Mountain communities at risk: A case study of gateway community growth management and resort development.

With the decline of the resource extraction industries many rural gateway communities in western Canada are attempting to capitalize on their pristine environment locations. This research analysed the ability of the local governments of Golden, Fernie and Canmore to manage growth associated with large-scale resort development. The ability to encourage and manage sustainable development was assessed in terms of policy formulation and implementation within an adaptive management framework. The goal of the growth management strategies is to achieve sustainable communities through ecological, economical, cultural and social sustainability. Through globalization, local governments of gateway communities are experiencing similar growth related pressures and challenges. This research will add to the body of knowledge required by these gateway communities to retain their local history and unique character in the face of rapid growth brought on by large-scale resort development.