Province Seeks Operator for Tabor Mountain Ski Hill Amid Legal Dispute Over Fire Insurance Funds

The province of British Columbia is working to revive the Tabor Mountain ski area, a once-thriving winter sports venue near Prince George, even as it grapples with a lawsuit against the hill's previous operator over alleged mismanagement of insurance money.

Expression of Interest

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport recently issued a call for proposals to find a new operator for the ski hill, which has remained dormant since its lodge burned down in January 2018. Located approximately 20 kilometres east of Prince George, the 1.35 square-kilometre ski area features a chairlift, a T-bar, and other assets but requires significant investment to reopen.

Tabor Mountain has a storied history, having served as a training ground for two-time Olympic medallist Meryeta O'Dine and hosting national competitions, including during the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

"There's a gap there that Tabor can fill," said Colin Carson, CEO of Tourism Prince George, emphasizing the hill's potential to attract competitive events.

Legal Dispute

At the same time, the province is pursuing legal action against Fernand Wilfred Thibault, the sole director of the now-defunct Tabor Mountain Ski Resort Ltd. (TMSR), which managed the hill before the fire.

According to court documents, the province alleges that Thibault:

• Claimed $809,633 in insurance payouts without naming the province as a beneficiary, despite an operating agreement requiring it.

• Used the funds improperly, including purchasing properties in other communities.

The province claims it owns all fixed improvements at the ski hill and was entitled to the insurance proceeds.

Thibault has denied the allegations, arguing that he was never informed the province had a claim to the lodge or insurance funds. His legal response states that the insurance payout was insufficient to rebuild the lodge and that his actions, including developing a master plan for the hill's future, were conducted with the province’s knowledge.

Future Plans

The province’s current focus is finding an operator to create a viable plan for reopening Tabor Mountain. While an eventual operating agreement is possible, the priority is restoring the hill’s functionality.

Tabor Mountain’s recreational facilities, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking, continue to operate through the Tabor Mountain Recreation Society and Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.

What’s Next?

The province has yet to clarify how the ongoing lawsuit may impact the ski area’s operations under a new operator. The government’s request for proposals remains open, seeking innovative solutions to bring Tabor Mountain back to life and benefit the Prince George community.

A decision in the legal dispute has not been made, and CBC News is awaiting further comment from the province.