Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald once again pressed Premier Gordon Campbell on the (Jumbo) Glacier Resort Ltd. proposal in the Legislature last week.
During question period last week, Macdonald asked the Premier for an assurance that the $1 billion ski resort development proposal for the upper Jumbo Creek Valley, 55 km west of Invermere, will not go forward without the approval of Columbia Valley residents. “But instead of a real answer all that was forthcoming was empty rhetoric,” noted a press release issued by Macdonald March 6.
“It is disappointing that instead of actually answering a straightforward question, they put up Bill Bennett to talk in circles,” said Macdonald. “It's a reasonable question: Will the Premier give the assurance today that this project only proceeds with the support of the people in the Columbia Valley?”
He explained that the question was raised because “one of the few options for local input into the Jumbo approval was pushed through without proper consultation. The proponents of the Jumbo Glacier Resort requested a five-year extension on their environmental assessment certificate.
The environmental assessment certification process is supposed to provide opportunity for public comment. But instead of allowing local citizens that input, the extension was simply approved.”
Macdonald also pointed out that there was no urgency for the approval of the certification extension as the original certificate does not expire until October 2009.
“Both the regional districts of East Kootenay and Central Kootenay specifically requested that they be given some time to make a presentation before the extension was given, but those requests were denied,” Macdonald said.
Regional District of Central Kootenay director Andy Shadrack was concerned enough about the lack of process that he has contacted the B.C. Ombudsman's office.
Macdonald said Shadrack's central point is that there was essentially no consultation period, and all requests for an extension to the comment period were denied. He also indicates that there have been significant changes to circumstances in the area in question, including the proposed Glacier-Howser river-diversion project which will have significant impacts on the area, and that increased development pressure alone should trigger another thorough environmental review.
“The majority of Columbia Valley residents still oppose this development; that has not changed. And that is the fundamental issue. By every measure, people are opposed but stubbornly this government presses ahead,” said Macdonald, adding he is encouraging residents to contact the B.C. Ombudsman's office if they feel that a proper process was not followed in this matter.
“The Ombudsman is there to ensure that the rule of ‘administrative fairness’ is followed. If you feel that the absence of thorough public and local government consultation resulted in a lack of administrative fairness, call the Ombudsman and voice your concerns,” he said.
Macdonald's press release also contained the ombudsman's phone number - 1-800-567-3247 and noted that a complaint form can be filled out online at www.ombudsman.bc.ca.