The concept behind this bumper sticker has sparked debate and raised a steady argument between the environmentalists and the developers in our community. Several years ago a large ski resort was proposed for a remote and wild location in the Purcell Mountains. That particular location includes Jumbo Glacier, which would dramatically increase the length of any given ski season. Many residents in the valley have taken opposite sides and have stood fast in defending their individual philosophies on the matter. Personally, as a lover of nature as well as a passionate skier, I have been torn between the two concepts.
In the end, exhaustive environmental studies have been completed, various levels of government approvals have been authorised, and the Jumbo Resort developers have been given consent to procede. I cannot say that I am familiar with the full particulars of this contoversial idea but, from my simple point of view, I am happy with the decision to press on.
After all it does snow in Jumbo...
On this topic I could carry on and on.
ReplyDeleteIan has been covereing this issue right from the start, first as a reporter, then as the editor of the local paper, and it is safe to say, no one anywhere hasmore knowledge of this issue, from all sides, than he does. He's been interviewed by city dailies, radio stations, and televised news as an expert on the subject. He has boxes of files, has written hundreds of stories, and has been stabbed in the back by both sides.
I will be exceedingly glad when this issues is over, though I fear there will still be repercussions, especially after this last decision by the Regional District not to have a referendum to get a true sense of the local feelings. Of course anyone AGAINST it is very vocal, but very few FOR it have the cohones to say so publicly. The so-called silent majority of pro-jumbo folk... bunch of god damn cowards. And the Regional District directors, many of whom a pro-jumbo, know there are more against if than for it, which is why they squashed the referendum.
At this point in time, they could pave jumbo for all I care, and to hell with them all. It has put my Ian through so much grief, stress and tension, he has lost friends, been accused of everything from being biased (both sides have accused him) to being on the take from a variety of sources. If only! We'd have one hell of a nice house by now! He has been taken to the press council by Oberto, the proponant, and come out of it victorious, and been threatened with law suits and even calls to the head of the company to try and get him fired.
Fucking Jumbo. Both sides are filled with manipulative assholes, some of whom, frankly, I love and call friends. But when Ian has been publicly attacked by one side or the other for the umpteenth time, where were they? Where were those great friends?
And later, I'll tell you how I really feel.
As the Eagles used to sing, You call something Paradise, kiss it goodbye.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder why governments are so afraid of a referendum- God forbid we should do what people actually want.
Oh, and can we not mention snow until November? I wouldn't want us to jinx this beautiful summer quite just yet.
xx
AM
Ah Steph, I suspected this might raise a thought or two from you.
ReplyDeleteI am tired the fight, as well.
My feelings are that I hate to see paradise being paved, but at least they're not putting up a parking lot...
Do you think we'll live long enough to actually see it happen?
Anne-Marie, I am not very good at extended times of hot weather... ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Dale,
ReplyDeleteI'm so long away from your blog and now I read the last. Hope you feel better in these days. I think of you and give you a great shout over the ocean. Do you hear it???
Wish you good luck and all the best.
Love and peace
Stefan
I always got a kick out of the conservationists trying to save Jumbo hiking up there en masse, often in rainly weather, and tearing the hell out of the trail up.
ReplyDeleteHi there Dale,
ReplyDeleteHm, tricky this. I can't say I know about the environment issues to say one thing or another.
I just hope they have really researched everything and haven't let the hopes of profit to, erm, "guide" the results of the studies.
Was Jumbo not a pink elephant?..
ReplyDeleteStealing a few precious minutes to come and say hi and au revoir, as I'm off to Greece for three weeks for a long awaited holiday.
ReplyDeleteSorry I've been a bum and haven't visited. My life's so hectic. Sorry to read that yours hasn't been a "holiday" lately... Want to compare notes?
Be brave and look forward honey,
Lots of love and kisses
xoxoxo
M
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! and when the runs are open I'll go skiing in Jumbo with you!
ReplyDeleteSteph, I don't envy your or Ian's involvement in this hot issue.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine the grief and stress it has put you both through.
As a fence-sitter, I watched the debate from afar.
Gypsy, I hope it doesn't turn out a white elephant...
ReplyDelete;)
I'm sure the bottom line has much to do with it, Maria, but it would also be a great source of employment in the valley.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely well-deserved holiday, Marietta! I've missed you.
ReplyDeleteI can wait for the snow, Lesley, but when it's time, look out!!
It's actually cool and rainy here...
And thanks for the shout, Stephan!
ReplyDeleteI heard it.
I am not one for development. I like for things to stay the way they were.
ReplyDeleteWhere I live, it has changed so much since I moved here 12 years ago. I know it is for the good of progress, economy, etc etc... but I miss my old neighborhood. The quiet dark nights. And days for that matter. Now there is too much traffic, too many people. At night, there is so much light pollution that I can't even star gaze.
My mom says it's time to move but I will not leave. I have to deal with it.
Pretty soon the wildlife will have no where to go thanks to progress.
I hate progress.
The problem with all the "employment" they are promising, is they will be for the most part low-paying jobs with inadequate staff housing so the need for cheap housing will spill out into the valley... again. Add the stress it will put on the already overtaxed housing situation in a valley that is horridly expensive to live in, and the fact few will be able to afford vehicles to go up and down a highly iffy road (which, incidentally, is not yet built and will be in direct line of several avalanche paths) as well as the socio-economic impacts of yet another resort for the uber-wealthy... see also a certain percentage of those coming in with money, drugs, and a huge desire to party and fuck the mess they leave behind, including the human mess... resort areas are proven to create high-risk situations, particularly for young people, and I have had a little too much experience with some of these rich arses that take advantage naive young people... we already have two of these resorts here, though Fairmont hardly counts.
ReplyDeleteThe employment argument never adds up for me.
This is just a huge land grab. A real estate money maker for a few. The environment will take something of a hit (though we are never as keen to help the environment as when it does not distrupt our immediate day to day lives) but so it has with Panorama's growth.
Ah, I am going to exit this one I think I am far to embroiled personally, and professionally, to be obective.
I'll be good and go to my corner... I must plan out the S'mores instructional anyways...
S'mores?
ReplyDeleteOh but Dale, they WILL build parking lots, and condos, and shops, and bars.....It's the same old story. I still lived in the Valley when this whole thing began. I know something about what Stevie's talking about and I think she's right.
The developer is bringing too much money to the area for the government to risk allowing the residents to vote down the project.
Anne Marie's right too...it's never the Last Resort though. They'll always find a place to build another one :(
I'm not arguing for or against.
ReplyDeleteProgress is progress is progress?
Unfortunately, the bottom line is always what carries the weight.
and on that note... where has Val gone? And has she tried S'mores????
ReplyDelete