Mount Lady MacDonald near Canmore gets all-season resort designation
The province says the move opens Crown land near Canmore to potential year-round development, with proponents now able to begin consultation and regulatory review.
Why it matters
The designation could pave the way for new year-round tourism development in the Bow Valley, an area popular with Albertans and subject to ongoing debate over wildlife and land use.
The Alberta government has designated an area of Crown land on Mount Lady MacDonald, near Canmore, as an 'all-season resort area,' a status it says could support 1,750 jobs and $238 million in visitor spending over the next decade.
Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said the designation is only the first step in a formal process, not approval for construction, and that any project proposal will be reviewed under Alberta's environmental regulations. The province said key considerations will include wildlife and habitat protection, infrastructure, visitor management and community impacts.
With the designation in place, prospective project proponents can now begin Indigenous consultation, public engagement, and submit proposals to the regulator. Stone Creek Resorts president Shauna Dudding said the company is continuing to advance its Silvertip Gondola project alongside ongoing environmental work and consultation.
The province also cited a recent survey finding 73 per cent of Albertans support responsible all-season resort development on provincial Crown lands.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.