GIS is a powerful tool that provides insight on the environment, and it allows us to reflect about potential impacts on our surroundings. In an environmental assessment for a ski resort, we are exposed to all the actors involved and who may be affected by the resort. Once again, the intricacies of nature is revealed by the relationship with humans. Therefore, it is common to encounter proposals that don’t match personal values. For areas that seem feasible for the project may overlook the presence of other species, plant or animal, due to the unavailability or lack of information accessible to us. To assume that these places are “vacant” is a stretch, although technology do provide and highlight information about our land. In my opinion, the ski project should not be pursued. I think that in the South coast of BC, there is a multitude of ski and snowboard areas already in place, such as Whistler, Seymour, Cypress, and Grouse Mountain. With regards to the data I analyzed, it seems that the protected areas occupy slightly more than half than the project boundary, and in my memo I feel like I did not provide a strong enough stance in my beliefs. That’s because I felt as if my role was limited to collecting and presenting the data. However, by prioritizing my main concerns I do include my input. I am aware nonetheless that this project also requires further consultation with different groups that are connected to the Garibaldi area.
