CHILLIWACK, B.C.—Developers planning a new ski and recreation resort for Chilliwack believe the project could be a key part of efforts to host the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in B.C.
After meeting former VANOC CEO John Furlong, the team behind efforts to develop Bridal Veil Mountain Resort (BVMR) announced they support a regional bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in as many as eight or nine British Columbia communities.
BVMR president Robert Wilson says if his team’s resort proposal is given the green light by the province there may also be an opportunity for Chilliwack to submit a proposal to be one of the bid’s venue cities.
“John’s vision of a using a number of B.C. communities makes a lot of sense and is generating tremendous interest, as well as broad support,” said Wilson. “We know there will be a lot of competition from cities around the province to be part of a 2030 bid, but if the province approves our Bridal Veil Mountain Resort proposal, and we have the support of Stó:lō communities, Chilliwack and the regional district, I’d like all of us to come together and make a proposal to be considered.”
Wilson added when Vancouver hosted the Games in 2010, the entire region benefited, something he hopes Chilliwack can one day be a part of.
The first step in the BVMR long-term vision is to build one of its two sightseeing gondolas.
Wilson noted preliminary plans, which are still subject to First Nations engagement and input, have been organized so the project can quickly scale up and expand as needed.
“With strong Stó:lō and local community support, and provincial, regional, and municipal governments that are prepared to help us meet deadlines, we are confident that we could build a tremendous mountain resort that meets Olympic standards,” said Wilson. “But no matter what happens next, we fully support John’s vision and a potential B.C. bid for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. British Columbians have already shown the world what we can do, and the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games would be another opportunity to showcase our province and our cities to the world, and we’d like Chilliwack to be a part of that story.”
The project still remains in the expression of interest phase of the provincial government’s all-season resort development application process.
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