The BC government has just announced that they have approved the $1 billion proposed Jumbo Glacier Ski Resort development in southeastern BC, near the West Kootenay village of Argenta, about 55 km west of Invermere.

The decision comes despite widespread local opposition to the project which would put local wildlife, especially grizzly bears, at risk.

“This is an appalling decision,” said Joe Foy, Campaign Director for the Wilderness Committee. “For two decades no government has been willing to approve this highly unpopular and destructive development,” added Foy.

The BC Environmental Assessment Office reported in 2004 that 91% of locals surveyed opposed the project. Over the years, many thousands of people have submitted formal objections to the project, which has been in the works since 1991.

The Ktunaxa First Nation oppose the project, calling it an environmental disaster.

“People know that the last thing this region needs is a mega-ski resort city high up in the mountains that will endanger wildlife,” said Foy. “Wildlife should not be condemned to a death trap so some developers can make a buck – these are national treasures that all British Columbians and Canadians want to see protected.” The Wilderness Committee has long campaigned to see the Jumbo Pass area protected, because of its outstanding biodiversity and wilderness values.

“Together with our 60,000 members and supporters across Canada, we will continue to oppose this wrongheaded development and to work with like-minded groups and individuals everywhere to see this insanity stopped,” said Foy.

Contact:

Joe Foy, National Campaign Director, Wilderness Committee: Cell 604-880-2580 or 604-683-8220 (w)