Gentlemen and Ladies,
I am writing to express my strong support of the proposal to have the Sault Finnish Nordic Ski Club (SFNSC) take over the entire operation of cross-country skiing at Hiawatha Highlands. As a member of Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club (SFNSC) for the past 25 years, I can attest to the dedication and experience of the many members and volunteers who have groomed and brushed the trails, provided the coaching of thousands of area youngsters and conducted many provincial and national championships over the past 50 or so years. The SFNSC has been responsible for the development of many highly ranked skiiers, including Olympian Wayne Dustin and provincial and national champion, my son Adam who is both a former Canadian Junior and Senior Champion. These results would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the SFNSC.
My sense of the issue is that the Conservation Authority is attempting to justify their existence and stay solvent by having someone else pay to use the Pinder Farm property and denying the SFNSC access to those trails unless the club pays an exorbitant fee to use the property, something the volunteer club cannot afford to do. I have been to many races across the province and the SFNSC has the reputation of being one of the most active and successful clubs in Canada. It would be a shame if the CA was responsible for the demise of nordic skiing as we know it in Sault Ste. Marie.
The SFNSC has the support of the Kinsmen Club and it should have your support as well. The CA is doing nothing more than trying to stay afloat on the backs of the many adults and children, as well as the countless volunteers who want to enjoy some of the best cross-country ski trails in the country. The SFNSC certainly has the track record and, if they are allowed to do so, will continue to develop and maintain the entire trail system at Hiawatha Highlands in the public interest.....can you say that about the Conservation Authority?
We urge you to throw your support behind the SFNSC.
Thank you.
Paul, Wendy, Adam & Amy Kates.
