Controversial ski resort near Squamish gets environmental approval

VICTORIA – The British Columbia government has issued an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed Garibaldi at Squamish ski resort.

The almost-2,800-hectare project on Brohm Ridge near Squamish, B.C., would include 23 ski lifts and over 100 ski trails, resort accommodations, housing and infrastructure.

The approval comes with 40 conditions that are legally binding on the resort before final approval is granted.

WATCH: Global first reported on the $5 billion proposed resort in 2014

Conditions include design requirements, several groundwater limitations, a plan to reduce the risks of potential bear-human conflicts and providing at least 10 per cent of resort beds to employees.

The certificate is the first in a series of decisions regarding the resort, which still needs approvals from the District of Squamish and the Ministry of Forests and Lands.

Squamish Nation Chief Ian Campbell says that although the project is controversial, the band is comfortable that its cultural and environmental interests have been protected and that it will share in the economic benefits.