Now, what began as a vision in 1989 has evolved to be a viable undertaking of unlimited development potential. A ten-year strategic plan had begun.

Active Mountain Entertainment's principals knew that a large portion of this landmass was separable from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR); and furthermore, that the possibility of annexation to the City of Merritt's O.C.P. was very real.

Subdivision work was undertaken by AMEC and within a short term, two new lots were created: Lot A (148 acres) and Lot B (289 acres), both bordering the City of Merritt.

Within a few months of subdivision, Lot A was annexed to the City of Merritt's O.C.P. and a zoning application was successfully passed on March 10, 1998, which enabled an additional seven parcels within Lot A, zoned as follows:

• PARCEL #1 #2 and #3: Recreational Commercial (approx. 18.20 acres)
• PARCEL # 4: Highway Commercial (approx. 5.93 acres)
• PARCEL # 5: Highway Commercial (approx. 5.96 acres)
• PARCEL # 6: Medium Density Residential (approx. 12.26 acres)
• PARCEL # 7: Residential - Single Family (approx. 105.76 acres)

Re-zoning applications commenced on Lot B and on October 5, 2000, the Thompson Nicola Regional District passed third reading to zone from RL-1 Institutional to C-10 Commercial Comprehensive Entertainment. This new by-law is the first of it's kind in British Columbia. Although Lot B was not annexed to the City of Merritt, negotiations continued and an agreement for water/sewer services to be provided by the City is underway.

With much of the political policy including all public hearings dealt with, AMEC was now in a position to design and lay-out what is to become Active Mountain Park.

Lot A is the perfect host for not only the resort/hotel/convention/spa, but also the arts theatre, retail strip mall, gas station, RV park and residential development. Lot B beautifully facilitates Active Mountain Raceway (AMR), with its natural elevation changes, it lends itself perfectly to an exciting 2.5 mile road course and 0.75 mile banked tri-oval track. AMR, the ultimate motor sports complex, will also produce several outdoor musical events and more. Lot B will also be home to the water slide/amusement park.

And then there is the Remainder! An 18-hole professional signature golf course will compliment the resort and residential development, covering approximately 160 acres. The amphitheater will produce year-round variety entertainment including sporting activities. Last but not least, the famous festival grounds, where more than 100,000 patrons visit every year for Mountainfest!

Active Mountain Park offers something for everyone…it's a diamond in the rough!