Dear Editor,

Living in Fernie for 35 years, I have witnessed a ski resort double in size, alpine cat-skiing operations expand, new cat-skiing operations added, and other wilderness attractions built; all in harmony with our coal mining industries and our environment.

Today, Fernie has a strong local economy, has had positive growth in our local resident population, school enrolment has increased, and entrepreneurs have migrated to Fernie to start new businesses. There is a buoyant and healthy Main Street, arts community and local shopping. Wildlife, including grizzlies, are regularly seen on our local hiking and mountain biking trails, and the fishing in our rivers remains excellent.

High alpine resorts similar to Jumbo have been successful in European towns such as Zermatt or Hintertux, Austria for over 100 years. Perhaps all the individuals who speak against investment should remember the phrase: ‘If you are not growing then you will perish’?

The Jumbo project will benefit our entire Rocky Mountain region.

Michael Delich

Fernie