White Wilderness Heliskiing, BC, Ordered To Shut Down After 9 Years Without Proper Approval - SnowBrains

"White Wilderness Heliskiing, a Canadian heliskiing operation located outside of Terrace, British Columbia was ordered to shut down in May 2025 by British Columbia's Agricultural Land Commission, following a decision that found improper land use within the province's Agricultural Land Reserve. The heliski operation has continued to operate despite the order, claiming that the order did not require them to cease operations. White Wilderness Heliskiing has operated since 2016, and appears to have never had the proper approvals for its overnight accommodations."

"The provincial government established the Agricultural Land Reserve, covering slightly less than 5% of all of the land in British Columbia. Within the reserve, which is made up of a patchwork of properties throughout the province, the government encourages agricultural uses and bans most "nonfarm uses," unless exemptions can be acquired. Before building new structures or operating new businesses on land within the reserve, permission must be obtained from the Agricultural Land Commission."

White Wilderness Heliskiing was ordered shut down in May 2025 by British Columbia's Agricultural Land Commission for improper land use within the Agricultural Land Reserve. The operation continues to operate, claiming the order did not require cessation. The company has operated since 2016 and lacked proper approvals for overnight accommodations. The Agricultural Land Reserve, established in the early 1970s, covers slightly less than 5% of British Columbia and restricts nonfarm uses unless exemptions are granted. Transport Canada regulates helicopter operations; skiing is regulated through provincial tenure agreements; lodging and dining are subject to land-use regulation, including the Agricultural Land Commission.

Read at SnowBrains