By Andru McCracken

Provincial bureaucrats responsible for resort approvals say that they aren’t holding up development at the Canoe Mountain Resort.

In an article in the Valley Sentinel on June 20, Canoe Mountain Resorts project manager Lisa Levasseur claimed that the lack of a ranch hand at their Terracana property and pending government approvals were holding the project up. In an email last week Levasseur stood by her claims and said that her comments were accurate.

However in an email from spokesperson Charles Suenderman, as far as pending government approvals are concerned, the Ministry of Tourism, has done as much as they can and are waiting for the proponent.

“Ministry of Tourism Sport and the Arts is unaware of any outstanding approvals from the province’s end for any issues for which we have enough information to proceed. The Gondola lift line tenure has been approved, but plans for the base facility need to be amended as a result of changes requested by Canoe Mountain. We look forward to meeting with Canoe Mountain Resorts to finalize this request. Canoe Mountain Resort has also been advised to proceed with their rezoning applications and building permits, as required,” said Suenderman.

Levasseur said that they have had two initial meetings regarding subdivision and zoning.

However, planner Gord Simmons with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George said he hasn’t heard much from Canoe Mountain Resorts lately.

Simmons said that they have had no applications for rezoning from the company. The regional district made it clear from the outset that they wouldn’t slow the process down, and have spent some time considering appropriate zoning for different aspects of the resort.

“From our point of view the next stage would be for them to apply for zoning on certain areas of the property,” said Simmons. “We would then start that ball rolling with the public process.”

Until zoning is in place, building permits cannot be issued and construction cannot begin.

Even the top and the bottom of the gondola need to be zoned appropriately before construction can begin.

“Their design at the top included a tea house and restaurant and a few other things. We’re looking at zoning that will allow us to do that,” said Simmons.