1st BBQ Raises Almost $400.00

The Walden Ski Club would like to thank all who came out to our 1st BBQ on December 9th. It was a great success - raising close to $400.00 for the Club.

We would also like to thank our sponsors who donated terrific prizes for the Raffle.

The Club is anxiously awaiting the snow and the start of our 1st season back.

We will need volunteers for our events once we get going, so if you are interested in helping out, please email me at erikabootes@yahoo.ca.

And keep checking out this BLOG to see what's in the works.

Cheers! Erika Dumencu, Vice-President, Walden Ski Club

The Walden Ski Club
…Invites you to

‘Drop-In’ for a BBQ
Sat.Dec.9th
11am – 3pm
...at the Ski Chalet

Hot Dog $2.00
Hamburger $2.50
Cheeseburger $3.00


Raffle: Tickets $2 each or 3 for $5
Prizes include: Tools, Gift Certificates, Clothes- provided by Local Sponsors

Bottle Drive too! Bring your empties (beer cans & bottles only) as a donation

“It’s gonna be a fun afternoon!”

For further information contact Walden Ski Club
Vice-President, Eirka Dumencu, erikabootes@yahoo.ca

Walden Ski Club 2006/2007 Season

Tune Up Those Skis & Boards!

After way too long, the Walden Ski Club will be open again this season! Were hoping for an Opening Date of Dec.27th- weather permitting of course.

Here are our Rates/Hours for the 2006/2007 Season:

Week Nights (6 - 9pm): Adults $7.00 Students $6.00 Seniors $6.00

Full Day Weekends (10am-4pm): Adults $12.00 Students $10.00 Seniors $10.00

1/2 Days (10am-1pm)or (1-4pm): Adults $7.00 Students $6.00 Seniors $6.00


We have a lot of great things planned for this Season, such as: Family Day, a Ski-a-thon, Big Air Competition and the return of the Torchlight Parade!

The Club is starting from scratch so new members are needed to help volunteer and get these projects going. Watch for updates on our BLOG . Our Club Meetings will be held at the Chalet, 692-5030.

CHEERS!
Josh Gervais, Erika & Emily Dumenu

For more information contact, Erika, Vice-President at erikabootes@yahoo.ca

Ski Hill Committee Report for November 14 Walden-CAN Meeting
Background:

In March 2006 Ron and I were invited by Gary Foy to attend a community meeting that had been arranged through Walden CAN with regards to re-opening the Lively Ski Hill. We were made aware that $100,000 had been set aside in the City budget by Terry Kett and Eldon Gainer specifically for the purpose of re-opening the hill.

The goal of this meeting was to determine whether or not the members of the community were interested in pursuing this project. Approximately 40 people attended the meeting and it was clear that the community wanted the hill re-opened. A Ski Hill sub-committee of Walden-CAN was formed.

Throughout the spring members of the sub-committee met to discuss what our aims and objectives were for the hill. We understood one of the determining factors would be the tow – it had been idle for three winters and we were unsure of its condition. Working in cooperation with City staff, reflecting on the re-opening of the Adanac hill a plan was put in place to re-open for the 2006-2007 season.

An inspection of the tow was completed and it was found to be in better condition than expected. As was done at Adanac, the parts that needed repair were sent to Bristol Machine. The City is completing the necessary steps to ensure the tow meets the industry standards. The buildings were also inspected and repairs are being made to ensure their safety. A new shack has already been built at the base of the tow.

By the beginning of October the sub-committee and City staff had prepared a Proposal to bring to the Priorities Committee of City Council recommending that:

1. Funds be provided in the City’s Operating Budget to operate the ski hill.

2. The City would provide staff to : operate the tow, tend the concession and ticket counters, supervise the hill, and provide Ski Patrol.

3. The members of the community would form a volunteer group to do fundraising for future improvements at the hill – much like the “Friends of Adanac” group.

4. The sub-committee also agreed to gather together volunteers to brush the hill in preparation for the coming season.

Most Recent Activities:

1. October 28, 2006 approximately 35 adults, youth and children spent the day brushing the hill and cleaning up the chalet. Such a great turnout exceeded our expectations and signifies how important this ski hill is to residents of the Walden community.

2. The tow repairs continue and we are assured they will be completed before the season opens.

3. At this point we are recommending that a transition take place whereby this volunteer group will move from being a sub-committee of Walden CAN to the Walden Ski Club.

a. Erika and Emily Demencu have generously agreed to act as Co-Chairs for the Club and form an executive.

b. Further meetings of the volunteer group will take place to discuss future plans for the ski hill, working alongside the City of Greater Sudbury.

