

Anyone else ready to admit that?
Mar 23 2012 3:08AM
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Lord.Quasimoto
Posts: 958 - Karma: 33

Well at least one of you admits it.

I'm willing to admit I'm no environmental expert and I'm also not in a position to determine whether there is or is not a market for this kind of major development. I will leave those questions to the experts involved in the decision making process. I trust the opinions of experts over emotional arguments from skiers and friends.

In addition - If Jumbo gets built and the people in this thread (living their "ski bum", supposedly pro-environment lifestyle) end up riding there - it will just prove that you guys have no backbone and your opinions mean nothing. Not trying to be a dick but how would you justify that?

Mar 23 2012 11:15AM
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SurfaceHoar
Posts: 311 - Karma: 240
Jumbo Wild is a joke. The valley is littered with mines and logging.


If you want wild. There is a conservancy to the south that's 200 000 hectares. Glaciers, forests, mountains,lakes, no roads and no logging. 40 times larger than the proposed Jumbo recreation area. Dedicated to wilderness that has not been scarred by man.



Mar 23 2012 11:27AM
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hollygrove
Posts: 7845 - Karma: 93
I fail to see how that is a justification to the development? Sure we've done damage to the environment is the past, but that no reason not to try and repair some of what we have done in the past.
I hear you though that the initiative is exaggerated, but unfortunately that's the only way to get attention from people who don't live in the Koots. Just because we can doesn't mean we should slap development on every glacier we can.
Mar 23 2012 11:34AM
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baz1
Posts: 287 - Karma: -37
We Ski 7 months of the year here in the Kootenays. So if its Blue Bird in August, we go jump off bridges and cliffs into the lake or go wakeboarding/waterskiing.


Mar 23 2012 12:34PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
Yea....don't really feel the need to go spend money, along with a massive drive for Jumbo in the summer, if I'm anywhere near that side of BC, I'll probably be on a roadbike. As much as I love skiing, and I love the Kootneys/Columbia Valley, I don't see justification on building a massive development on a glacier with its environmental concerns, just so I can get some turns in. I'd rather earn them for summer skiing. No one has brought up a good argument as to why this place should be built.
Mar 23 2012 12:49PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
here's one:

Click for larger image
Mar 23 2012 12:52PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
Here's one against it: What market is Jumbo going to get its money from? We've gone through that some local kids that want to ski aren't going to be enough for it to run the the summer. Or the fact that Revy or KH or any of these resorts are struggling to sell condos.
Mar 23 2012 12:54PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
To the general public (the average family), no one wants to ski in the summer. They want summer things. Along with the fact that the EKs don't need another hill.
Mar 23 2012 12:57PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
I'd imagine from calgary...similar to Whistler/Vancouver back in the day. I mean, if you would have told people back in the early 60s about Whistler in 2012 they would have said you are crazy and would never happen. don't waste the money...build it and they will come.
Mar 23 2012 12:58PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
I don't think the Calgary market is big enough. And the racers? They've been training up in places like this forever, nothing new. We also don't have to fast forward 50 years to see what will happen. Our economy is lousy, Jumbo isn't going to bring people in from afar. People can waste their money skiing where they want, I just wish they didnt have to waste money on a doomed hill.
Mar 23 2012 1:10PM
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Lord.Quasimoto
Posts: 958 - Karma: 33

That's sweet man. If you are against it and then don't support the development (once it's built) I have all the respect in the world for you. Diverse opinions are great, but remember that actions will always speak louder than words.

Mar 23 2012 2:27PM
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Lord.Quasimoto
Posts: 958 - Karma: 33

Dude, everything you are talking about is speculation. That’s the nature of investing – it involves complicated speculation. You think that you know more than the people who are putting their millions on the line for this project? The economy is shitty right now yes, but it won’t be forever. There are so many variables in determining a market for this type of investment. The return on Jumbo has very little (or nothing) to do with how many Condos are selling in Revelstoke / KHO right now.  

Mar 23 2012 2:38PM
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baz1
Posts: 287 - Karma: -37
Anyone interested. http://www.tmtv.net/BCTV_keep_jumbo_wild_rally_nelson_bc_news_kootenays_mar_23_2012.htm
Mar 23 2012 10:21PM
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squibble
Posts: 4569 - Karma: 104
there is nothing I hate more than politics, besides static and overripe mandarin oranges
Mar 23 2012 10:37PM
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SurfaceHoar
Posts: 311 - Karma: 240
It's not. Just pointing out that it's not "pristine wilderness" I don't think we should slap development on every glacier we can. I do think we should have access to at least a few.

If it were my choice, I would extend the P.W. Conservancy all the way up through the Bugaboos and Glacer NP. I hate as much as anyone the devastation and scars we have left on the province, in some truly special places.


Mar 23 2012 11:35PM
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jca
Posts: 4171 - Karma: 6,311
they've actually been training there for years already. farnham glacier ring a bell?

but on the real, this project is completely unsustainable and the amount of energy and resources used to build it will be a complete waste when it fails in a few years. let it be.
Mar 25 2012 9:29PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
That's the one! I think I was even going to go there one day...
Mar 25 2012 9:42PM
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mm.ski
Posts: 37 - Karma: 167
They obviously have some idea of what market to target, for this to have been accepted after all these years, the people behind building this resort would of had to present their market research and show who in fact they intend to target. And about your environmental concern, unless the government has just stopped caring completely about what happens to our environment, the master plan would not have been approved otherwise. To touch on the grizzly bear concern as well, they only claim that there are only two grizzlies in the area, which is an easy number to work with, look at KHR, they are able to handle the situation with the bears they have, so I'm sure JGR will be able to do the same.

