I am writing this letter as a physician, parent and participant in healthy, active living in Sault Ste. Marie.
The current discord and problems going on between the Conservation Authority and the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club regarding the use of property at Hiawatha for cross-country ski trails is distressing.
The Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club has a long tradition and reputation as being run by volunteers and as being very supportive of healthy, active living.
The Jack Rabbit program has brought many excellent skiers along and has given the opportunity to families to ski together on the weekends as well as during the week.
In a community such as ours, where we are trying to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle, with exercise a crucial part, I think it is incumbent upon us to try to resolve these issues and maintain support and create new ways to be active and healthy.
If this can't be resolved, it is my understanding that the approach to the land will be fractured and will directly impact on the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club's ability to provide lessons in their Jack Rabbit program and for other utilizations of the ski system.
I would expect city council and the mayor to want to support anything that is going to improve the health of the community and this has already been exemplified by the fact that they want to extend the boardwalk to be used by cyclists, pedestrians and roller bladers.
I will be contacting members of city council with my concern and would suggest that anyone else who is worried should do so as well.
Or call any member of the Conservation Authority.
At the very least, this should be discussed in some sort of public forum.
It is our community, after all.
Dr. Pat Zehr, President, Algoma West Academy of Medicine, Queen Street East
