First Nation has land transferred as part of B.C. resort deal

VALEMOUNT — Crown land has been transferred to the Simpcw First Nation as part of a deal related to the development of the Valemount Glacier Resort northeast of Kamloops.

B.C., Forests Minister Doug Donaldson said the transfer of 185 hectares of land is an opportunity for the Simpcw to participate in the economic diversification of the Robson Valley.

The ski and sightseeing resort covers about 50 square kilometres across a range of the Cariboo Mountains. It is part of a master development agreement signed last year that provides for the transfer of land and revenue sharing with the First Nation.

The land being transferred is in the northern portion of the Simpcw’s territory and includes a historical village site on the banks of the Fraser River, as well as several hunting and fishing camps around areas including the village of Valemount.

When the all-season project was approved about a year ago, officials said Valemount Glacier Destinations and its partners spent about $100 million on the first phase of the project.

The new resort will feature year-round glacier skiing and gondola access for alpine sightseeing as well as access to mountain-top elevations of more than 3,000 metres. It’s also expected to have the largest vertical drop in North America — the third largest in the world — of more than 2,000 metres.

“We’re pleased to support Simpcw First Nation in re-establishing their presence in this part of their territory,” Donaldson said in a statement.

Chief Nathan Matthew said his First Nation has been involved in planning for the resort from the beginning.

“The recognition of our rights to the land and the significant inclusion of our community in this project is a step toward reconciling the challenging history we have in the area,” he said in a news release.

Valemount is the 37th mountain resort in B.C.