Executive Summary

General Overview of Business

• Glory Tours will be a seasonal operation operating between about the 5^th December and the 15^th of April each year in the Rossland Range about 10 km North of Rossland BC.   In the Winter Months the operation will offer Guided Cat Skiing, Back Country Skiing and Boarding, and Snowshoe tours.     
• Glory Tours staging point for meeting and briefing clients will be at the “Red Shutter Inn” located in the village at the base of Red Mountain Resort.   There will be no buildings or structures of any sort erected on the Tenure Area.
• Clients of Glory Tours will stay in the accommodation of their choice in either Rossland or Red Mountain.  Glory Tours will use a mini-van to transport clients from the Red Shutter Inn to the Cat Pick-up point driving North on highway 3B approximately 5.4km
• The business is newly incorporated for this venture – but will draw on the significant pool of ski and backcountry guiding talent in the Rossland area.  The 2 directors of the company bring collectively 40 years of ski and mountain experience from two continents, 20 years of business experience, an MBA from Western Business School, a Masters of applied Finance, and intensive officer training in the Canadian Forces

 

Benefits to local community:

·         Tenure is not exclusive – members of the public will continue to be able to use the area as they always have.

·         More people will be able to enjoy the Rossland Range by accessing the range via Cat.      Currently it is a 5-7km uphill hike to get to the Alpine area – this puts ski touring to this area out of the range of the average level of fitness of the general population.

·         Diversification of local economy, and economic boost to Rossland.  New businesses such as this assist to further diversify the local economy.   We estimate that the operation will directly bring another 1200-2000 additional room nights for local accommodators.  Local restaurants will sell 2,000-3,000 meals to our clients.  And Red Mountain Resorts Inc. will also be able to sell a substantial number of lift tickets to our clients.  It also assists the area to attract more visitors, as there is one more activity in the area for visitors to participate in. 

·         Standby rates will be available to local residents living within 100km of Rossland.  This will allow local residents to enjoy Cat skiing at substantially discounted rates – up to 50% off the standard rate.  Residents must be able to show evidence of residency to be eligible.

 

Key Areas of Concern

• Anticipated areas of concern for the City of Rossland are that there are no adverse consequences to community Water-sheds – from fuel spills.   As a result of this concern the Cat will be refueled away from the Proposed Tenure Area - at one of the local gas stations.  Other risk mitigation strategies will also be implemented as detailed in Table 3.3.
• There is identified a type of vascular plant in the proposed tenure area called “Ligusticum Verticillatum.”  This species is on the Provincial blue list.   This means it has characteristics that make them particularly sensitive or vulnerable to human activities or natural events. Blue-listed plants are at risk, but are not Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened.  The plant exists only in a small contained part of the proposed tenure area.   To ensure that there are no impacts on this species the area identified by the CDC will be avoided.
• The collective impact on local back-country skiers will be positive as more back–country skiers will be able to enjoy the area because of cat access.  However to address anticipated concerns of existing Back-country skiers, the operation will put total limits on number of Clients using the tenure area at any one time, will operate only 6 out of every seven days during the winter months, will alternate bowls and areas being skied, offer substantial discounts for locals, and run training in back-country safety.

 

Section 1: Description of the Operation & Activities Offered

1.1 General Description of Operation

1.1.1 General Area

• The proposed tenure area is 4,951 hectares
• The area includes the Peaks of Mt Lepsoe, Mt Plewman, and Old Glory
• The proposed tenure area is bounded by highway 3B in the east and the north, and by the northern flank of Mt Kirkup in the south, and Big Sheep Creek in the west.
• The points expressed in points of Latitude and Longitude that define the proposed tenure area (see Map 2.) are shown in full on Appendix 3.
• The area is suited to a limited cat ski operation because of the natural glading, the proximity to Red Mountain and Rossland, and the history of the proposed tenure area – in that it has been used for logging, mining, grazing, and other activities. 
• Glory Tours will be a seasonal operation operating between 5^th December and the 15^th of April each year in the Rossland range about 10 km North of Rossland BC (Refer to Map 1 and 2).   In the winter months the operation will offer guided cat skiing, back-country skiing, and snowshoe tours.   All tours will start from highway 3B 8.6 km north of Rossland, at the pick-up and drop-off point.
• Glory Tours staging point for meeting clients will be at the “Red Shutter Inn” (refer Map 3) located in the village at the base of Red Mountain Resort.   There will be no buildings or structures of any sort erected on the Tenure Area
• Clients of Glory Tours will stay in the accommodation of their choice in either Rossland or Red Mountain
• Glory Tours will use a minivan to transport clients from the Red Shutter Inn to the cat pick-up point,  5.4 km drive north on highway 3B.

