The following is based on recent information from my government contact person in the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Ministry of Forests and Natural Resources.
The Mountain Resorts Branch (MRB) did receive a new plan for a smaller Jumbo Glacier Resort (JGR) from the proponent, Oberto Oberti. However, it was not complete and not accepted for a formal review.
It did not meet provincial requirements nor was it consistent with the MRB requirements.
Because there is no timeline to the JGR proposal, the Master Development Agreement with its complex structure is still in place, (no doubt eagerly awaiting Mr. Oberti’s next attempt at resorting in Jumbo). As well, the Jumbo Glacier Mountain Resort municipal councillors are working diligently with many knotty requirements representing that bustling urban sprawl, and, of course, are happy to receive their regular pay cheques as well as government’s annual dole to urban communities.
The Judicial Review appeals are proceeding by: the Ktunaxa Nation which asserts that the proposed resort will jeopardize their sacred Quat’Muk, and, the West Kootenay Eco-Society’s contention that the creation of the J.G. Mtn. R. Municipality is a sham, and, Oberto Oberti’s insisting that the proposed JGR did make a substantial start, as well as, him taking every opportunity to talk of how much time and money has been spent while jumping through the many required hoops.
As far as work at the proposed resort site is concerned — have no concern as there was none this season.
However next season the Environmental Assessment Office plans to send a compliance person to see how the unsubstantially started concrete foundation slabs and capped well are doing.
Eco-Justice contends that the No Substantial Start decision means the proponent’s existing paperwork should no longer be relevant to any new proposal.
And since I’ve had no reports that the fat grizzly is singing, it’s safe to say that Jumbo is in good condition.
Rowena Eloise
Argenta