Alberta — The public comment period for the revival of Fortress Mountain Resort has come and gone. However, the debate over its proposed size is far from over.
February 27th was the last day of the public comment period for growing Fortress Mountain Resort from its decrepit state into a four-season destination. The first phase would focus on summer business, with additions such as a few gondolas (including a scenic gondola to Whiskey Ridge), ziplining, a mountain coaster, a canyon swing, and hiking and biking trails. There would be some winter activities, such as cat-skiing and snowshoeing (which are currently available).
Lift-served skiing is part of the second phase of development, which would feature all-new lifts. One challenge skiing operations face is heavy winds, which factored into the resort’s demise a few decades ago.
Pushback
Before the public comment period closed, various conservation groups spoke out against the plans. There are concerns that the public lands proposal is too large and poses risks to wildlife habitats. A few conservation groups even compared the proposal to an amusement park. It seems likely a legal challenge will follow, as it will test the validity of the All-Seasons Resorts Act.
“When I saw the proposal for Fortress, it was almost as if every concern we had with the All-Seasons Resort Act was all put into that one proposal,” said Katie Morrison, the Executive Director of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Southern Alberta, to the CBC.
I feel like the conservation groups are acting a little bit dramatically here. I do believe in noble conservation efforts, as many are needed and appreciated in the United States right now (see Big Bend National Park or Grand Escalante). My issue is that development at Fortress is needed, as the current situation has buildings and former ski equipment rotting away. Tourism in the area needs to be better spread out, as Banff is swamped with people. Responsible development here, as it appears to be the plan with a phased rollout, would help the region immensely.
You can read the master plan here, and the environmental assessment here.
Image/Video Credits: Fortress Mountain Resort, CTV News
