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September 27th, 2005, 08:10 PM
Resort could dwarf Louise
Approval expected tonight for $850M project
Emma Poole
Calgary Herald
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
A proposed $850-million resort and condo project on the edge of Crowsnest Lake -- said to rival the likes of Lake Louise -- is expected to be approved by the area's municipal council tonight.
The European-style alpine village would include a $20-million sports complex, a spa, 300-room hotel and a conference centre at the east end of the lake, about 250 kilometres southwest of Calgary.
It would also see a helipad, a marina for 200 boats, and 1,200 low-, mid-, and high-rise condos built around the 11-hectare plot, said the developer.
"Our vision is to create the most beautiful lakefront community in the Canadian Rockies," said Bill Bradley, president of Bridgegate Corp.
Crowsnest Pass Mayor John Irwin said the village, to be called Bridgegate at Crowsnest Lake, would be a stunning addition to the community.
It would also help breathe some much-needed life into the surrounding area, he said.
"There's been some developers sort of looking at the area . . . but are waiting for something to ignite it," he said. "If one thing goes ahead, the rest may go."
Town councillor Gail Sygutek said Crowsnest Pass is in desperate need of new industries.
The proposed development is at Sentinel, near the area's sawmill which provides 100 jobs to local residents, but which is set to close at the end of October.
The development could provide 300 construction jobs and another 400 permanent service-industry careers.
"We need to have development. This place has to come alive," said Sygutek. "The plan is absolutely beautiful."
David McIntyre, a local environment and heritage consultant, said the land designated for the project was basically ruined by a power plant that used to be housed there.
Although there may be some fossils beneath the surface, there's very little environmental damage the project would do to the nearby wilderness.
"The salvation of the Crowsnest Pass relies on quality development coming in. I certainly got the impression from these people that they intend to do things aboveboard . . . in an environmental way," said McIntyre.
"I've already offered them some suggestions and they seem responsive to do the right thing."
The developers, said McIntyre, have offered to incorporate some of the found fossils in the walls of the proposed hotel.
"(The development) could make the area more attractive," he said.
If the project's area structure plan is approved, construction could begin in March 2006.
It will take five to seven years to complete the entire village, said Bradley.
Crowsnest Pass council will hear the developer's plan tonight at 7 p.m.
epoole@theherald.canwest.com
© The Calgary Herald 2005
Approval expected tonight for $850M project
Emma Poole
Calgary Herald
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
A proposed $850-million resort and condo project on the edge of Crowsnest Lake -- said to rival the likes of Lake Louise -- is expected to be approved by the area's municipal council tonight.
The European-style alpine village would include a $20-million sports complex, a spa, 300-room hotel and a conference centre at the east end of the lake, about 250 kilometres southwest of Calgary.
It would also see a helipad, a marina for 200 boats, and 1,200 low-, mid-, and high-rise condos built around the 11-hectare plot, said the developer.
"Our vision is to create the most beautiful lakefront community in the Canadian Rockies," said Bill Bradley, president of Bridgegate Corp.
Crowsnest Pass Mayor John Irwin said the village, to be called Bridgegate at Crowsnest Lake, would be a stunning addition to the community.
It would also help breathe some much-needed life into the surrounding area, he said.
"There's been some developers sort of looking at the area . . . but are waiting for something to ignite it," he said. "If one thing goes ahead, the rest may go."
Town councillor Gail Sygutek said Crowsnest Pass is in desperate need of new industries.
The proposed development is at Sentinel, near the area's sawmill which provides 100 jobs to local residents, but which is set to close at the end of October.
The development could provide 300 construction jobs and another 400 permanent service-industry careers.
"We need to have development. This place has to come alive," said Sygutek. "The plan is absolutely beautiful."
David McIntyre, a local environment and heritage consultant, said the land designated for the project was basically ruined by a power plant that used to be housed there.
Although there may be some fossils beneath the surface, there's very little environmental damage the project would do to the nearby wilderness.
"The salvation of the Crowsnest Pass relies on quality development coming in. I certainly got the impression from these people that they intend to do things aboveboard . . . in an environmental way," said McIntyre.
"I've already offered them some suggestions and they seem responsive to do the right thing."
The developers, said McIntyre, have offered to incorporate some of the found fossils in the walls of the proposed hotel.
"(The development) could make the area more attractive," he said.
If the project's area structure plan is approved, construction could begin in March 2006.
It will take five to seven years to complete the entire village, said Bradley.
Crowsnest Pass council will hear the developer's plan tonight at 7 p.m.
epoole@theherald.canwest.com
© The Calgary Herald 2005