$50 M Resort slated for Athabasca

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A $50 million tourist resort will be built on the banks of the Athabasca River to help restore Native heritage to Northern Alberta, says the president of Blackstar Development Corp. In

Edmonton.

Native entrepreneur Leo Jacobs says Indian heritage in the Athabasca region has been ignored for too long. So, enticing world travelers to experience life before the European

settlers came is the best way to revive a forgotten culture, he says.

Jacobs believes Alberta's wilderness could once again inspire a "gathering of nations" and give Natives the opportunity to share their ancient lifestyle with the world.

"And it has the potential to generate social and economic benefits for Native people. It will be a way to showcase our culture even if we can do it in a business setting," he says.

The three-phased project will eventually employ 300 to 350 full-time workers during the summer peak periods, and 200 during the off season.

The resort is being financed by the Japanese and private and corporate sponsors.

Jacobs is also looking for financial support from the federal and Alberta tourism departments because he envisions a surge of foreign interests in his resort.

"It will be more than just your average resort," Jacobs insists. "It will be a way to relive a genuine culture."

After six years of research, Jacobs, 35, discovered a growing trend by international tourists wanting to get back to the basics and discover what Aboriginal heritage is all about.

Jacobs, of Calling Lake, has no background in hotel management, but says he learned the ropes while visiting European resorts after hatching his plan for the Athabasca getaway

in 1983.

When the third phase of the project is complete in 1997, Jacobs will turn the business over to an international hotel chain for management but will continue to control the Native

cultural events.

He says the resort will continue to have a Native theme and Native involvement.

Native dances and arts and crafts will have the greatest focus, Jacobs says.

The facility will also include a convention centre, golf course and three-hour tours on a 31-foot, 12 passenger cabin cruiser along the Athabasca River.

More extensive trips will be offered to display the historical features of the Athabasca area that were flourishing even before the early fur traders and settlers came to Alberta's vast

wilderness.

Now, says Jacobs, its time to rekindle that era.

Construction of the 132 room main lodge will be completed in 1990, along with an 18-hole championship golf course, jet boat arena and 40 condominiums.

Phase two will be topped off with a 100 room addition, more condominiums and a trailer park.

In 1997, a 150-foot vertical slope ski hill with T-bar and bobsled and luge run will be added.

Since July 1, Blackstar Adventure Tours has been offering boat trips along the Athabasca River.