Public opposition stops proposed heli-ski resort near Revelstoke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2026
REVELSTOKE, B.C.
Following overwhelming public opposition, the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Board voted to deny third reading for a proposed rezoning to develop a large heli-ski resort near Revelstoke.
Selkirk Tangiers proposed developing a year-round, heli-serviced resort approximately 45 kilometres north of Revelstoke, including up to 100 guest sleeping units, 12 camping spaces and 50 staff sleeping units. The lodge was set to be built on 65 hectares of private land at the mouth of Mars Creek on Lake Revelstoke. The property is in a largely undeveloped area near old-growth forests and core habitat for threatened Southern Mountain Caribou.
Following extensive public submissions and comments opposing the proposal, the CSRD Board voted unanimously in favour of denying a third reading at the August 20 board meeting.
“I have never seen such a united opposition to a proposal,” said CSRD Director for Revelstoke David Brooks-Hill during the board meeting.
Public concerns were broad but several clear themes emerged: impacts to Southern Mountain Caribou and other wildlife, effects of increased helicopter activity, impacts to old-growth forests and fish habitat, infrastructure and power required to support a resort of this size in an undeveloped area, changes to the character of the surrounding wilderness, and cumulative effects of commercial recreation in the area.
Concerns were also raised regarding Indigenous values and interests. The Board report notes that First Nations referral responses received by the CSRD were opposed to the application, and that members of the public raised concerns about the proposal’s alignment with reconciliation commitments made by the CSRD and provincial government.
“It was made clear through the public consultation process that this area is of significant importance to local residents, First Nations, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who value the environment and wildlife,” said Kristi Chorney, Wildsight Revelstoke Branch President. “The unified strength of these many voices and organizations, as well as elected officials who listened, made the difference.”
The CSRD’s decision demonstrates the importance of public participation in decisions that shape the future of wild places.
“Decisions about large-scale development with broader ecological and social implications need to reflect the positions of First Nations and local communities,” said Reanne Harvey, Wildsight North Columbia Conservation Coordinator. “In this case, the public made it clear that this landscape is more than a development opportunity. It is home to wildlife, a place of immense ecological value, and an important part of the broader Revelstoke landscape. We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to write, speak, show up and make their voices heard.”
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For more information, contact:
Reanne Harvey
Wildsight North Columbia Conservation Coordinator
reanne@wildsight.ca
Photo: Lake Revelstoke. Image credit to Reanne Harvey, Wildsight