British Columbia — There are many proposed British Columbia ski resort developments I’ve covered since I began writing here at Unofficial Networks in 2021. These proposed ski resorts all have one thing in common: they haven’t been built. The last significant ski resort development in British Columbia was Revelstoke in 2007, and that was built on the site of a smaller ski area. However, one ski resort development is being allowed to skip a step in the review process, which could shorten the time frame for its potential development.
The Vancouver Island Free Daily reports that the proposed Zincton ski resort won’t be required by the British Columbia government to do an environmental assessment for this development. This follows an eighteen-month review from the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). Environmental assessment is required for proposals with more than 2,000 beds, but this development has fewer than 1,700 beds. An environmental assessment can be applied to situations with under 2,000 beds, but they decided against it here.
There were some parties who hoped for an environmental assessment, including Wildsight (an environmental group) and the Sinixt Confederacy (a First Nations tribe). While the development includes a wildlife corridor and a protection zone, they fear the development would lead to habitat fragmentation, among other environmental damages. However, the developers’ plan is to clean a wildlife corridor contaminated by heavy metals from prior mining projects.
Following the announcement by the BC government, David Harley, who is the leader of this proposed ski resort, issued the following statement:
“We remain committed to developing a project grounded in environmental stewardship, community resilience, and Indigenous collaboration. We look forward to working closely with the province, Indigenous Nations, local communities, and stakeholders as we continue through the B.C. regulatory process…Zincton is envisioned as a low-impact mountain destination rooted in regenerative tourism, sustainable employment, and long-term ecological health.”
Zincton is currently at the second level of the five-stage process. These five steps are the expression of interest, formal proposal, interim agreement decision, master plan review process, and the master plan decision. From there, an operating agreement would be signed, followed by the securing of permits, and then construction could begin.
Situated in the Selkirk Mountains, Zincton would differ from most ski resorts. The ski resort would be a five-thousand-hectare (12,355-acre) project. Twenty percent of the terrain would be lift-serviced, while the rest would be for backcountry skiing and riding. Approximately 690 hectares (1,705 acres) and six lifts would be part of the ski resort, including a gondola. As referenced previously, less than 1,700 beds would be added with this development.
After reading all positive news regarding the Zincton ski resort, I’ve decided this has a slightly stronger chance of being built than The Balsams.
Image/Video Credits: Zincton (Brent Harley and Associates Inc.)
