BVMR pledges to engage with off-road groups if ski resort moves forward to next stage

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The four groups represented in the open letter consist of the ATVBC Quad Riders Association of B.C., B.C. Snowmobile Federation, B.C. Off-Road Motorcycle Association, and the Four Wheel Drive Association of B.C. The letter was attributed to two presidents and two executive directors from the four groups.

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“We wish to publicly announce our strong opposition to this proposed project (BVMR) and express deep concern over the lack of any consultation or expression of interest by the proponents to engage with our organizations to understand the impacts of this project to our respective motorized groups,” the letter states. “As you may know, there is actually two projects being proposed in the same general area (Bridal Falls) by two different proponents, and this is causing some confusion amongst the public.”

After exercepts of that letter were published by Fraser Valley Today, BVMR said it was determined to dispel misconceptions about what it believes will be B.C.’s next great all-season mountain resort and a destination that will provide a wide range of long-term benefits to Sto:lo communities, the City of Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley and the Province.

“Just as the public is eager to learn more about our proposed project, we are excited to tell our story, which is why we have gone to great lengths to make information about our project accessible, and why we continue to meet regularly with Stó:lō communities and leadership and local organizations,” said Wilson. “We understand that similar project names and locations and the Regional District stating that both projects are years away from approvals and construction, has led to some confusion about the two projects within the community. That’s why we look forward to meeting with area user groups and community organizations to share accurate information our project.”

BVMR has reportedly made a presentation to Dual Sport/B.C. Off-Road Motorcycle Association.

As it relates to First Nations, BVMR is quick to assure the public that its goal is to become the first all-season mountain resort in Canada to be owned, designed, managed and governed in full partnership with First Nations.

“As a result, our highest priority is our ongoing discussions with local Stó:lō communities and leaders, which has been our focus since well before our project was announced publicly in April 2021,” said Wilson. “We believe BVMR has the potential to benefit all Stó:lō communities and that ultimately, the design of the project and whether or not it goes ahead will be decisions made by the Stó:lō communities. We understand the desire of user groups to provide their feedback and input in the proposed project at this early stage. At this stage, however, our entire focus continues to be on our discussions with Stó:lō communities and leaders.”

The four off-road groups also challenged the methodology behind BVMR’s assertion that over 80 per cent of the public supports the project. In response, BVMR said 85.71 per cent of the 770 respondents who have taken the survey on its website have indicated they support the project.

“While this is indeed an internal survey, we believe it is a valuable indication of public opinion about the project and, as part of our commitment to transparency, an important tool for us to collect public feedback and answer questions on an ongoing basis,” Wilson said. “To supplement our own survey, we have also used the services of one of B.C.’s most respected firms, Research Co., to gain additional insight into public opinion related to our project. We have also received extensive feedback and support from thousands of Fraser Valley residents through our participation and public events such as Chilliwack Village Classic Car Show, Abbotsford International Air Show, Chilliwack Flight Fest, Hope Brigade Days, Fraser Valley Health and Wellness Expo and Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade.”

BVMR says it will continue to engage with community organizations like it has in proactively reaching out to dozens of groups already.

“And while our focus is on meeting with Stó:lō communities and leaders to listen to their concerns and answer their questions, we have demonstrated that same commitment to transparency with all members of the public, in addition to proactively reaching out to dozens of community organizations to offer presentations and discussions,” Wilson said.

Just as the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project website has an extensive list of answers to commonly asked questions, BVMR’s website has a list of project resources on its website at www.bvmr.ca.