Jumbo, Glacier/Howser still in limbo: new Major Projects BC website
By Nelson Daily Editor
Jumbo Glacier Resort is now listed as inactive while Glacier Howser Energy’s hydroelectric dam is suspended, according to the new Major Projects BC website released late last week.
The two controversial projects — 40 kilometres west of Invermere and 40 km. west of Golden — have garnered significant public opposition and are both currently tied up in bureaucratic snarls.
Glacier Howser Energy’s project would divert water from four creeks. The project involves two interconnected hydroelectric facilities diverting water from Glacier and Howser Creeks, with a total generating capacity of approximately 99.5 megawatts of power, and a transmission line approximately 90 km in length, crossing the Purcell Mountains.
In November, 2010, it was announced that BC Hydro and AXOR, the company behind the Glacier/Howser power project, no longer had a power purchase agreement.
The environmental assessment process for the proposed Glacier/Howser Power Project will still be going ahead, despite the project proponent’s power sales agreement with BC Hydro being cancelled recently.
On Sept. 2, 2009 the environmental assessment process was suspended because there was a lack of information on the potential effects on bull trout — with 87 days left in the 180-day environmental assessment.
Jumbo Glacier Resort is a proposed year round ski resort located at the foot of Jumbo Mountain and Jumbo Glacier — 55 km west of Invermere.
The resort, centred on a former sawmill site, will provide lift-serviced access to several nearby glaciers at an elevation of up to 3,400 metres (11,155 feet). The resort is planned in three phases and will ultimately include 5,500 bed-units (plus 750 beds for staff accommodations) in a 104-hectare resort base area. At build-out, the resort will see 2,000 to 3,000 visitors in high season.
In winter, the resort will offer 1,700 metres (5,500 feet) of 100 per cent natural snow vertical. In summer, up to 700 m. (2,300 ft) of glacier skiing vertical will be available.
The resort’s location was chosen for its optimal snow conditions, high elevations, large glaciers, and the fact that the Jumbo Creek valley has seen significant prior use and it provides the easiest access to 3,000-m. high (10,000 ft) glaciers in North America.
At full build-out, the proposed $450 million resort would provide approximately 3,750 person years of construction employment and create 750 to 800 permanent full-time jobs.
Also listed as a significant project in the West Kootenay
Jersey Emerald Mine
- Underground metals mine (tungsten and zinc), six km. south of Salmo, pre-approval stage.
Whitewater Ski Resort
- Resort development, tourist destination resort, Nelson, active
Springer Creek power project
- Clean energy project, Slocan, non EAO
Max Molybdenum
- Underground mine development, Trout Lake, non EAO
Watshan Lake Resort
- Resort development, tourist destination resort, 45 km. southwest of Nakusp, proposed
Fosthall Creek Power Project
- Clean energy project, near Nakusp, non EAO
Red Mountain Ski Resort expansion
- Resort development, tourist destination resort, Rossland, certified
The Major Projects BC website provides co-ordinated information for the application and permitting process on major natural resource projects across B.C.
This new website makes it easier for investors to apply for the necessary permits, easier for government to make informed decisions and easier for businesses to create jobs.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations’ Major Project teams run the website and will also provide:
- Information on current projects through the Major Projects BC website.
- Guidance in the pre-application stage.
- Integrated co-ordination of the regulatory requirements for major projects.
Learn more
Major Projects BC: www.for.gov.bc.ca/major_projects
See also
Glacier/Howser Fight Continues at Nelson Meeting
Environmental assessment to continue on Glacier/Howser
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