Backers of Valemount Glacier Destinations ski and sightseeing resort and the provincial government have signed master development agreement, signaling Victoria's approval of the project.
The 60-year agreement is a land-use contract between the two. It allows construction and development to proceed toward an opening in December 2018. The project's first phase will cost an estimated $100 million.
To be located just west of Valemount, it will feature year-round glacier skiing and gondola access for alpine sightseeing with access to mountain top elevations of more than 3,000 metres (9,850 feet), including the summits of Mount Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Twilight Glacier, Glacier Ridge and Mount Arthur Meighen.
It will also feature the largest vertical drop in North America, third largest in the world, of over 2,000 metres (6,726 feet), and a base-area village with residential, hotel and commercial space
In all, 800 full-time jobs that will be created and supported through the construction and operation of the resort.
"Its glaciers, scenery and year-round snow sports potential, with the biggest vertical in North America, will make it a great tourism destination in British Columbia and a complement to Jasper National Park," said Valemount Glacier Destinations Ltd. president and CEO Oberto Oberti in a statement issued Tuesday.
Agreements signed with the Simpcw First Nation allow the Simpcw to share in revenues generated from the resort which is located in its territory. It should also create an economic boon for Valemount, a community of 1,000 people located east of Prince George near the Alberta border.
Valemount mayor Jeannette Townsend called the resort an "exciting, unique opportunity for our community to attract global tourists and help build a prosperous future."
