Phoenix Mountain, a popular ski hill in the Kootenay Boundary, is now positioned to continue providing local jobs and economic and recreational benefits thanks to its new Resort Master Plan.

The government's approval of the new Resort Master Plan and decision to replace the existing licence of occupation with a 30-year operating agreement provides the operators of the ski hill, Phoenix Mountain Alpine Ski Society, with the long-term stability and business certainty they need to continue with existing operations and capitalize on future recreational development opportunities.

The new master plan provides recommendations for phased development including increased beginner and advanced terrain, expansion of the base area and the introduction of summer recreational activities like mountain biking. Ministry staff will work with the society to ensure any future recreational development is consistent and complies with the master plan.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"Ski hills provide great family outdoor recreation opportunities in communities throughout British Columbia. This new master plan will help ensure Phoenix Mountain continues to provide jobs and valuable recreation opportunities in the Kootenay Boundary region."

John Slater, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen -

"The Phoenix Mountain ski area has been an important contributor to the local economy since 1968. With this new master plan and operating agreement the Phoenix Mountain Alpine Ski Society can better plan for the future."

Don Colclough, president of the Phoenix Mountain Alpine Ski Society -

"Phoenix Mountain provides an affordable family-oriented ski experience for thousands of residents and tourists each year."

"The society is pleased about the Province's decision, and we look forward to continuing to operate Phoenix Mountain as a successful community ski hill long into the future."

Quick Facts:

• Phoenix Mountain has 19 ski runs and has approximately 10,000 visitors annually.
• Phoenix Mountain Alpine Ski Society is a not for profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors.

Learn More:

Resort Development in B.C.: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/resort_development/

Phoenix Mountain Alpine Ski Society: http://skiphoenix.com/

Gaining the Edge: A Five-year Tourism Strategy for British Columbia, 2012-2016:http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/tourismstrategy/documents/MJTI_TourismStrategyReport_FNL.pdf

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261