The Kitimat-Stikine regional district voted down a bid to rezone the Skeena River Ranch in Old Remo, just southwest of Terrace, that would have allowed a luxury heli-ski package for super rich tourists to continue.
About 68 area residents attended a Feb. 1 hearing and the regional district also received 74 written submissions, only one of which supported the rezoning. Kitsumkalum Band manager Steve Roberts wrote that the rezoning would “only benefit wealthy tourists at the expense of our people,” adding that it could have “far-reaching and devastating consequences” amid ongoing treaty discussions.
“If we had [an OCP] in Area C, this wouldn’t happen. You couldn’t just say ‘I want to build a commercial lodge here’. It wouldn’t get to this point,” said Bidgood.John Forrest, president of Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, called the decision “very disappointing”, adding that he’s going to have to refund pre-booked clients after wrapping up this season.
“I was optimistic. If you look at it purely from a zoning and bylaw perspective it should have been passed. When you bring into account the public opinion well that’s where that changes.”