4. We need to extend our thanks to those who have been generous in their support, donations, and enthusiasm for this project. They include:

a. The many community members and volunteers who have offered their time and effort in the planning and clean-up of the ski hill

b. The City of Greater Sudbury for providing the necessary tools for the brushing and clean-up day

c. Chris Gore of the City of Greater Sudbury for his expertise, support and guidance throughout this project.

d. Richard Bois of the Walden-CAN for his assistance and insight he has provided the Ski-Hill Sub-Committee-

e. Gwen Doyle of the Walden-CAN for her constant encouragement and her determination to keep this in the forefront.

f. Councillors Eldon Gainer and Terry Kett for the funds they set aside giving this project the head start it needed.

g. Jacques Barbeau for providing the lunch during the Brushing and Clean-up day and donating proceeds from his BBQ to the Ski Club

h. Battistelli’s for providing water and pop.

i. Tim Horton’s for donating coffee and Timbits.-

j. Brad and Eldon Gainer for their donation of time and materials to make improvements to the chalet.

k. Gary Foy for bringing us into this project at the start by “passing the torch” after so many years of hard work with the ski club.

Prepared by Barb Maki, Ron Carscadden, Craig Moxam, Leads Walde-CAN Ski Hill Committee

Wow! We’re in for a great season.
Thank you to everyonewho came today to clean up the
chalet, and cut brush on the hill. It’s definitely been
revitalized and even the snow has arrived today. Your
help is much appreciated
Thanks also are extended to:
Jacques Barbeau for lunch,
Tim Horton’s for coffee and Timbits,
Battistelli’s for pop and water, and
Brad & Eldon Gainer for chalet repairs theywill be
making.
THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Walden Ski Centre Report, Oct.10/06
We have now had a discussion with Chris Gore, City of Greater Sudbury regarding the roles ofthe City and the volunteer group.

Below is a summary of the requirements and where the responsibilities lie at present.
City’s Responsibility:
OPERATIONS:
Lift Operators
Lift Mechanic
Hill Supervision
Ski Patrol
Grooming

Club's Responsibility
EXTRAS:
Programs: Racing,Lessons
Fundraising for:
Future needs of the hill- Capital $$

Optional: City or Club Responsibilty:
Ticket Personnel
Concession
ChaletImprovements: cosmetic * Either funds from $$ leftover from tow repairs
Or attempt to have materials donated by local merchants

Proposed Hours of Operation & Proposed Ticket Prices:
Wed. & Fri (6pm-9pm)
Adults (>14yrs) $6.00
Students (<14yrs)> $5.00
Seniors $5.00

Sat. & Sun. (10am-4pm)
Adults (>14yrs) $11.00
Students (<14yrs)>$9.00
Seniors $9.00

1/2 Days (10am-1pm) or (1pm-4pm)
Adults (>14yrs) $6.00
Students (<14yrs)> $5.00
Seniors $5.00

Note:
a. Ticket prices took into consideration that the Walden hill is smaller than Adanac
but larger than Capreol.
b. These prices are in between the 2006 – 2007 fees for Adanac & Capreol.

The OPERATIONS listed above are what is required to run the ski hill this season.

The City is in the process of determining the operating funds required for the budget.
As a result, they need to know if the volunteer group/club wants to take part in the operation of the hill.

Most immediately identified is the concession.
1. It was discussed that if the volunteer group were to take on the concession then it would seem redundant for the City to provide ticket personnel since a volunteer would already be there.
2. If that were the case, then the City would be prepared to provide the volunteer group/club with a nominal portion of the ticket revenue.

For information purposes:
1. The City is responsible for all operations at Adanac
2. The volunteer group is responsible for fundraising only – ie. they did some fundraising for new snowmaking equipment.

Questions to the Volunteer Group:
1. Are there any other activities/operations that have not been included above?
ie.memberships?
2. Does the volunteer group/club want to take on the responsibility of running theconcession?
If so, do we want a volunteer to take tickets or have the City provide personnel?
3. Does the volunteer group want to strictly do fundraising for the hill?
4. Hours of operation and ticket prices: are they satisfactory?
5. Do we want to make any cosmetic improvements to the chalet? How?
6. Do we want to establish a volunteer group – the Walden Ski Club?

Note: At present, we are a Sub-Committee of the Walden-Community Action Network
(Walden-CAN).

Please review these questions and provide any comments/suggestions you may have as soon aspossible.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 10 7:00 p.m. at the ski chalet.

