Snowmobilers and environmentalists don't always see eye to eye in Squamish, but when it comes to opposing the Garibaldi @ Squamish resort development they are all on the same page.
This week opponents of the proposed resort announced the creation of a coalition that includes local businesses (despite the Chamber of Commerce's tacit approval of the resort), snowmobilers, dirt bikers, anglers, climbers, conservations and others. All told, the coalition includes 15 associations and groups and 27 businesses.
"On other issues we might be against each other, but we're all united when it comes to our opposition to this horrible, horrible resort proposal," said Brian Vincent of Big Wildlife.
The public input period of the Environmental Assessment wraps up on July 19, after which the resort's opponents expect the province to award the Garibaldi @ Squamish proposal an environmental certificate - despite concerns about water and wildlife habitat. However, the groups are optimistic that the development can be stopped at other levels.
The proposed resort would include over 5,700 homes, more than 15,000 beds, two golf courses, ski lifts and other amenities on Brohm Ridge.
As well as the Environmental Assessment Process, the resort proposal is also making its way through the master planning process with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, as well as a financial and socio-economic study at the request of the District of Squamish.
The new coalition was announced with a one-page ad in the Squamish Chief, and several businesses have started to put signs in their windows in opposition to the resort.
