Doing right because we live here too

Local developer committed to sustainability in Elk Valley

“As a resident of Elk Valley, I am committed to building a sustainable neighbourhood that will add to the beauty and livability of our amazing region. That’s our commitment to you.”

Reto Barrington, Handshake Holdings President
We are privileged to live the beautiful Elk Valley. It’s our aim to build a community that operates in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner. We’re committed to ensuring that environmental protection, recreational opportunities and a new neighbourhood will work together.

Did you know?

  • 50% percent of the of the existing open space is preserved through park zoning and a further 20% will be part of no build areas allowing for the ongoing protection of wildlife habitat and the recreational trail network.
  • As well, Lizard Creek will be protected by setbacks that exceed all municipality and provincial requirements. This watershed is not currently protected. Our proposal will ensure the forested areas are never clear cut again.

Since April 2021, we have been engaging with our neighbours and experts on our vision for this special area. Here’s a snapshot of our engagement (or attempted engagement) so far: 

  • Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
  • BC Parks
  • City of Fernie
  • Ktunaxa First Nation
  • Tobacco Plains Band
  • Fernie Alpine Resort
  • Snow Valley Community Association
  • Fernie Nordic Society
  • Fernie Trail Alliance
  • Elk River Alliance
  • Wildsight

We also held two Open House presentations on March 30 and April 1, 2023, which attracted over 100 people. The feedback was polite and focused on environmental protection, affordable housing, and access. We listened to what was said about our plan and are pleased to introduce a number of proposed changes to our plan. These include:

  • We have rethought the road access which will now come from an intersection at Lizard Creek Rd and Highway 3. We will no longer rely on existing ski hill access.
  • Water and sewer now come from the Fernie Alpine Resort Utilities Company. We’ve committed that all construction traffic to come from the new access and avoid ski hill road network
  • We have guaranteed access to Galloway Lands park area through a legal agreement on the parcel of land being preserved. This right of way will include a multi-use, machine groomable trail connecting Fernie Alpine Resort to Mt Fernie Provincial Park.