Proposed dates for Brushing the Hill (City of provide necessary equipment)
Saturday, October 14 and/or Saturday October 28

Please indicate your preference to bmaki@persona.ca or call Barb Maki at 692-9398.

Walden-CAN Ski Hill Sub-Committee Six-Month Report, June 13/06

Background:
The Walden-CAN Ski Hill Sub-committee was underway following an information meeting in March 2006 for any interested community members.
Councilor Kett, Chris Gore and Karen Makela of the City informed the attendants of that meeting that funds had been set aside to assist with the opening of the ski hill.

It was obvious at the meeting that many individuals were interested and hopeful that the ski hill would be open and they agreed to sit on the Sub-committee. The Sub-committee has since had three meetings.

The goals identified by the Sub-Committee were:
1. Open the ski hill December 1, 2006.

2. Identify any necessary modifications, upgrades, and repairs.

3. Establish a fundraising plan if required.

4. Establish a combined city/community-run model for operation of the ski hill.

To date:

1. An inspection of the ski lift has been completed and we are awaiting the results of the report. 2. A plan is in place to:

a. Approach City staff to discuss the results of the inspection report

b. Determine the costs involved,

c. Define the roles of the City and the sub-committee/community.

3. We hope to be able to present a resolution to City council before the summer break.

4. The Ski Hill Sub-committee was highlighted in the Sudbury Star in the Walden-Can column- as well as a separate article.

5. Community members continue to support the efforts of the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-committee, through on-going communication and assistance from, notably, Chris Gore, City of Greater Sudbury and Richard Bois, Walden-CAN, maintains that the operation of the Walden Ski Hill for the 2006-2007 season is a very real possibility.

Respectfully submitted, Barb Maki and Ron Carscadden, Walden-CAN Ski Hill Committee

Walden-CAN Ski Hill Committee Report for Sept 12/06 Walden-CAN Meeting:

1. Work on the hill has progressed well over the summer.
2. Repairs to the lift are expected to be completed well before the snow flies.
3. The City was to inspect the building to see what needed to be done in terms of building code
shortfalls.
4. Volunteers are prepared to get to the brushing required prior to the season beginning.
5. The committee will hold a meeting in the coming weeks to : establish a formal club/executive
and decide how we would like to operate the hill in terms of shared responsibilities with the
City.

6. We think it would be a good idea to refer to the ski hill in the future as
the “Walden Ski Centre” - to be inclusive of those who live outside of Lively proper.

7. The committee would like to sincerely thank:
a. Those volunteers who have answered the call to get involved and help out with this project
b. The Mayor and Councillors for their continued support
c. The City staff (Chris, Karen and Dave) who have continued to help us
d. The Walden-CAN for their support, and in particular, a special thanks to Richard Bois
for his time, leadership and guidance

Prepared by Ron Carscadden, Lead, Walden-CAN Ski Hill Committee

Report re- Lively Ski Hill by Chris Gore at Walden-CAN Sept.12/06 Meeting
…As part of 8 on the Agenda Walden Volunteers Don’t Break for Summer:

Ski Hill Volunteers & the City Work Together!
Brief Update from Chris Gore,Manager of Community Parnterships,
City of Greater Sudbury:

1. Nothing serious is wrong with the building – cosmetic changes only
2. We did notice a soft spot in the floor on the southeast portion which needs attention- nothing major and the door facing the hill will need to be replaced
3. New Lift building added – needs windows
4. Control Panels are being re-done – in a couple of weeks
5. Lift – must follow safety regulations of the TSSA
6. Drive wheels have been tested at Bristol & are ready to paint & reinstall
7. Lift is being fixed; repairs to pulley system – in better shape than anticipated; new liners are being installed on both drive wheels
8. Can use spare, quality, used parts for the Lift – lower costs doing it this way
9. Platter assemblies have been taken apart – get replacements- as regulated
*Good certified used products
10. Braking gear box replaced
11. Trying to use local companies as much as possible
12. Lights on the hill have been re-done
13. Power cable will be buried
14. Storage shack to be moved
15. Clearing the hill/lift line is a way the volunteers can help
16. There were some significant areas of wear in parts of the lift due to misalignment issues and some parts had to be replaced as a result

Questions from the Floor:
1.Who owned the grooming machine used in the past at the Ski Hill?
We need to find out: Cross-Country Ski Club? What is status?

a.Richard Bois: Walden Kinsmen loaned $8,000 to front the purchase; need to be repaired; 2 people involved were: Brian Kauppi & Rick Soutinen
b.Chris: 2 groomers – one at Adanac- could be shared

2. What is the situation re- hauling all the gravel etc to top on hill?

a. Not a part of the Ski Hill
b. Hauling has been happening regularly
c. Terry Kett: We have been dumping clean fill there for over 20 years, especially to improve the bunny hill. Each year we cover the fill and smooth it out. It’s nothing to worry about.

