The Valemount Glacier Destination Resort – a potential year-round skiing and alpine resort worth $175 million – has taken another step forward with the B.C. government’s approval of the master plan.

The proposed resort is located in the Cariboo Mountains immediately west of the Village of Valemount and would be a major economic contributor to the region. The project has strong support from the local MLA and the Simpcw First Nation, as well a variety of stakeholders including local residents, community groups, the Village of Valemount and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. Public consultation was completed in March 2016.

With the master plan, the proponent envisions year-round glacier skiing, gondola access for alpine sightseeing, and a 1,997-bed unit base area development. 

Now that the master plan has been approved, Valemount Glacier Destination Resort will work with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations on the master development agreement.

The master development agreement is the land use contract between the resort proponent and the Province and details how the resort will be constructed and operated. Once a master development agreement is in place, resort construction can proceed.

Quotes:

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

“The approval of the master plan is a significant step in the review and authorization process.”

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, and MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond –

“In the nearly 16 years that I’ve been representing this area, I have learned how important the tourism sector is and how hard everyone has worked to diversify the economy. This project will create a world-class destination resort, create jobs and grow the economy. A lot of hard work has brought us to the approval reached today and I am committed to continuing the hard work necessary to ensure a successful outcome of the next steps in the process. This project will provide major benefits to the Robson Valley Region and the province."

Valemount Glacier Destination Ltd. president and CEO Oberto Oberti –

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the the people of Valemount and the Simpcw First Nation. We are especially thankful for the support of the local MLA Shirley Bond and I’m confident that we can build an unparalleled mountain destination that respects the local environment and meets all the necessary requirements of the Province.”

Chief Nathan Matthew, Simpcw First Nation –  

“The Simpcw First Nation is pleased that the master plan for the Valemount Glacier Destination Resort has been approved by the Province of B.C. We look forward to participation in the continued planning and development of this important economic development project in the northern part of our territory.”

Village of Valemount Mayor Jeanette Townsend –

“The master plan approval is exciting news! It represents the culmination of many hours of head work, leg work and just plain old hard work by a multitude of people. The development of the Valemount Glacier Destination Resort will bring economic well-being to Valemount, and will also have a positive impact on the Province of B.C. by attracting tourists from around the world. I offer hearty congratulations to Oberto Oberti and his team for recognizing the unique potential for a glacier ski resort, and for their co-operation in meeting the requisites of the Province for Master Plan approval. On behalf of the Village of Valemount, I express sincere gratitude to our MLA, Minister Shirley Bond, for her commitment and unrelenting effort to ensure successful completion of the Master Plan process.”

Learn More:

Learn more about the Valemount Glacier Destination project:
http://www.valemountglaciers.com or http://valemountglaciers.com/master-plan-approved/

B.C.’s all-season resorts policy: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resort-development

Valemount Glacier Destination Resort Master Plan:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resort-development/proposed-approved-resort-master-plans/list-of-approved-plans