Relationships with Place, Conservation, and Development: Zincton Resort Case Study
Date
2023-03-21
Authors
Lawrence-Jeffery, Victoria
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Abstract
In the heart of the Selkirk mountain range of southeast BC, a ski resort proposal has sparked controversy within the surrounding communities. Located north of highway 31A, the Zincton Resort proposal promises skiers and outdoor enthusiasts an accessible, low impact backcountry experience. Proponents argue that the revenue from the resort will benefit the local communities of New Denver, Silverton, and Kaslo. The Zincton model offers to take corporate responsibility for the local environment by establishing a wildlife protection plan and remediating toxic contamination left behind by the mining industry. Opponents remain skeptical of these ecological and economic promises, and organize against the development through local campaigns centering Indigenous rights and ecological protection. Through document analysis and in-depth interviews, this research project aims to understand the Zincton land use conflict across various local perspectives. This research investigates how opponents and proponents frame their respective arguments and asks if sense of place can be used as an analytical tool to further understand these conflicting perspectives within the unique social and cultural context of the west Kootenays.
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Keywords
resort development, wilderness, land-use conflict, sense of place