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
