Setting their plans in motion

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has an approved master plan

Resort president and general manager Steve Paccagnan is geared up for KMHR to become one of the finest mountain resorts in North America. — Photo courtesy Steve Paccagnan

On January 26, Gordon Campbell came to Golden to welcome the Olympic torch, but also to make an announcement that could herald a more economically diverse era for Golden.

Premier Gordon Campbell announced that Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (KHMR) has gained Provincial approval for its master development plan in accordance with the Commercial Alpine Ski Policy.

This plan, which projects into 40 years in the future, outlines major expansion to the resort. The ultimate vision includes 1675 hectares of skiable terrain, an 18-hole signature golf course, 11 more ski lifts and 20,000 bed units.

“(This announcement) opens up enormous opportunities,” said Campbell. “(It is) an opportunity to build tourism, to build this resort and to let it take the next step forward.”

Steve Paccagnan, president and general Manager of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, is looking long to promote cohesive and sustainable resort development.

“Instead of doing in it five or ten year chunks, let’s take a holistic, long-term vision,” said Paccagnan. “That way we can move forward in small pieces, depending on what is happening socially and economically.”

Now that the master plan has been approved, two steps remain: KHMR must come to an agreement with any first Nations stakeholders, then finalize a Master Development Agreement with the Province.

“It has been a really good process with First Nations,” said Paccagnan.

The timing for expansion is great, due to innovations in the Town of Golden and infrastructure improvements planned and completed in the area. The Town of Golden created an innovative Official Community Plan that will allow for sustainable growth. The Trans Canada Highway underwent extensive improvements. The BC Transmission Corporation will expand its electrical supply system in the Columbia Valley in 2012 to address increasing demand in Golden.

“All of this combined is a major catalyst to fuelling the local economy and supporting the Province’s goal of doubling tourism by 2015,” said Paccagnan.