The Jumbo Glacier Resort has been approved as a resort municipality by the provincial government though there is no resort and no residents yet at the controversial East Kootenay site.
Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development said a three-person municipal council and an interim corporate officer have been appointed for a term ending Nov. 30, 2014. Greg Deck, former long-term mayor Radium Hot Springs, has been appointed the resort’s interim mayor.
Cabinet approved a master plan agreement for Jumbo Glacier Resort in March of this year following a 20-year review process. Some local Kootenay residents, environmental groups and at least one native band have vehemently opposed the project.
Bennett said the unique characteristics of the resort, including year-round glacier skiing, could make Jumbo one of the top ski resorts in the world.
Located at the foot of the Jumbo Glacier 55 km. west of Invermere, the $450 million resort is planned in three phases and will eventually include about 5,500 beds in a 220-acre resort base area. The project is expected to generate 750 to 800 permanent full time jobs when complete.
