Subject: Cross Country Skiing at Hiawatha
I am writing to express my general disappointment with how this issue is being addressed. As Mayor and members of council you have been tasked with developing community resources for the enjoyment of all residents. Clearly the issues of the day in regards to Cross Country Skiing is a clear example of when leadership is required to make the right decision for the community. This is a key area of natural resources offering excellent biking, hiking and skiing utilized by many including young professionals. (Doctor's! Especially with the hospital move to the area).
I fully support the awarding of the Conservation Authority RFP to the Soo Finnish Club for the following reasons:
- over 50 years experience with the use, development, maintenance of skiing in the area
- ability to organize various events throughout the year
- strength of training programs
- non profit organization will keep prices low
- existing equipment and resources already secured
- currently maintaining all trails on the Kinsman Trails
- this plan would keep beginner, intermediate and advanced trails as part of one system
I do not support the awarding of the Conservation Authority RFP to the Heyden Adventure Group for the following reasons:
- direct relation to a member of CA directly responsible for the management of the trails (this is probably how this whole RFP came about!)
- profit organization will raise prices either directly or through increased user fees charged to Soo Finnish then passed on to residents
- lack of resources both in equipment and labour (most labour provided in kind with Soo Finnish)
- further complication of arrangements (now four groups required to operate skiiing: Conservation, Heyden, Soo Finnish, Farmer Bob)
- packaging of proposal may require cross country skiers to purchase downhill package from Heyden. Most do not want both.
Opportunities:
- grant Soo Finnish Club long term use of the land for 20 years (length of a mortgage!)
- grant Soo Finnish Club use with no charge ($10,000 saved each year is the cost of a mortgage!)
- provide Soo Finnish Club assistance in building a new facility
- create marketing partnerships between Heyden, Searchmount and Buttermilk offering discounting ski rates between facilities. Join with Farmer Bob to celebrate the offerings of this entire area.
- create marketing plan with some financial assistance to assist in bringing tourists back into the Sault!
- look into properly maintaining the roads in the area. (Some work has been completed lately which has helped!).
In a discussion yesterday with Farmer Bob he has stated that he would permit use of Mockingbird Hill, one of the highlights of the trail system. With him on board all that is outstanding is the Conservation Authority to approve a long term, no financial cost, use of this land for the use of residents of Sault Ste Marie maintained by the Soo Finnish Club. Please provide us with Leadership at this most important moment.
Feel free to contact me to discuss this issue at anytime. I am one of many at OLG who are very concerned with the direction this is going.
Bill Polnick
