If the resort’s construction does go through, the endangered spotted owl would be severely impacted. Photos: Wikimedia Commons//YouTube Screenshot
A proposed ski resort in British Columbia is facing some serious hurdles because its construction could potentially harm the endangered spotted owl.
According to reports, the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort development, should it go through, would destroy much of the owl’s habitat. The spotted owl is one of Canada’s most endangered species, largely due to the destruction of where it lives. The resort would have gondolas going through Elk Creek, one of the last places the spotted owl calls home.
The Wilderness Committee, an organization devoted to protecting wilderness and wildlife, partnered with the Cheam First Nation to call on the B.C. government to axe the proposed resort.
“It’s outrageous the B.C. government and the minister responsible for recovering the near-extinct spotted owl population have so far remained silent about the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort proposal,” said Joe Foy, the protected areas campaigner for Wilderness Committee. “From the get go, they should have said there’s no way this ski resort can ever move forward — and absolutely not in a wildlife habitat area. They need to speak up now loud and clear.”
The proposed area for the gondola and the ski resort would destroy much of the spotted owl’s habitat. Image: Bridal Veil Mountain Resort
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Located in Chilliwack, British Columbia, it’s a major tourist draw, but the province would prefer those tourists stayed longer. They’ve got two ideas to do that: the ski resort or a sightseeing gondola, both of which would encroach on the spotted owl’s habitat.
It’s a vast area, and the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort would have 11,500 skiable acres with an average of 2,300-feet of vertical. If it does go through, the sightseeing gondola would be first to be built, followed by the ski resort and surrounding villages.
“The Wilderness Committee and Cheam First Nation are both calling on the B.C. government, responsible for spotted owl critical habitat conservation in the province,” The Wilderness Committee wrote, “to break their silence immediately and openly declare the Bridal Veil Mountain Ski Resort will never be allowed to go ahead in the spotted owl Wildlife Habitat Area.”