1.1.2 Base Operation

·    The base of operations will be located outside of the proposed Tenure area.   This means that no structures of any sort will be erected in the Tenure area for this operation.     This is in Line with our philosophy of environmental best practice.   Our aim is to leave no permanent sign of our operations on the proposed Tenure Area.

 

1.1.3 Improvements

·    The main improvement that we plan to make is to continually maintain the “Old Glory Access Trail” each year.   This will involve summer brush cutting each year to ensure that the trail accessible each winter.

·    This Trail is shown in Red and labeled in Map 2 (attached).

·    No structures or other improvements are required for the operation of the tours

 

1.1.4 Access

·    All clients will meet at the Red Shutter Inn (see map 3 for location) except for clients that are staying Rossland who will be picked up in Rossland.

·    Clients will be driven by van about 5 km north on highway 3B (from the Red Shutter Inn) to the cat pick-up point (also shown on maps 2 or 3)

·    From the cat pick up point, the cat will then transport clients to the alpine area.

 

1.1.5 Staff

Staff Category	# of Employees	Experience and/or Certificates
Management,  Logistics,  Administration, Marketing, and Finance	2	Paula Skinner-Gaul ·    Management Consultant - Boston Consulting Group ·    Captain Canadian Forces (Logistics) ·    MBA - University of Western Ontario Kieren Gaul ·    Member Australian National Ski Team 1985-87 ·    Treasurer Amatek Industries  ·    Master of Applied Finance – Macquarie University Sydney, and Bachelor of Commerce degree, Kieren and Paula will be living in the house that they are currently building at the base of Red Mountain
Guides	4	All guides to be qualified – a significant pool of qualified ski guiding talent exists in Rossland.   Rather than having to work for an operation in the remote interior these people will be able to spend the winter with their families in Rossland
Drivers	3	Fully qualified drivers will be employed from Rossland.   More than 6 fully qualified Cat Drivers currently live in the area.

 

1.2 Commercial Recreation Activities Offered On Crown Land

1.2.1 Description of Experience Being Offered

There are 3 types of tours being offered by Glory Tours; each one is described separately below.

 

Winter Cat Skiing and Snowboarding

The winter guided cat-skiing trips are half day and/or full day trips and utilize the tenure area.

 

The typical cat-skiing trip starts with clients arriving at the Red Shutter Inn either on foot, picked up by van in Rossland or by car.    At the Red Shutter, the clients will each be allocated the latest avalanche locators and safety equipment and be instructed in their use.   Clients are then provided with a full briefing on safety and touring procedures as well as a description of the plan for the day.

 

The group size is up to 12 people but we expect that on average the group size would be 7-8 people.   Generally for each group there will be a minimum of 1 guide and up to 3 guides depending on the group size, the group’s ability and experience, and the type of terrain that is planned to be used.

 

The day might normally be comprised of:

Time	Activity	Comments
8.00 - 8.45 am	Meet at Red Shutter for safety briefing	Critical part of the day – this is also a good place for clients to go to the toilet
8.45 - 9.00 am	Drive clients in mini-van to Cat pick-up point  - and load up Cat	This means that no permanent structures need to be erected for the operation
9.00 -9.20 am	Cat starts climb up access road
9.20 am - 12.00	Morning skiing 3-4 runs	The number of runs skied is dependant on the terrain skied, ability of group, and the weather.
12.00 - 12.30 pm	Lunch	Will not always come down from the mountain.
12.30 – 3.00 pm	Afternoon skiing 3-4 runs	Important to not be on the mountain too late when the days are short in December and January.
3.00 -3.15 pm	Transport clients back to Red Shutter – via van or mini bus
3.15 pm +	Debriefing	Watching videos complimentary celebration

 

 

 

 

Winter Back-Country Skiing:

This guided service will be offered in conjunction with the cat-skiing tours.   The cat is unable to go to some places that can be hiked.  Typically we would have a higher guide to client ratio for these tours.     The typical day would be as follows:

 

