Despite tough economic times, plans for all-seasons resort Garibaldi at Squamish (GAS) are steaming ahead.
"We are still moving forward. We don't have entitlements yet obviously but if we were fully approved today, we would probably be rethinking to a degree," said GAS president Mike Esler.
Unlike most other developments, Esler said the creation of a 15-year project aiming to construct a total of 22,846 bed units, requires a major capital investment. He said it will take millions of dollars to put in infrastructure such as utilities, roads and a sewage system.
"As far as spending the money to secure land entitlements, we are 100 per cent full bore. We are ramping up rather than holding back right now," Esler said.
Esler insists the proposed ski resort at Brohm Ridge has little to worry about in terms of capital investment. After all, the Gaglardi family, one of the richest families in Canada is at the helm of the project. The Gaglardi's recently bought significant equity interest in Revelstoke Mountain Resort for a total of $10 million.
Regardless of money, the project has hit its fair share of roadblocks. Last year, the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) put the GAS application on hold citing a lack of information on issues such as water supply. But Esler said he expects the EAO to restart the environmental assessment review soon.
"We are nearing the recommencement of the environmental assessment review and that could take place as early as March. In our view, there are no issues with water supply and we will file follow up documents with the Ministry of Environment," Esler said.
Since the EAO suspended the environmental assessment review, Esler said GAS has been preparing a detailed master plan. The goal is to schedule an open house in March to give residents the new information.
"On a whole other level we are also dealing with the District of Squamish and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) regarding the Official Community Plan and the rezoning application process," Esler said.
While the District of Squamish does not necessarily oppose a destination resort on Brohm Ridge, both the SLRD and the district raised concerns about the residential sprawl and fiscal impacts. There were also concerns about the viability of the project.
"We are in the midst of completing both a fiscal and socioeconomic impact study, which won't be finalized for several months. Then we will be ramping up for the local government governance process," Esler said.
Mayor Greg Gardner said the district submitted their input on the project and the process currently rests with the provincial government. He said the district hired a consultant for the fiscal and socioeconomic study to give the district more information.
"We need more information in order to make an informed decision on the project," Gardner said.
Gardner also admits the GAS proposal has been a confusing process because 90 per cent of the development is outside municipal boundaries but the provincial government has consistently indicated that the district will have an opportunity to govern land use on the project.
"So presumably what that means is that if the project receives approval from the provincial government, the district will have to make a decision about boundary expansion," Gardner said.
The proposed GAS ski resort has a long way to go before a groundbreaking becomes a reality but Esler remains optimistic. He expects to have full provincial government approvals within the year but hesitates to put a timeline on civic approvals.
"By the time we put a shovel in the ground the economy might be doing a lot better. They say this will be a two year recession," Esler said.
At the same time, Esler said a slower economy translates into lower construction costs for initial items such as infrastructure. He said GAS could be the economic boost Squamish needs. Aside from revitalizing the construction industry, Esler points to a GAS regional impact study released early 2008.
The study shows the median operational salary of the ski and golf resort would be $42,206 annually. The study shows even better wages involved in creating the site with construction workers' annual salaries estimated at $65,024.
"Many people assume that ski resorts create only low-paying, front-line jobs since they are most visible to guests. This is simply not true," Esler said.