3. What is status of grading of Hill?

Chris: Grade of the hill is pretty good

4. Explain financial difference between hydraulic VS spring loaded Lifts?

a. Chris: costs too much re- changing from spring to hydraulic system
b. Any alterations like this constitute a major alteration to TSSA & this comes with costs; reviews etc
c. Will have more bars- -increased to 24; number to be confirmed but will be more than when operation

5. Will there be a conflict between ‘Users’ of the Ski Hill?
...Skiers, snowboarders?

a. Chris: not too much more difficulty in sharing hill
b.No conflict however, there is a need to discuss the issue of toboggans & sliding on the hill as this will ultimately compromise the quality of the hill for skiers & snowboarders- due to the glazing & icing up that occurs from sliding

6.People are interested in helping- not part of Committee yet – will there be a Public meeting soon?

a.Barb: More needs to be determined re- shared operational responsibilities
b.Volunteers can’t run the Lift – needs licensed, skilled operators
c. Need to put together an Operational Budget – presentation to Council

d.Chris: Ski Hill would be run by City – weekends & 2 nights a week; need to determine Staff dollars
e.Volunteers need to determine volunteer involvement

7. Will there be a Fee Charged?

a. Chris: no figure has been determined yet
b. Look at other similar facilities/comparable sites re- fees charged
c. Fees charged will help offset operating costs

8. Will there be a problem re- Insurance costs?

a. Chris: No problem re- Insurance Costs if the City is running the hill
b.Would be under our blanket policy

9. There has been a proposal to move the Outdoor Rink to the Ski Hill area. Will this work?

a. Chris: This suggestion to relocate the Outdoor Rink needs discussion with the community
b. What do they want?
c. Adequate parking is & has been an issue – needs to be dealt with

10. Last winter the kids went sliding at the hill. Will this be a problem?

a. Chris: This usually happens during the day – glazing the hill
b. Need to control sliding at the Hill
c. Could move it to the left – needs more clearing
d. Lift repairs must come first – modifications to the site come later

Terry Kett:
a. Monies have been set aside for this year – from Eldon & my budget
b. Need to get more funds allocated asap – get figure asap
c. Ask for Reserved Funds to be earmarked for the Hill
d. By Nov.13/06

Note: Minutes taken by Gwen Doyle, Sept. 12/06
Submitted to Chris Gore for errors/omissions; corrections emailed Oct.6/06
Corrected by Gwen Doyle, Oct. 9/06

Walden-CAN Ski Hill Sub-Committee May 31/06 Meeting :
at the Lively Ski Hill
Present at Meeting: Ron Carscadden, Barb Maki
Guest: Richard (Dick) Bois

Dick Bois reported that the lift had been inspected and the report was expected for June 6/06.
It was determined that a meeting needs to take place with City staff members prior to bringing the resolution to Council.
Dick offered to contact Catherine Matheson to propose a meeting time to discuss the process and bring her up to date on what the Sub-committee has done so far. Hopefully, we will have the inspection report by that time as well.

Our aim is still to have the hill open for the 2006-2007 and, presently, we don’t have any evidence that indicates otherwise.

We will carry on communications with the City and Walden-CAN.

In addition, members of the committee need to spread the word that the Walden community intends to make this happen. We need to keep it in the news!

The next meeting of the Sub-committee has not been scheduled yet.
Dick Bois and Ron Carscadden have agreed to meet with Catherine Matheson once an appointment is scheduled.
The Walden-CAN Ski Hill Sub-Committee will meet again following that meeting.

It's All "Downhill" From Here!

As long as there is snow this winter, skiers and snowboarders will be making their way up and down the Walden Ski Hill.
City Council has approved the allocation of operational dollars for the Walden Ski Hill, in the Leisure Services Budget for 2007.

Repairs to the tow continue and will be completed for this coming season.

Volunteers are making preparations to remove brush from the hill and spruce up the Chalet, on October 28, from 9am until 5pm.
Local students are welcome to assist and obtain Community Volunteer Hours.

"...The re-opening of the Walden Ski Hill has been a success because of the efforts of many individuals from: the Walden-Community Action Netwrok, City of Sudbury Staff and many other community volunteers. Congratulations!"
Ron Carscadden(692-4658) and Barb Maki (692-9398) Walden-CAN Ski Hill Committee