Time	Activity	Comments
8.00 - 8.45 am	Meet at Red Shutter for safety briefing	Critical part of the day – this is also a good place for clients to go to the toilet
8.45 - 9.00 am	Drive clients in van to cat pick-up point  - and load up cat	This means that no permanent structures need to be erected for the operation
9.00 -9.20 am	Cat starts climb up access road
9.20 am - 3.00 pm	Guided skiing and hiking	The number of runs skied is dependant on the terrain skied, ability of group, and the weather.
3.00 -3.15 pm	Transport clients back to Red Shutter – via van or mini bus
3.15 pm +	Debriefing	Watching videos complimentary celebration

 

Winter Snowshoe Tours

Aim is to take typically non-skiing clients to enjoy the beauty of the winter environment – tours would generally be half day only.    The tours would be guided and would 50% of the time use the Cat to take clients into the high alpine areas.   A possible day might be as follows:

 

Time	Activity	Comments
8.00 - 8.45 am	Meet at Red Shutter for safety briefing	Critical part of the day – this is also a good place for clients to go to the Toilet
8.45 - 9.00 am	Drive clients in mini-van to Cat pick-up point  - and load up Cat Or if not going into high alpine would walk up trail into forest with Guide	This means that no permanent structures need to be erected for the operation
9.00 -9.20 am	Cat start climb up access road
9.20 am -12.30 pm	Guided snowshoeing	The trail hiked would depend on the ability of group, and the weather.   However most routes would follow ridge-lines in good weather to maximize views – and in poor conditions most snow-shoe tours would be through the woods
12:30 -12:45 pm	Transport clients back to Red Shutter – via van or mini bus
12:45 pm +	Debriefing	Watching videos, complementary celebration

 

 

1.2.2 Detailed Listing of Activities & Level of Use

See Table 1.1 attached

1.2.3 Improvements

No improvements are required – there will be no building of any sort constructed in the Proposed tenure area.

Table 1.1 Extensive Areas of Use
Sample Activity Report						Client Days
Extensive Area Map Reference	Activity /Activities	Specific References on Map	Frequency of Use	Period of use	Existing or Proposed Use		2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	Full Capacity  (expected average use given weather)	Year Full Capacity is reached
Map 2	Cat skiing	Typically Zones 1-14 as shown on Map 2 (c)	6 days per week	5th December – 15th April	Proposed use from 5th Dec. 2004		610	732	854	990	2009
Map 2	Ski - Hiking	Entire tenure area	6 days per week	5th December – 15th April	Proposed use from 5th Dec. 2004		122	183	201	366	2009
Map 2	Snow shoe Tours	Typically Zones 1-14 as shown on Map 2 (c)	2-3 days per week	5th December – 15th April	Proposed use from 5th Dec. 2004		207	293	376	488	2009

 

 

1.4 Intensive Use Sites

There will be no intensive use sites.   The area that might come closest to an intensive use site is the cat pickup point as shown on Map 2.    At this site:

·          the cat will meet the clients

·         The ski and boarding gear will be transferred from the van to the Cat

·         The cat proceeds from this point up the “Old Glory Trail” to the alpine zone.  Each  morning the cat will be transported to this point on the back of a trailer

·         No level of exclusivity is required over this “cat pick-up point”

·         The cars of the clients will not be parked at this point.  These cars will be left where the clients are staying – ie. normally in Rossland or at the Red Mountain base area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1.2 detail of pick-up point
Intensive Use Map Reference	Intended Use	Frequency of Use	Period of use	Desired Exclusivity	Existing or Proposed improvements	Closest Creek	Distance to Closest Creek
Site # 1.	Pick-up point simple Drop off and Pick-up point.	6 days per week	5th Dec. – 15th April	No exclusivity required	NO IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED	Hanna Creek	90 metes

 

Section 2: Overlap with Environmental & Cultural Values

2.1 Fish Values

In the proposed tenure area there are no fish bearing streams.     However some of the streams flow out of the proposed tenure area and down into the Columbia River.   Close to where these streams meet the Columbia River, there are some fish.   However, there are no fish in the proposed tenure area because of the very steep nature of the streams in the tenure area mean that it is impossible for fish to get up-stream into the tenure area. 

To protect fish and Riparian Habitats all refuelling of cats with be out of the tenure area back in Rossland.   Also, all other wastes (including human excrement) will be taken out of the tenure area.

