Jumbo Wild Petition

[94gti]

Hey guys, I am not sure if any of you are familiar with the Jumbo Pass area in South Eastern BC. There has been a plan in the works to develop it for years, and it looks like it is potentially moving forward. In my opinion its not a great plan. I am not going into details here, but please review this website.

http://www.keepitwild.ca/


And if you agree that development is a bad idea please sign this petition.

http://www.petitiononline.com/jg09rdek/petition.html

Thanks!

[liquid]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

Sign this!

[Yasek]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

Frustrating, how underhanded, and selfish public officials are. The voice of the people in many cases is not valued or respected. They do what they please.

[BaggedGLI]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

Signed

[R-Audi]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

This is a tough one... (Opinion from someone who has spent 20+ Summers in the area, and worked for many seasons)
On one hand it would bring world class year round skiiing to Invermere, where in the past we have had to put up with the mediocre ski conditions that Panorama gets. This would bring more tourist dollars to the area, and support more local infrastructure. I'd be thrilled not to have to hike and worry about other safety related things to experience this.

ON the other.. it brings more people to the Valley. To be selfish with it all, I'd rather have them at the Mountain then down on the Lake....I can totally understand the locals getting fed up with the Albertans.. we're an arrogant bunch when on holidays. This compltely ignoring the environmental impact this would all have....

That being said...can't say I want to sign the petition....

[94gti]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

On one hand it would bring world class year round skiing to Invermere, where in the past we have had to put up with the mediocre ski conditions that Panorama gets.

I agree that Panorama sucks, but in the area there is already a ton of wicked ski hills that are only busy 2 weekends a year. I.E. Golden, Revelstoke, and Fernie. 70% of the skiers out out there do not have the skill/desire to ski smaller hills like Panorama to its fullest anyways. It seems like a waste to build a hill so that people can sip on their lattes in the lodge and complain that the conditions are "too icy" or something.

This would bring more tourist dollars to the area, and support more local infrastructure.

True it could potentially bring more tourist dollars. I am not up to date on the economics of the tourism in BC. But its seems to me like the bulk of the infrastructure development/maintenance will fall on the government's shoulders who already are struggling to keep up with the current developments.

I'd be thrilled not to have to hike and worry about other safety related things to experience this.

Your kidding right? You are worried about your safety hiking? Should we put in stairs and hand rails on all of the trails?

it brings more people to the Valley. To be selfish with it all, I'd rather have them at the Mountain then down on the Lake....I can totally understand the locals getting fed up with the Albertans.. we're an arrogant bunch when on holidays.

I think this is the most contentious issue, visitors take advantage of the area. They come for a weekend, use and abuse the place. Then leave. The 2700 Sq Ft. home sits empty for 11 months of the year. Jacking up property values, but not adding anything of worth to the community.


I have been on both sides of this issue, I have hiked, climbed and skied in the Jumbo Pass area. I do believe that it would be a wicked resort. Initially I was for the development. But now when I look at it I feel that enough is enough, we have exploited plenty areas for development. Lets keep some of BC for adventures that enjoy being off the beaten track, away from the crowds. I know that's not a strong argument, but its the issue that really hits home for me.

Thanks to everyone who signed it!

[Satnam]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

let's all park our cars first and take the transit system first before trying to save other parts of the world.

[stefan]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

Jumbo is going to quite a bit farther than Panorama. In my opinion, the people going there won't likely contribute much to the local economy because a quick zip in to Invermere will be a longer drive. The locals are probably going to get hit with infrastructure upgrades, and not see a whole lot in return other than gas and coffee sales on the way home.

I'd be thrilled not to have to hike and worry about other safety related things to experience this.

The experience will be largely diminished if you don't have to hike there. It will target destination tourism. You will be pushing a bus load of foreigners out of your way to get your experience.

I was born in Invermere. I just don't see what good will come of this other than a short term boom for local contractors.

[eldo]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

no good will come of the situation... other than my property out there potentially rising in value.
there are many different viewpoints on why or why not the development should happen. it's just sad that the local residents are not being listened-to. if there weren't so many biggity-ballin' developers trying to profit from the situation, the plans to develop would have died LONG ago.

[R-Audi]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

Whoa.. lots to respond to.

When I talk about safety, I mean more towards back Country/avalanche type stuff. Not handrails and stairs...As much as I love great conditions, Im not as keen as I once was to hike up for an hour to get one wicked ride in. Im more then content with driving and riding a lift up! I actually quite enjoy Pano.. learned to ski and snowboard there, and know the hill like the back of my hand. It would however, be nice to be one range away and be in the middle of the snowbelt!

Fernie and Golden are great... but for me having a place in Windermere.. I prefer to drive as little as possible. Jumbo gives another close world class amenity! Also since its not in the park, it allows for other development and possible expansion.

While the visitors and tourists do 'take advantage' of the area... remember that this area wouldnt exist without them. The mining and forestry industries have been in decline for many years, and aren't enough to support the town and its residents. Its a total catch 22 for any resident.. you hate the crowds, but want all the associated benefits of having all the tax dollars and tourist dollars brought in. You want something queit, move to Wilmer or Canal Flats. (Which Im sure are a bit more popular these days as well.) This is something most residents have a hard time understanding.. they love the A&W... new roads....expanded retial sector.. but hate where it comes from. You cant have one without the other!!


