Investing in Chilliwack
A development for Chilliwack and beyond
Did you know that BVMR and our partners own 250 acres just minutes from the Trans-Canada Hwy?
BVMR is investing in Chilliwack for the long term. We recently acquired an additional 52 acres next to the Chilliwack Community Forest. This land provides the ideal starting point for a world-class all-season resort and a next-generation master-planned community.
Project Awareness
We are getting noticed internationally and in BC!
In April, BVMR was recognized as an innovator in resort planning. Cluster Montagne invited us to present at Mountain Planet in France, the world’s largest ski industry trade show and networking event. This led to a series of media interviews in both Canada and France, including CKNW’s Jas Johal Show. Our proposed project has also received recognition from industry media in Canada, the USA, and Europe.
Community Support
Surveys show that over 85% of Fraser Valley residents support the construction of BVMR!
BVMR has spent the summer and fall of 2022 talking with the community, including:
- Chilliwack Village Classic Car Show
- Abbotsford Berry Festival
- Abbotsford International Airshow
- Chilliwack Flight Fest
- Hope Brigade Days
- Fraser Valley Health and Wellness Expo
BVMR has sponsored several community events in 2022:
- Stó:lō Nation Charity Golf Tournament
- BC Chamber of Commerce: A Conversation with Premier John Horgan
- Viktor Axelson Pro Badminton World Tour
- Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade
Working with Government
What is happening in the Province?
We have spent the last two years working with the Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture and Sport’s Mountain Resorts Branch. Our next step is to go to Public Referral on our Expression of Interest, a prerequisite to moving to the Formal Proposal stage, which we are looking forward to starting in early 2023.
In the meantime, we have been busy fine-tuning our application and communicating directly with decision-makers, including local MLAs, the Premier, Deputy Ministers, and senior bureaucrats.
“I am encouraged by your attention to the interests of local Stó:lō communities and desire to have their full participation in the BVMR project. This aligns with the Province’s goal of realizing steps towards reconciliation”
– Lori Wanamaker, Deputy Minister to the Premier (September 12, 2022)
First Nations
Joint Planning and Design, and Full Equity Participation
BVMR’s goal is to become the first all-season mountain resort in Canada to be jointly planned, developed, owned, and operated in full partnership with participating local First Nations Communities.
In 2022, we were honoured to add two young First Nations leaders to our advisory/management team: Cody Hall of Tzeachten First Nation and Colin Pennier of Scowlitz First Nation. They join a talented project team that includes Michael Watson, who has worked with Stó:lō leaders and organizations in S’ólh Téméxw for nearly two decades.
For nearly two years, our project team has been reaching out to all 24 Stó:lō First Nations. We continue to build relationships and work alongside First Nations leaders from across the Fraser Valley to see this opportunity become a reality. We also recognize that we must earn the right to partner with First Nations on their traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands. This process continues to be an enriching journey for our team!
What’s Next?
Exciting 2023 Ahead!
A yearlong survey demonstrates over 85% of Fraser Valley residents support the construction of BVMR.
2023 is going to be an action-packed year! Our base of support in Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley,
and across B.C. continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The meaningful engagement that is happening with Stó:lō Communities gives us great optimism for the future of this project!
Thank you to everyone who has voiced their support for this exceptional recreational and cultural opportunity. We look forward to keeping you informed throughout 2023.