Also, please find below a quote from the “Nancy Greene Highland Forest Management Plan”

There are no fish-bearing streams within the plan area.  There are populations of rainbow trout inhabiting the lower reaches of tributaries to the Columbia (Murphy Creek) that originate within the NGHF.  The culvert under the highway at Murphy Creek acts as a barrier to fish passage due to an 18” drop.  BC Hydro confirmed this after they carried out fishery inventories in 1995 constructing weirs adjacent to Highway 3B.

. 

2.2 Wildlife Values

The BC conservation data centre was contacted by e-mail and a request for information on the species and habitats found within the area of operation was made.    The results of this request are provided in appendix 2.     

In summary there are no endangered or at risk fauna or animals in the proposed tenure area.   In term of flora or plants, there is just one noted report from 1973 of a species of plant on the Blue list in the tenure area.   The Blue list means:

BLUE LIST:

Includes any indigenous species or subspecies considered to be of Special Concern (formerly Vulnerable) in British Columbia. Taxa of Special Concern have characteristics that make them particularly sensitive or vulnerable to human activities or natural events. Blue-listed taxa are at risk, but are not Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened.

The plant on the Blue list is a form of Vascular Plant called “Ligusticum Verticillatum” and was reported in only one small contained area of the proposed tenure area.    The area was on a stony bank at the lower part of Elgood Creek near the intersection of Elgood Creek and Highway 3B.   A map of the area provided that was provided by Marta Donovan, Biological Information Coordinator, from the BC Conservation Data Centre of Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management is shown below:

We would propose that this area identified by the CDC as containing the Ligusticum Verticillatum completely avoided so as not to have any impact on this species.   Although even if skiers skied over this area in winter it is highly unlikely to have any negative impact.     

 

Also another form of evidence confirming that there are no endangered species in the area is the Nancy Greene Highland Forest Management Plan

 

There are no known regionally significant wildlife or biotic features in the NGHF.  However, biological diversity will still be considered during resource development planning.

 

The snow cats will not be used to actively view wildlife – This is a core principle as we do not want to unduly disturb the wildlife with our operation.

The Nancy Greene Highland Forest Management Plan details the following Wildlife in the Proposed Tenure area:

 

“Wide ranging Carnivores

There is a low-density transient population of cougar, grizzly bear, coyote, bobcat, wolverine and possibly wolf in the NGFH.  Black bear are present year-round in the NGHF.

Ungulates

The NGHF is summer and fall habitat for white-tailed and mule deer, elk and occasionally moose.  A herd of mule deer are permanently located near Esling Creek on the west side of Record Ridge.  A herd of mountain goats is also believed to summer on the west slopes of Old Glory.  (Nancy Greene Recreation Area Master Plan, 1986).

Small Fur Bearers

Fur-bearing mammals residing in the NGHF include pine marten, fox, lynx, ground squirrels, marmots, raccoons, pikas, rabbits and hares.  A colony of marmots is reported on the upper ridge near Old Glory.”

 

In the following table we detail some of the measures that we will take in the business in order to any impact on local wildlife.

Table 2.2

Mitigant	Rationale
No structures of any sort to be erected or placed in the proposed tenure area	This minimises impact on local wildlife
Staff and client training	Staff will be properly trained on: The distribution and ecology of key wildlife species within the proposed tenure area Company procedures and management principles designed to avoid disturbance to wildlife The results of any newly available research, information, and or inventories of wildlife. The success or failure of the previous year’s efforts not to disturb wildlife
Reporting – a proper log of all encounters with Local wildlife will be maintained	This will assist over the years to determine if there is any impact from the proposed tours.  This would monitor: The  type and frequency of all interactions with wildlife Where some form of interaction does occur, the kinds of behavior that should be exhibited before and after the interaction.
Limiting Hours of Operation	During most days the tours will be only in the area from 9.15am – 3.00pm.
Alternating Bowls and Areas of Operation	One of the features of the cat skiing business is that each day we will do about 2 runs in each bowl.  Each day we will average 6-8 runs.  This means there are effectively 14 bowls and skiable areas, and that most bowls will only be skied every 3rd or 4th day. Also, the operation is planned to be a 6 day operation, meaning that the disruption to wildlife is further minimized.
On access roads – use regular and predictable patterns for travel, including speed, group size, and type of vehicle	This will assist wildlife to understand our patterns and avoid us without fear
Snow cats will not be used as a means to view wildlife	This will ensure that there is no undue disturbance of animals in the area.
Total numbers of clients – Limited to 16 at any one time.	By managing the total number of clients in the area – this reduces the total impact on the environment
Ensure that wildlife do not have any access to human food or garbage	All food and garbage will be taken out of the tenure area each day.

