http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/BC-Politics/2012/11/20/JumboDecision/
British Columbia's cabinet has approved the incorporation of a mountain resort municipality in the Jumbo Valley in the East Kootenays, despite much opposition from local first nations and other residents.
"This will give our communities a chance to heal from this 22-year-old controversy and move on," said Bill Bennett, the minister of community, sport and cultural development.
The process started under a Social Credit government, had 10 years scrutiny from an NDP government and 12 years under the BC Liberals, said Bennett. When proponents go through a public process, they deserve a decision, he said. "They've got a 'yes' in this case and this project will be going forward."
The government appointed Greg Deck, Nancy Hugunin and Steve Ostrander as the first mayor and councillors for the resort municipality which is to be officially incorporated Feb. 19, 2013. Phil Taylor will serve as the interim corporate officer until the municipality's first meeting.
The ministry provided $260,000 to get the municipality started, Bennett said. At least a dozen times the province has incorporated resort or resource municipalities in places with no population, he said.
from BC Local News:
by Annalee Grant
The Jumbo Glacier Resort will be incorporated on February 19, 2013.
Minister for Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett announced Tuesday morning that Greg Deck, Nancy Hugunin and Steve Ostrander will form council at the new resort municipality at the Jumbo Glacier Resort. Deck will be the mayor of the new municipality.
"The role of the council will be the same as any other elected council in the province," Bennett said.
NDP candidate for Kootenay East Norma Blissett said the resort municipality was established using a flawed piece of legislation and she has concerns about the lack of timeframe for the appointed council.
"I think it's an antagonistic move towards the residents of this valley," she said.
This will have a great impact on the oppressed local economy! And we get the benefit of year round skiing!
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