From the sounds of it, the project seems like a stimulant to the economy, claiming to offer 20 years of work, with each year bringing in $15-20 mil in construction, as I am sure you have read from the website, doesn't that count for something?

Personally, I'd be stoked on a year round resort that's within a reasonable drive from home, I think it would be rad to be able to shred park (going out on a limb, assuming they will build a park, that is) in the summer without having to spend the copious amounts to ski at the other summer skiing destinations for only 5 days. But that's just me.
Mar 26 2012 5:48AM
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old-dirty11
Posts: 340 - Karma: 238

I hope it goes through!!

Mar 26 2012 2:27PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
Generic email reply from mass email from site posted before.

Hello Mason,

Thank you for including our office in your communication concerning Jumbo Glacier Resort. We appreciate that you have taken the time to share your thoughts.

Of course, we are dismayed by the government’s decision to sign the Master Development Agreement. It shows a complete disregard of the wishes of the people here who know the area best. The majority of residents oppose the project. And the Ktunaxa have been absolutely clear that the Jumbo Valley is sacred to them, and they will not allow this development to proceed.

Upon hearing of the announcement, Norm released the following statement:

INVERMERE – The BC Liberals’ announcement that they have approved the development of a resort in the Jumbo Valley changes nothing, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.

“People in the Columbia Valley have been absolutely clear. They feel strongly that building a resort in this area does not make sense,” said Macdonald. “It doesn’t make sense environmentally or economically, and putting the BC Liberal stamp of approval on it doesn’t change a thing.”

Recently, it was discovered that the proponent, despite years of claiming otherwise, does not have a financial backer.

“So this project has no support and no money, but the government is determined to try and force it through.”

The Ktunaxa who consider the Jumbo Valley to be sacred have been very clear that they will not allow this development to proceed.

“This is tremendously disrespectful to make this announcement in Victoria instead of coming and facing the people of this valley. If this was truly the right thing for this area, the government would be here in Invermere making this announcement.”

Norm is encouraging people to continue to voice their opposition with letters, phonecalls and emails to the Premier and the Minister of Forests. He believes that ultimately the power still remains with the people.

Sincerely,



Laura Christie
Constituency Assistant to
Norm Macdonald MLA
Columbia River - Revelstoke
Mar 27 2012 4:12PM
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baz1
Posts: 287 - Karma: -37

Mar 27 2012 10:55PM
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casey.clement
Posts: 208 - Karma: 596
thats pretty sick!
Mar 27 2012 10:58PM
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Ski_Alot
Posts: 5900 - Karma: 3,642
i am not sure what to think about this issue
Mar 27 2012 10:59PM
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ChasingFlakes
Posts: 822 - Karma: 1,544
As a skier i would love nothing more then to get into my car, drive a few hours and slide a few rails in the middle of august . There is a part of me who is incredibly excited but the other part just asks " at what fucking cost".

Jumbo has perks.

Panorama gets relativity no snow. Why? because most of it drops on areas like jumbo just west of it.

we could ski year round. Which cmon , thats awesome

It would give Canada's Winter athletes a place to train in the summer months. There has been downhill racing on farnam in the summer previously BUT! and this is a big but. They had to heli in fuel, food, a cat ect. ect. Jumbo would mean affordable summer training to ALL athletes and not just the elite national teams.

High alpine skiing* Skiing at 11 000 feet would be pretty sweet as well
* see con's list

Jobs for bc interior. Not only shitty lifty jobs but construction and tourism.

Yet an other tourism anchor.

Please feel free to add to that list


Now while is does have perks it does have draw backs.

Its far. No airport close to ( not that i care but for international tourists)

They need to build that fucking gnar road. No one stated the work that will take. Just the Avy control work will be a serious task. I think i saw figures of 12 mill for the road alone.

You drive by pano.

No one fucking wants it in the area .

The grizzly issue. I know there are only two in the area but still.

The acceleration of the reduction of the glaciers.

High alpine, if its not a high ceiling you might as well ski with your eyes closed. Not to mention wind.

And then there is principle. How much more pristine ( i know they mined and logged in the area ) are we going to pillage? How many other resort areas have potential for expansion? We should be throwing our time, money and energy into developing the area we have already set aside for winter recreation. Has any one seen the revy build out plan? It bad enough i find beer cans on 3 day hike trips to areas like jumbo now they want to slap condos and hotels on them . fuck .

All i know is im packing my tent, avy gear, food for 4 days, skis,skins, and a fucking camera and heading to jumbo this spring before its filled with dozzers and semi;s.


Please feel free to add the lists


Mar 28 2012 10:19AM
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807

^^

Agree with you 100%. Though the con of having to build that Gnar road would put tons of avy control people to work as well as a 12mil construction project which would be good scrilla. I can't help but have the selfish wish for a place to ski in the summer but definate good points about it being all high alpine, unless its bluebird you arn't going to be able to see anything.

Mar 28 2012 3:10PM
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