 

2.3 Water Values

The proposed operation does not use any water from the proposed area and will lead to no discharges of any waste into any of the creeks.  Also, please note that adjacent to the proposed tenure area Red Mountain Resorts Inc. currently operates 3 Cats in the main community watershed – Topping Creek – with no adverse consequences.   Also please note that cats from other resort operations operate with no adverse consequences in many other community watersheds in BC such as Sun Peaks, and Big White.    

 

In the proposed tenure area the main watercourses are:

·         Hanna Creek

·         South Murphy Creek

·         Elgood Creek

·         Big Sheep Creek

They are all creeks – there exist no lakes or rivers. 

There are three Community Watersheds as defined by the Forest Practices Code within the proposed Tenure area.  They are: Elgood Creek, South Murphy Creek, and Hanna Creek.  These three sources supply domestic water for the City of Rossland, Rivervale Improvement District, and Cominco Ltd.  The community water intake on South Murphy Creek is the only water intake located within the planning area.  It is licensed for storage (non-power) in addition to waterworks purposes.

Activities within the Proposed Tenure area have the potential to affect a number of water users outside the proposed Tenure Area.  There are up to 17 licensed water intakes collectively holding up to 27 water licenses downstream from the proposed tenure area.  The community water intakes on Hanna and Elgood creeks are located immediately east outside of the Proposed Tenure Area of the planning area boundary below Highway 3B.

 

 

Watershed management plan:

Action	Specific actions and comments
Full compliance with all appropriate Legislation relating to watercourse protection	·         Staff training ·         Client briefing each morning on best practices ·         All clients will be advised in the morning orientation/briefing and in written materials that they are in an active watershed for some of the day.
Staff training – all staff and guides will be trained in the appropriate storage and handling of fossil fuels, human, and liquid wastes	Regular staff training on these issues will be completed
All refuelling of cats to be done off-site in Rossland or other local gas stations.	This is to ensure that there are no spillages of any fuels or fuel products in the tenure area during refuelling.
All cats will be equipped with Emergency Spill Containment Kit for all petrol or chemical spills that could happen from the cat (hydraulic, oil, diesel).	This is an extra – precautionary measure in the event of some sort of accident. It should be noted that Cats of this type operate for many hundreds of thousand hours in many sensitive tenure areas across British Columbia without incident
All human waste (including excrement) to be bagged and removed	Clients will be encouraged to go before they enter the tenure area.   However we will use the bag system and/or “Porta-Potties” to ensure that no human waste is deposited in the tenure area
No permanent or semi permanent facilities will be built or erected in any areas including Riparian areas	This will ensure that there are no adverse impacts on the Proposed Tenure area

 

2.4   First Nations

Have not contacted first Nations

 

 

2.5 Social sustainability

 

We recognize the abosulate importance of building a good relationship with the local community.  Some of the steps that we plan to take are as follows:

 

• Commitment to hiring and training from Rossland and neighboring communities
• Commitment to reducing auditory and visual impacts of our operations.  Note many of the mitigants to be implemented in this Plan
• Actively sponsor and participate in social events, local fund raisers and community support organizations
• Explore opportunities to share costs and jointly market community recreation and tourism opportunities with local community economic development associations
• Develop a purchasing plan that favors locally provided goods and services
• Commitment to supporting back-country safety training in local community

 

2.6 Impact on Back-country Skiers

 

It is our aim to reduce the impact of the operation on existing back-country skiers using the area.   Key Points are:

 

• It will allow more back-country skiers to enjoy the area – through cat access
• Limits on the total number of clients and the use of alternating bowls and areas mean that most of the time the proposed operation will not be visible to the general public
• Alternating use of Zones and Bowls mean that the operation may be visible 1/12^th to 1/14^th of the time
• Better trail maintenance of Old Glory Trail
• Members of the Public, ski clubs, and other groups will be able to use the area as the always have – the license to use the tenure area is not exclusive.
• The following steps will be taken to further reduce impact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2.6  Steps that we will take to reduce impact on local users