After that ridiculous Waterfront survey that RDEK brought out.. I have a hard time suporting anything that they do.

[stefan]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

. they love the A&W... new roads....expanded retial sector.. but hate where it comes from. You cant have one without the other!!

Those roads come from local taxes, they know exactly where it comes form. And as a local, I never went to any of the fast food joints. Which is why they never make any money all winter when the summer traffic that actually stays in town diminishes. The Dairy Queen and Tim Hortons in Invermere have both been in financial trouble more than once. We don't love it that much. And retail sector? Seriously?.. its all for tourism. Half the folks I know still shop in Cranbrook because the local business does very little for locals. A friend of mine works in one of the furniture stores, and never sells a thing to locals. Its all way too expensive. Yes, tourism make the whole valley a pile of money, but I wouldn't try to play the expansion of the town as something done with locals in mind.

[R-Audi]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

Those roads come from local taxes, they know exactly where it comes form. And as a local, I never went to any of the fast food joints. Which is why they never make any money all winter when the summer traffic that actually stays in town diminishes. The Dairy Queen and Tim Hortons in Invermere have both been in financial trouble more than once. We don't love it that much. And retail sector? Seriously?.. its all for tourism. Half the folks I know still shop in Cranbrook because the local business does very little for locals. A friend of mine works in one of the furniture stores, and never sells a thing to locals. Its all way too expensive. Yes, tourism make the whole valley a pile of money, but I wouldn't try to play the expansion of the town as something done with locals in mind.

Who do you think pays the majority of the local taxes?? You certainly dont get the majority from locals.....wipeout virtually the whole east side of the lake.. all new developments, Fort Pointe and you arent left with much of anything for tax dollars.

For retail take IGA/Sobeys for example.. when it was back where SAAN store was. Selection was crap.. prices were high... they were always out of everything. My guess is they are one of the largest locally owned employers in town. Would they have moved to a new location without the tourist dollars?

While expansion may not be in the best interest of the locals.. they need to be more aware the town would not be there without tourist dollars. Whether or not you like A&W or can afford the furniture.. it employs local people, and gives them a source of income that wouldnt be there without the tourists.

Your friends and family that still live and work in the Valley.. what do they do?
My guess is more then half of them depend on tourist dollars!


Unrelated.. when did you move out of the Valley? working there from when I was 15-24 (29 now) I thought I got to meet a good majority of the locals my age... (IGA for 3 years... Radium Resort for 1....Shadybrook for many others)

[cam_wmh]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

This is a tough one... (Opinion from someone who has spent 20+ Summers in the area, and worked for many seasons)
On one hand it would bring world class year round skiiing to Invermere, where in the past we have had to put up with the mediocre ski conditions that Panorama gets. This would bring more tourist dollars to the area, and support more local infrastructure. I'd be thrilled not to have to hike and worry about other safety related things to experience this.

ON the other.. it brings more people to the Valley. To be selfish with it all, I'd rather have them at the Mountain then down on the Lake....I can totally understand the locals getting fed up with the Albertans.. we're an arrogant bunch when on holidays. This compltely ignoring the environmental impact this would all have....

That being said...can't say I want to sign the petition....

This x2. Identical thoughts, 20+ yrs in the valley as well.

I've yet to read a full Environment Impact Assessment from the Goverment. I've read biased ones from both sides, as well as countless opinions...

I've yet to pass opinion, and can only read more.

[stefan]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

You won't get the other money with Jumbo I don't think though. Pano, and all the golf courses bring a lot of retail and recreation money to town. I don't think Jumbo really will. Guys staying at the ski hill often zip in to town in the evening and do something with their money. Jumbo will be just far enough that that may not happen as much. I think it will be more detached from the community, where Pano always seemed a part of Invermere.

And yeah, Jumbo would be huge for my family. Some are in construction and some in Real Estate.

[cam_wmh]

Re: Jumbo Wild Petition

I agree that Panorama sucks, but in the area there is already a ton of wicked ski hills that are only busy 2 weekends a year. I.E. Golden, Revelstoke, and Fernie. 70% of the skiers out out there do not have the skill/desire to ski smaller hills like Panorama to its fullest anyways. It seems like a waste to build a hill so that people can sip on their lattes in the lodge and complain that the conditions are "too icy" or something.

I'm interested where you get your facts from, I see much opinion here. Panorama has the second highest vertical in Canada behind W/B. It is definitely not smaller. Fernie has more terrain. Revy & Golden are smaller -- newbs don't utilize the backcountry at those resorts. Pano also has a longer season. The potential developers & owners, must see a ROI. Otherwise this wouldn't even be a discussion. They have access to many metrics to assist with their decision.

True it could potentially bring more tourist dollars. I am not up to date on the economics of the tourism in BC. But its seems to me like the bulk of the infrastructure development/maintenance will fall on the government's shoulders who already are struggling to keep up with the current developments.

With developments come property taxes.

I think this is the most contentious issue, visitors take advantage of the area. They come for a weekend, use and abuse the place. Then leave. The 2700 Sq Ft. home sits empty for 11 months of the year. Jacking up property values, but not adding anything of worth to the community.

So if they are paying 12 months of taxes, and only paying for 1 month of usage, would the municipality not be ahead?

Again I haven't passed judgement yet, but think it's best if we see both sides, and not just in vogue to agree with anything that is to save the environment; - a provincial EIA, is essential.