Huge Ski Resort proposed for Squamish, is this a good thing?

Development never stops but this doesn't mean we have to call it progress, does it? A huge ski resort is being proposed for the mountains above Squamish,… how big? Well, it will total 23 ski lifts with 124 ski trails, hotels and housing when things are complete. Currently the proposal is going through the province’s environmental assessment review and they hope to start construction in 2 -3 years. So is this a good thing? Do we really need another mega resort? Chime in with your thoughts.

Ski lifts for the Garibaldi at Squamish development would be built in this area above Squamish. (Photograph by: Bill Keay, Vancouver Sun)

The following article is from 'The Province':

The company that owns the Vancouver Canucks is confident that it will get the go-ahead this fall for a huge ski resort proposed for the hills above Squamish and that construction will start in two to three years.

Aquilini Development and Construction, part of the Aquilini Investment Group that owns the NHL team, is proposing to build Garibaldi at Squamish with the Gaglardis, a prominent developer family that owns the Sandman hotel chain and Denny’s, and other investors.

The proposed development, which includes 23 ski lifts with 124 ski trails, hotels and market housing, is going through the province’s environmental assessment review.

A new public comment period opened days ago and closes on June 22. There is an open house in Squamish on May 21.

After that, B.C.’s environmental assessment office (EAO) will recommend whether or not to grant the project the necessary environmental certificate and the green light to build.

Aquilini spokesman Chris Gillham said the investors expect to get the certificate because the proposal has addressed environmental concerns.

Gillham said the project will go through another “master planning process,” adding: “We’re probably not starting any construction for another two to two-and-a-half years.”

The resort, which would take 20 to 25 years to complete, would change the area used now primarily by hikers, climbers and back country enthusiasts, and many of the 900 comments recorded so far oppose it.

But Gillham said: “There is a silent group of people who support it.”

The investors said they’re working with local First Nations. The Squamish Nation didn’t return a request for comment.

Opponents include Whistler’s ski resorts, who are worried about competition, and locals concerned about environmental impacts on waterways, forests, wildlife, fish and local services.

And at its most recent meeting, the District of Squamish, which has opposed the province granting the project its environmental assessment certificate, resolved to request from the province more funding for staff and time before analyzing the developers’ latest supplemental application and making a decision.

“This process is absolutely hugely onerous on staff time, on our community’s time,” Mayor Patricia Heintzman told the Squamish Chief. “We need to be able to do our due diligence on this very significant project prior to considering any support or non-support for the project.”

An environment ministry spokesman said the EAO is working with the district to address its concerns, and it and the developers will help council review the application.

He also said public comments made this month and next will be considered in the final decision.

The Garibaldi project, which has been in the works for decades, has been scaled back to exclude two 18-hole golf courses and housing surrounding them, and altered to reduce the need for large water reservoirs.

But the changes weren’t enough to appease members of the public and outdoor recreation groups who use the area.

“Wild lakes and forests are an asset that we need to regain, rather than continue to liquidate for silly, duplicative ski resorts and golf courses … and the financial interests of a small group of already very wealthy people,” said A.R. Clarkson of Vancouver.

But William Sleeman of West Vancouver called himself a “huge supporter” because: “The world is growing and they want to come here. New ski resorts near the boom town of Vancouver will not be the end of mankind.”