Step to reduce any impacts	Comment/explanation
Putting a maximum total limit on the total number of clients using the Cat for assisted skiing of at 16 clients on the 7 Mountain  mountains, and 9 alpine bowls	This means that – the number of people in the High alpine is limited - We imagine on an average day that there will be just 1 cat in the proposed tenure area with a group of 8-10 clients.
Operation 6 days per week	1 day per week we will not operate – we will aim to make this a Saturday – as this will be the traditional change over day for many of our clients.   However this may be transferred according to weather or other external factors
Using different bowls	Means that for much of the time other people using the Tenure Area will not be able to hear or see the operation.   A typical 4-day cycle is shown on Table 2.61
Seek to use the lowest noise vehicles	Will use up-to-date cats and equipment.  Noise will be reduced by using better technology
Participate in search and rescue in the area	We can contribute with a good working knowledge of the area
Work and liaise with local back-country ski clubs to best manage use	For  instance if a back-country group wanted to use a specific area one day we would try to work with them to avoid that area for that day
We will primarily use just 1 cat but never more than 2	We need to have a back up cat in case we have mechanical problems with the first.  Our forecasts suggest that for the first 3-5 years that we will only be using 1 cat to take clients. But we will never use more than 2 cats for this area in order to reduce the impact on local back-country skiers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Map 2.6

 

The 14 main ski zones identified are identified on Map 2.  A typical day would be 6-8 runs in total with about 2 runs in each Zone. This means that on an average day we would use only 3-4 of the14 Zones and means that in each zone we would spend about 1-2 hours and then move on.

When a skier is in one zone it will very difficult to see or notice what is happening in another zone.   This means that at any one point, a back country skier might notice the operation 1/14^th of the time.  This is more than offset by the fact that we are able to bring more people into the area – and more people are able to enjoy the area whilst still maintaining the completely wild feel of the area for the other users.

A 4 day cycle for the Cat skiing business might be as follows:

Table 2.61 – Possible 4 day Cat skiing cycle

Day	Zones
Day 1.	2 runs in zone 7 2 Runs Zone 5 3 runs in zone 4 1 run in Zone 9
Day 2.	3 runs in Zone 3 2 runs in Zone 10 2 runs in Zone 8 1 run in Zone 14
Day 3.	1 run in Zone 1 2 runs in Zone 11 2 runs in Zone 6 2 runs in Zone 13 1 run in Zone 2
Day 4.	2 runs in Zone 1 2 runs in Zone 2 1 run in Zone 12 2 runs in Zone 5 1 run in Zone 11

 

The above table demonstrates that the impact on Local back-country skiers will be low – typically they might only be able to see or hear the operation around 1/14^th of the time

 

2.7 Working with Red Mountain Resorts Inc.

The proposed operation will add to the business of Red Mountain Resorts Inc (“RMR”) – many of the clients attracted to the operation will also want to ski at Red Mountain for a few days.   It is our thinking that many of the clients of our operation will stay in the accommodation provided at the Base of Red Mountain.  It is therefore natural to think that many of these clients will also want to ski at Red Mountain.

RMR about 1 year ago signed a new 50 year lease over an expanded area that includes Mt Grey, part of Mt Kirkup, Record Ridge and part of Mt Roberts.   The approved master plan for this area is a 10-year plan in which substantial investment is to be made in this area.   Part of the investment includes the installation of approximately 5 new quad detachable chairlifts and the building of a village at the base.   The scale of this investment is large.   The current 6 owners of the resort do not have the capital, or access to the Capital to make this sort of investment.    They are therefore in the process of selling the resort.  They have been trying to sell the resort for the past 2-3 years.   It is my understanding that they have accepted an offer made by a United States resident, Mr Howard Katkov.   The offer is subject to due diligence,  with a settlement mid next year.   My understanding is that Mr Katkov is yet to have raised the additional capital required to implement the master-plan and is currently seeking capital.   Mr Katkov has had positive experience in raising capital for other ventures such as Jane Cosmetics and Dock 3, an internet-based corporate concierge business.

My understanding is that Mr Katkov is also currently reviewing the master-plan and seeking additional capital.    There is still a reasonable chance that like other buyers that have looked at the resort in the Last 3-4 years that Mr Katkov is unable or unwilling to complete the purchase of the Resort.  

However even an aggressive approach is taken - which is the current master-plan, it may still take about 10 years to build out the existing approved area according to that master-plan. 

