Last (public) gasp for Jumbo Glacier urged by WKE
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily
The fate of Jumbo Glacier Valley is nearly at hand.
In August of 2009 the decision making power for the Jumbo Glacier Resort passed from the Regional District of East Kootenay to the province.
The RDEK board of director’s vote went eight to seven in favour of asking the provincial government to designate the Jumbo Glacier a resort municipality.
In early November the Province is expected to deliver the verdict on the $45 million project planned for the high peaks and glaciers of the Jumbo Pass between Argenta and Invermere, with the Minister of Tourism handing down its decree on whether to allow a resort municipality — including over 5,000 hotel beds and 1,300 residences — in the Jumbo Glacier Valley.
With numerous environmental groups contending the valley is important habitat for endangered grizzly bears, and is located within the largest un-roaded area in southern BC, the struggle that has been waged for almost 20 years could be settled next month.
Towards the end of getting the last word, the West Kootenay EcoSociety is coordinating the direction of comments to voice opposition to the development of the habitat.
For those who wish to add further comment, take a few minutes between Wednesday, Oct. 27 (9 a.m.) and Oct 28 (9 p.m.) to email, phone, or fax Kevin Krueger, minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, on your views on the Jumbo Glacier Resort Municipality. Letter centres will be open at the EcoSociety office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or in front of the Kootenay Co-op from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., or at the Capitol Theatre from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
To contact Kevin Krueger: kevin.krueger.mla@leg.bc.ca, or by phone at 250 953 4246 or fax at 250 953 4250.
