VICTORIA — Players on both sides of the Jumbo resort debate are once again encouraging the provincial government to make a call on the long-debated development proposal.
Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett made the decision the focus of a two minute statement in the legislature October 5.
“Although I have full confidence in the current leader on this side of the House and the minister in charge of this file, the twists and turns in government process over the last 20 years on this project are a disgrace,” Bennett said.
“All members should be embarrassed by the unjust way that this proponent (Glacier Resorts Ltd.) has been forced to tread water for 20 years by both political parties in this House today.”
Meanwhile, the Ktunaxa Nation is renewing its call for the province to deny Glacier Resorts’ development application as the anniversary of its Qatmuk Declaration nears. The declaration, delivered to and read in the legislature in November 2010, says the Jumbo glacier area is a sacred cultural site for the Ktunaxa.
It outlines a possible use plan for the area, with a core portion of the site protected and a buffer area “in which appropriate activities that respect the land may take place.”
In a release the group said it is concerned about reports that remediation on Farnham Glacier — where Glacier Resorts currently holds a license of occupation — wasn’t done in a timely manner, with no penalties handed down by the government for failing to meet its deadlines.
“This should be causing the public a lot of concern,” the release adds. “Why should we trust that the proponent will do any better with the much more stringent and comprehensive requirements it would be under if the resort is approved? Will the government even be bothered to ensure they comply?”