If in the future RMR put in an application to use part of the Proposed Tenure area for a lifted ski operation (not a competing Cat Ski operation), we would be happy to support this application.   But we would not want to relinquish the proposed tenure area until the first ski lift was actually built.  However, we see that this is a long time away as for instance just to pay for the 5 quad detachables might cost C$15 -25 million

It is in the interests of RMR to strongly support this operation on the basis that:

1.      It will add to their existing business of selling ski lift tickets and other mountain resort services.  Our clients will also ski at Red Mountain.

2.      It assists in them marketing the area and the resort.   Our marketing efforts will bring more people to the area. 

3.      If RMR opposed this application it would effectively mean that they would most probably never get approval to use the proposed tenure area themselves in future.   Any future application to use the area by Red Mountain Resorts would need to go through the normal rigorous application process with the opportunity for comment and review by the community.  While we would not oppose Red Mountain Resorts’ use of the Plewman basin for a lifted ski operation, we would oppose use of the area for a competing cat–skiing operation.  

 

However, if Mr Katkov is unable to complete the sale of the resort, another interested party called the Grollo Group has expressed an interest in buying RMR.   The Grollo Group is the owner and operator of a major ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere called Mt Buller.   They have substantial available capital to develop the resort.   I have discussed this proposal with them and they are supportive of this application.

I have also spoken with the existing chairman of RMR, Mr Micheal Robbins, and he is also supportive of this application.

Finally, it is our intention to work closely with RMR no matter who the owner is in future.   Our relationship with RMR as with other members of the community will be guided by our social sustainability action list shown below in section 2.5 of this document:

It is important that this application is not held up pending the outcome of the sale of RMR, as history has shown that this sale process has already gone on for 3 years and may drag on for another 3 years.

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3: Overlap with Existing Use

3.1 Mineral Tenure

I can confirm that there are no mineral tenures within the proposed tenure area.     This conclusion follows:

 

4.      A search of the follow Mineral Tenure Information: http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/mida/index.html

5.      a review of the Nancy Greene Highland Forest Management Plan

6.      Discussions with LWBC

 

3.2 Timber Tenure & Forest Use

The forest tenure that overlaps the proposed CR tenure area is the “Nancy Green Highland Forest."   I contacted and met with:

Ted Evans

Planning Officer

Arrow Forest District

Ministry of Forests

Mailto:[email protected]

Telephone (250)365-8680

Facsimile (250)365-8568

 

Ted also forwarded a copy of the Management Plan for the Nancy Green Highland Forest.   This report indicates that Recreation and Commercial recreation is consistent with the objectives of the Plan.   

In general, the cat skiing operation will be sticking to the high alpine areas that are naturally gladed.   The applicant would form a working relationship with the forester and the harvester of the area to ensure co-ordination of summer trail maintenance that we will be completing on the Main Access Trail.

 

 3.3 Land Use Planning, Local or Regional Zoning Requirements

·         Nancy Greene Highland Forest Management Plan

·         City of Rossland Recreation Plan.

 

Watershed Management:

Main area of concern is that there are no fuel spillages into local community watersheds.    The main water-shed is Hanna Creek.  

To avoid any possible spills all refueling of the cats will be done away from the proposed tenure area at the local gas station in Rossland, transporting the cat on a trailer.  

The Bombardier cat that we are proposing to use has a 260 litre tank.   Typically these cats will use about 15 litres per hour this means that refueling will need to be done approximately every 3 days at the local gas station in Rossland.

 

Table 3.3  Watershed Management Plan:

Action	Specific actions and comments
Full compliance with all appropriate Legislation relating to watercourse protection	·         Staff training ·         Client briefing each morning on best practices ·         All clients will be advised in the morning orientation/briefing and in written materials that they are in an active watershed for some of the day.
Staff training – all staff and guides will be trained in the appropriate storage and handling of fossil fuels, human, and liquid wastes	Regular staff training on these issue will be completed
All refueling of cats to be done off-site in Rossland or other local gas stations.	This is to ensure that there are no spillages of any fuels or fuel products in the tenure area during refueling.
All cats would be equipped with Emergency Spill Containment Kit for all petrol or chemical spills that could happen from the cat (hydraulic, oil, diesel).	This is an extra precautionary measure in the event of some sort of accident. It should be noted that cats of this type operate for many hundreds of thousand hours in many sensitive tenure areas across British Columbia without incident
All human waste (including excrement) to be bagged and removed	Clients will be encouraged to go before they enter the tenure area.   However we will use the bag system and or “Porta Potties” to ensure that no human waste is deposited in the tenure area
No permanent or semi permanent facilities will be built or erected in any areas including Riparian areas	This will ensure that there are no adverse impacts on the Proposed Tenure area

 

Sewage management:

There will be no toilet facilities erected in the Proposed Tenure that might have had an impact on any community watershed such as Hanna Creek.

