Proposed Garibaldi ski resort draws opposition

A proposal to build a ski resort next to Garibaldi Provincial Park north of Vancouver is drawing opposition from some nearby residents.

Opponents of the project are urging Howe Sound area residents to turn out at a rally planned for Tuesday evening outside the municipal hall in Squamish to fight the development.

Organizers say the developers of the Garibaldi resort have not addressed issues ranging from public transit to the potential burden on medical resources.

The developers say the resort will bring economic benefits to the region without affecting the popular backcountry areas protected by the park. It will also be a shorter drive for skiers from Vancouver, about an hour less than Whistler.

An environmental assessment of the proposal begun in 2007 has yet to be completed. If approved, the developers would then able to seek further authorizations for the plan.

The proposed resort would include two golf courses, 25 ski lifts, 98 kilometres of roads, hotels, and nearly 6,000 homes, apartments and condominiums.