The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Board voted to deny third reading for a proposed rezoning to develop a large heli-ski resort near Revelstoke due to “overwhelming” public opposition.
Selkirk Tangiers proposed developing a heli-serviced resort approximately 45 km north of Revelstoke. The resort would include up to 100 guest sleeping units, 12 camping spaces and 50 staff sleeping units.
Officials said the lodge was set to be built on 65 hectares of private land at the mouth of Mars Creek on Lake Revelstoke, although the property is in a largely undeveloped area near old-growth forests and core habitat for threatened Southern Mountain Caribou.
Public oppositions included concerns of impacts to wildlife, effects of increased helicopter activity, impacts to old-growth forests and fish habitat, as well as infrastructure and power required to support a resort of this size.
“I have never seen such a united opposition to a proposal,” CSRD Director for Revelstoke David Brooks-Hill said during the board meeting.
Officials added that concerns were also raised regarding Indigenous values and interests.
The Board’s report noted that First Nations referral responses received by the CSRD were opposed to the application. Some members of the public raised concerns about the proposal’s alignment with reconciliation commitments made by the CSRD and provincial government.
“It was made clear through the public consultation process that this area is of significant importance to local residents, First Nations, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who value the environment and wildlife,” Kristi Chorney, Wildsight Revelstoke branch president said. “The unified strength of these many voices and organizations, as well as elected officials who listened, made the difference.”
Reanne Harvey, Wildsight North Columbia Conservation coordinator said decisions about large-scale development with broader ecological and social implications need to reflect the positions of First Nations and local communities.
“In this case, the public made it clear that this landscape is more than a development opportunity,” Harvey said. “It is home to wildlife, a place of immense ecological value, and an important part of the broader Revelstoke landscape.”
“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to write, speak, show up and make their voices heard.”
Therefore, the proposal for the heli-ski resort in Revelstoke has been rejected overall.