All clients will be encouraged to have a bowel movement at the Red Shutter or at the place that they are staying prior to being transported 5 km up the road to the Cat Pick-up Point.    Clients will be advised that for bowel movements on the mountain that they must use the bag system or the Porta Pottie system.    All waste will be disposed properly at the end of each day.  

 

Logging – Working with Forest Licensees

Table 3.31 Action Plan

Action	Specific actions
Full compliance with all appropriate Legislation relating to the management of provincial Forest Resources	Staff training on the following Legislation: ·         The Forest Act ·         Forest and Range Practice Act ·         Land Act
Develop an Access Management Plan for the responsible development and maintenance of all operation access routes	·         Involves summer brush cutting of lower portion of Old Glory trail ·         Developing different routes to avoid conflict with any forest practice.  For instance we would not want our clients adversely effecting the growth of any small trees in cut-block areas.   We will look to establish and monitor permanent sample plots in plantation areas to determine any effects of skiers in these areas
Glading	·         Where possible we will encourage forest licensing in the proposed area to consider Glading vertical cut-Blocks
Snow Road Construction	·         As long as access can be maintained on the Old Glory trail – additional snow road construction will not be necessary.

 

3.4 Commercial Recreation Tenure & Guide Outfitter Territories 

The Local LWBC office in Cranbrook has confirmed that there are currently no Commercial Recreation Tenures in respect of the Tenure area that is being applied for in this application.   (Refer Jo-Ann Donald Cranbrook office).

 

3.5 Highways and the City of Rossland.

Pick-up and Drop-off Point.

We will apply to the highway and the City of Rossland to confirm the use of the pick-up and drop-off point off the highway.   It is our understanding that the pick-up and drop-off point is currently cleared of snow to make it easier for recreational users to access the area.    We would require no changes to current practice.

 

Clients and parking

It is anticipated that 80- 90% of the clients of the operation will be staying in either the Red Mountain Base area or in Rossland.

 

Category of Clients	Examples	Description of how parking needs will be met
Clients staying at the Red Mountain Base area	The Lofts, Carolyn’s Corner, Ramshead Inn, Red Mountain Village, Red Shutter Inn, Red Rob’s, Copper Chalets, Whitewolf Cabins etc.	Guest staying at these sites will be within easy walking distance of the Red Shutter and will therefore not need additional parking.
Clients staying in Rossland	Uplander, Thrift Lodge, Angela’s B & B	We will have a service to pick up these clients staying in Rossland, so that no parking will be required for these people.
Local Rosslanders	Normal Citizens of Rossland	We will have a service to pick up these clients living in Rossland, so that no parking will be required for these people.
Other People from local areas	Trail, Castlegar, Grand Forks	We will allocate 2 parking sites at the front of the Red Shutter Inn for this purpose.

 

Buildings.

A concern of the City of Rossland is that there are no Buildings erected in the Tenure area.   We can confirm that this is the case – no structures of any sort will be erected in the tenure area.

 

Erosion:

A possible concern of the City of Rossland is that the activity does not lead to an increase in erosion in the Proposed Tenure Area.   To reduce this risk the operation will not operate unless there is sufficient snow to protect trails.   Cats will not be permitted to ride over areas that are not fully covered in snow.    Glory Tours will not run any cat-based tours unless all trails are fully covered with snow.

 

Fuel spills

Mitigants to minimize the possibility of any fuel spills in the Proposed tenure area are mentioned in the Community Water-shed management Plan. In table 3.3 above.  

Appendix 1 - Hazards and Safety Plan

X

 

            I certify that I have prepared Hazards and Safety Plan which meets or exceeds Workers Compensation Board and approved industry standards and that my operation will meet the requirements of this plan.

 

 

Final application to be signed

____________________________________________________ Signed 

 

 

 

 

____________________ Date