The B.C. government on November 12 approved a master plan for a $1.5 billion ski resort expansion at Hemlock Resort in the Fraser Valley.
Langley’s Berezan Group intends to build the all-season project, which is north of Chilliwack, in five phases and in collaboration with both the local Sts’ailes Band and the province.
Summer activities would include mountain biking, hiking and ATVing.
There would be an estimated $500 million capital investment in Phase 1 of the expansion, creating 1,153 full-time jobs. A further estimated $1 billion is expected to be pumped into the project through its build-out, which would take about 60 years.
Since buying the resort in 2006, Berezan has invested $10 million into upgrading the existing infrastructure for 217 home owners. Currently there are 1,076 beds and four ski lifts.
The resort would increase the controlled recreation area to more than 6,000 hectares from 350 hectares and add about 20,000 beds and 23 lifts by the late 2070s.
“I am pleased we have achieved an agreement with the province to allow Hemlock Resort to become a summer as well as a winter playground, and we will be bringing new year-round activities to our enlarged recreation area,” said Berezan Group CEO Ralph Berezan in a release.
“After working with the Province and Sts'ailes, we are all now able to move forward.”
The plan also includes the potential for waterfront development on Harrison Lake, including a marina and what is described as a “First Nations-themed residential village.”
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson, hailed the project’s potential for job creation.
“This collaborative and innovative approach to integrated resource management between the province, proponent and First Nation will help ensure Hemlock Resort continues to provide year-round jobs and outdoor fun for local residents and visitors to the Fraser Valley,” he said.
“All-season resorts provide great recreation opportunities for families in communities throughout B.C.”
The 36 mountain resorts across B.C. contribute $1.3 billion to the province's economy, according to the province.
Developers of other resorts, such as the Valemount Glacier Resort and Garibaldi at Squamish, are waiting for the province to approve their resorts' master plans.
