2008 Land Development Studies

Baker Mountain Land Development Issue: On September 11, 2008, in Cranbrook, BC, a 12-person FDA panel completed, with public input, a quality of life assessment of the proposed Baker Mountain Land Development. Synopsis: The 12-person FDA panel determined whether the proposed Baker Mountain Land Development adds or detracts to the quality of life of the Cranbrook area, and to what degree. Seven criteria of quality of life were assessed: Clean, accessible drinking water Clean air Social cohesion of rural community Quality of living in terms of overcrowding, pollution, and crime Protection of environment and quality of visual impact Access to outdoor recreation Sustainable employment Also, three population groups were assessed: A. Citizens of Cranbrook and surrounding areas (less Gold Creek area) (18,267 plus 2,265 population: 20, 532 total population) B. Citizens of Cranbrook’s surrounding areas who live adjacent to Baker Mountain development (2,126 population) C. Baker Mountain Land Development area; citizens and occupants of the all season resort (adjusted 3,750 permanent population) The 12-person panel determined that the Baker Mountain Land Development detracts from the quality of life of the Cranbrook area, with an overall negative rating of 48.5% (or 4.9 out of 10). Moreover, the panel determined that the proposed development detracts significantly from the quality of life of Population A and B in vital areas such as quality of water and air. The FDA concluded based on the quality of life assessment that the proposed Baker Mountain Land Development should not precede. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (pdf file) of the FDA Baker Mountain quality of life assessment. FULL REPORT (pdf file) of the FDA Baker Mountain quality of life assessment. VIDEO of the FDA panel assessing the quality of life impact of clean accessible water VIDEO of the FDA panel assessing the quality of life impact of clean air 1 VIDEO of the FDA panel assessing the quality of life impact of clean air 2 VIDEO of the FDA panel assessing the quality of life impact of social cohesion

Upcoming Land Development Studies

Jumbo Glacier Land Development Issue: A 12-person FDA panel will do a quality of life assessment on the controversial 6000 hectares Jumbo land development proposal. The proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort is situated in the Central Purcell Mountains on two district lots and crown lands, 55 kilometers from Invermere, British Columbia, Canada. Map of Jumbo Glacier Resort: Jumbo Glacier (pdf file) Jumbo Glacier Master Plan document: Jumbo Glacier (pdf file) A decision on the proposal to development Jumbo Valley has been delayed for now 17 years, due to a constant public outcry against developing the valley, due primarily to the environmental consequences, such as prime Grizzly habitat and outdoor recreational area for hiking enthusiasts etc., No quality of life assessment has been done on the proposal. A 12-person FDA panel will determine, with public input, the degree to which the Jumbo Glacier Resort adds or detracts from the existing quality of life and sanctity of the Jumbo surrounding area, and to what degree. Five quality of life issues will be assessed: Water quality Air quality Protection of environment and its beauty Access to outdoor recreation Rural living without the pollution, overcrowding, and crime of urban areas Sustainable employment This FDA assessment will provide a logical basis to approach quality of life in other land development issues, and be an example of both public decision-making under an Evaluative Democratic system and a land development evaluation which examines development itself. Also, this is the second quality of life assessment by the FDA; the first assessment was the proposed Baker Mountain Land Development. A summary and full quality of life assessment report will be posted online.