One of the original proponents for the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort (BVMR) is stepping down from the project.
Norm Gaukel has “sold his stake” and will be leaving due to health and family reasons, according to the May 20 press release.
“Our entire team wishes to express our gratitude to Norm for the passion and dedication he devoted to this project,” said Robert Wilson, president of Bridal Veil Mountain Resort.
“Since he first envisioned this four-season mountain resort some 20 years ago, one of Norm’s highest priorities was ensuring local First Nations were provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in it.”
The team is still committed to exploring the resort concept, including potential joint equity ownership and management with the Stó:lō.
“All of us wish Norm the best and genuinely appreciate the vision that got us this far.”
Gaukel said he looks forward to watching the new leadership take it forward.
“Getting a project like this off the drawing board and turning it into a reality for our community and province takes time,” he said in the release.
BVMR is the 11,500-acre tourism attraction proposed for Chilliwack in the S’ólh Téméxw, the traditional and unceded lands of the Stó:lō people.
Guiding the project going forward will be Robert Wilson and Mike Lalonde. Planning to continue by Whistler-based Brent Harley and Associates (BHA), an experienced mountain resort planning and design firm. Continuing to guide the project’s extensive consultation with local First Nations and Stó:lō communities will be Michael Watson of DPI Development Partners, who has 20 years’ experience working in S’ólh Téméxw, the traditional territory of the Stó:lō people.
If approved, the resort would be located on the highlands immediately south of the Fraser River, extending over Area D and Area E of the Fraser Valley Regional District and the City of Chilliwack.
The presentation of the recent virtual session can be viewed on the project website’s resources page, www.bridalveilmountainresort.ca
READ MORE: Ambitious all-season resort proposed
READ MORE: Online session to ask questions about gondola resort
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