Shuswap Indian Band, Glacier Resorts Ltd. sign benefits agreement for Jumbo
Glacier Resort
October 14, 2008
Invermere, BC. Glacier Resorts Ltd. (GRL) and the Shuswap
Indian Band have signed an agreement detailing how the local First Nation will
benefit from the
proposed $1 billion year-round ski resort project 55 km west of Invermere and
Radium in the Kootenay Rockies.
“This is a great day for our community and our plans to move our community
forward.” says Shuswap Indian Band Chief Paul Sam. “After long
and
considered review of this project, including the 2004 Environmental Certificate
conditions protecting the grizzly habitat and the extensive wildlife and
environmental management plans, we have decided to give this project our full
support. This agreement will bring practical and meaningful economic
opportunities to our People,” says Chief Paul Sam. “Not only will
there be jobs
for our People in construction and at the resort itself, but there will be
significant
business opportunities throughout the life of the project. A cultural interpretive
centre will showcase our history, culture and connection to our lands.” says
Chief Sam.
The Agreement provides for scholarships and training programs to introduce
S.I.B. members to the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, in a resolution passed at Invermere,
expressed strong support for the Shuswap Indian Band economic and
development programs including their positive position on Jumbo Glacier
Resort.
“This unprecedented and historic agreement is the culmination of a very
important relationship we have been building since 1991” says Grant Costello,
Vice President, Glacier Resorts Ltd.
“The Shuswap People have agreed to work with us as the Project progresses
in maintaining their traditional values while respecting Shuswap rights and
in
ensuring that the environmental safeguards under the Environmental
Assessment Certificate are met,” says Costello.
Jumbo Glacier Resort, 55 kms west of Radium and Invermere, will be a high
altitude ski resort with ski runs and glade-skiing in the Jumbo Valley and
year-
round glacier skiing on Farnham, Jumbo, Commander and Glacier Dome
glaciers. The total valley bottom development footprint will be contained to
104
hectares, about one-third the size of the nearby Panorama Resort and will
include up to 812 accommodation units by year ten. The resort will draw guests
from across North America, Europe and Asia to enjoy the exceptional skiing
and
stunning mountain views.
Canada’s top wintersports athletes who have been training on Farnham
Glacier
since 2003 acclaim it “Best in the World”.
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