Background to the Project

B.C. is an ideal recreational location on a number of fronts; numerous mountain ranges with glaciated valleys with many outdoor possibilities, various climatic regimes as well as an excellent infrastructure. It is only natural then for residents and travellers alike to be attracted to B.C. for its natural beauty.

Government Policy on Tourism

Tourism is an extremely important industry in B.C. The Liberal Party in B.C. has initaited an aggressive economic policy to double tourism revenues by 2015 in the hopes of alleviating reliance on the resource based economies of forestry and mining (Solomon, 2000). Although tourism generates $22 million a day and is the largest employer in B.C., resources still account for the largest portion of the province's gross product (Solomon, 2000). Since 94% of B.C. is crown-land, that means much of it may be considered for recreational development with government approval (Solomon, 2000). The Liberal government is open to stimulating the economy through increasing operations such as ski resort development/improvements and other recreational businesses. In order to encourage recreational business development, the government has decreased processing times and increased the annual tourism budget (Solomon, 2000).

Skiier Visits Rising

By being under the umbrella of tourism, snowsports in B.C. presents itself as an important winter activity. After a difficult two decade slump in the ski resort industry, skiing is returning with strong numbers. Wiith the interests of the 78 million baby boomers and 71 million of the "Echo" generation (21 and younger), skiing and snowboarding are enjoying a broad demographic (Costello, undated). In the 2003/04 winter season, B.C. hosted 6.1 million skiier and snowboarder visits, which was 10.3% more than the 2002/03 winter season (BC Ministry of Labour and Citizen's Services, 2004). Despite international events such as terrorism and the national concern over SARS, skiier visits have remained steady with domestic visitors taking up the slack by visits increasing by 14.9% (Hallin, 2005).

It is clear that the ski industry is strong in B.C. and not showing any signs of slowing down. With the government's encouragement to increase recreational business, 7 Raven's Ridge is the ideal proposition to generate revenue.

Issues Arising -- Climate Change

It is commonly understood that the earth's climate is getting warmer and this directly affects ski resorts. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that "temperatures will rise between 1.4 degrees Celsius and 5.8 degrees Celsius by 2100 unless action is taken to significantly reduce emissions" (Jumbo Glacier, 2006). As a result, the reliable snow line may rise 1,500 meters by 2030-2050 and possibly to 1,800 meters after that (Jumbo Glacier, 2006). These increases in temperature will cease or limit operations of resorts at lower elevations, however 7 Raven's Ridge was designed to take this climatic phenomenon into account. A lower limit of 1,900 meters is allowed for base operations, extending into the range of 2,500 to 3,500 meters where B.C.'s glaciers exist. These parameters will help to ensure longevity of the resort during uncertain climatic conditions in the future.

Environmental Concerns

Another major concern regarding ski resort development is the impact on ecosystems. Wildlife is frequently disrupted from extensive backcountry use and long-term impacts on wildlife populations are difficult to quantify (Solomon, 2000). Environmentalists are concerned over the wintering grounds for the endangered mountan caribou and want the government to increase stricter regulations on heli-skiing operation in B.C. Other ski resort proposals such as that of Jumbo Glacier Resort, 55 km west of Invermere, have experienced rigorous Environmental Impact Assesments by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) of B.C. 7 Ravens Ridge is committed to upholding the highest standards for ecosystem protection including riparian zones, sensitive ecoregions, and threatened plant and animal species such as the Grizzley bear and mountain caribou. Care has been taken to exclude sensitive areas and limit resort use to winter operation and decreased summer visitation.

First Nation Rights and Land