They just have to move some gravel out of the way so the gulf course will fit
Planned resort raises concerns over endangered river system
Larry Pynn
Vancouver Sun
Monday, February 11, 2008
Plans for a massive all-season resort featuring downhill skiing, an 18-hole golf course, and 3,300 dwellings near the Coquihalla Highway toll plaza are raising environmental concerns about the endangered Coldwater River system.
Alberta-based Westscapes Development Inc. has submitted draft terms of reference to the B.C. environmental assessment office for its Coquihalla Pass Resort in the North Cascade Mountains about 10 km northwest of the Highway 5 toll booths.
The resort is planned for the headwaters of the Coldwater River, which is now ranked third on the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C.'s list of the 10 most endangered rivers.
The council warns that excessive water extraction for agriculture and development is putting fish at risk by lowering flows and increasing water temperatures to dangerous levels.
"That drainage is already in terrible shape," council director Jeremy McCall said in an interview. "It's our job to make the recreation public aware this is happening."
"The Federation of Mountain Clubs also notes the area is very popular with outdoor recreation enthusiasts and considers it "unacceptable that there be major commercial development in this area," adding the resort "would essentially wreck the wilderness experience."
The proposed resort is located just north of the 5,750-hectare provincial Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, which includes Falls Lake.
Mel Woolley, spokesman for Westscapes Development, could not be reached in Calgary.
Documents submitted by the developer confirm the area is home to several species of concern such as the grizzly bear, wolverine, fisher, and mountain beaver, as well as coho and bull trout. Steelhead also rely on sufficient flows from the watershed.
"The development of a four-season resort and community is likely to impact several species of wildlife that may occur within the subject property," the document reads.
"The significance of these potential impacts to the existing and future populations and/or mitigation opportunities surrounding these species is also yet to be determined."
As proposed, the ski area would feature alpine and cross-country skiing across 3,500 hectares.
A 400-hectare base area would be located at an elevation of 1,200 metres and would offer not just a golf course and housing, but conference facilities, a spa and aquatic centre, equestrian centre, and parking for 2,000 vehicles.
The 3,300 dwelling units would include hotel rooms, condominium apartments, townhouses, single-family homes, and staff accommodation.
Development would occur in phases, beginning in 2009 with the construction of an eight-passenger gondola system and four chairlifts, the village, and a mountain-top restaurant.
In future phases of the resort development, a remote lodge would be provided at the base of the ski lifts in the East Anderson valley.
The developer says it "commits to causing no measurable impact on the low flows in the upper Coldwater River" and promises further studies, including installation of water monitoring stations in the upper Coldwater and its key tributary, Juliet Creek.
The public has until March 8 to comment on the draft terms of reference.
Public houses are scheduled for Feb. 20 in Merritt and Feb. 21 in Hope.
For further details,
www.eao.gov.bc.ca/projects/coquihalla/index.html.
lpynn@png.canwest.com© The Vancouver Sun 2008
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