"Absolutely not!" Mayor John Rowswell said in response to a question asking him if the Sault Ste. Marie Conservation Authority (CA) had attempted to hush a growing controversy over their handling of a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued June 11.
The RFP was put together hastily by the CA staff after the umbrella organization responsible for managing and operating about 36 km. of cross country trails in Hiawatha Highlands folded in May.
His comments were made after a public meeting at the Civic Centre Friday called by Ward 4 Coun. Neil DelBianco. Rowswell, DelBianco, and Ward 6 Coun. Frank Manzo are representatives on the CA Board.
Rowswell said that the CA has always supported cross-country skiing at Hiawatha, but have been forced in recent years to be frugal with their finances because of revenue shortfalls they've absorbed as an organization.
"With the economy improving locally I believe City Council is saying we have an under utilized asset and it's time we put some money into it," Rowswell said.
It is time to "enhance the commitment" of the City and the community to develop the potential of the area for skiing and other activities. "I can tell you that from my experience $100,000 a year will not be enough. To be honest with you, we need around $500,000 a year to develop the full potential of the trail system," he said.
Earlier, DelBianco told close to 100 people attending the public forum that he and Ward 5 Coun. Debbie Amaroso would introduce a motion at the Aug. 28 Council meeting requesting the city to absorb a $10,500 annual fee to the CA as part of its RFP demands.
Rowswell and DelBianco both admitted also that the RFP process was flawed. Part of the problem, Rowswell said, stemmed from a sense of urgency "to put something together quickly" in time for the upcoming ski season after the Sault Trail and Recreation partnership (STAR) dissolved because of internal problems.
Rowswell also acknowledged that experience should be considered when evaluating who is chosen to run the trail system through CA managed property. In that regard the Soo Finnish Club, that can trace its involvement with the cross country trail system back 50 years, has a clear advantage over rival opponent, Heyden Adventure Base Camp, a private company about to enter its fourth season.
Rowswell also admitted that public opinion he had received via emails and phone calls had overwhelmingly backed the bid of the not for profit Finnish Ski Club since concerns were first made public in a July 21 letter from Tourism Sault Ste. Marie.
Describing the cross-country trail system as one of the region's "crown jewels", director Ian McMillan said they had become involved to stress the importance of the entire trail system to the local tourism market, but said there was no intent to interfere with the RFP process.
Despite reassurances from DelBianco and the mayor, the CA came under intense fire during Friday's meeting for its handling of the situation.
Local businessman and former Searchmont owner Jim Hilsinger said, "The Conservation Authority and its mandate must be reviewed, and it should be linked to the future of what this city needs. This is the first time I've seen so many people come together so vehemently thoughtful about what is wrong in this city, and what is wrong in this city is there is no vision," he concluded.
Asked by the mayor if he would agree to host a "visionary session" to discuss the future of Hiawatha Highlands, Hilsinger responded, "In a heartbeat."
Afterwards Hilsinger said, "[Hiawatha] should be a guiding light toward Sault Ste. Marie. People come here, and take jobs here because of it."
Rowswell took time also to compliment Hilsinger. "I love his enthusiasm, but it's still going to take dollars to do it, and the taxpayer and city of SSM will have to show its support," Rowswell said.
Brian Anstess, president of Heyden Adventure Base Camp, gave a spirited defense of his company's qualifications to operate the cross-country trail system. After complimenting the Soo Finnish Club for its great contributions in the past, he told the crowd he wanted to partner with their existing ski operation to "jazz up cross country skiing for kids by creating things like a terrain park."
He said it was crucial to "excite children and get them involved because they are the future racers."
Anstess admitted that "being perceived as the new kid on the block" posed a problem, but expressed confidence that his ski industry expertise and professional staff were capable of meeting the challenge.
Anstess also said that he was prepared to work cooperatively with the Soo Finish Club to deliver programs and host events reflecting their different strengths.
But Kevin Hogan, president of Soo Finnish Club appeared to reject any option of a collaborative effort to operate the cross-country trail system. He made it clear that such an arrangement was not practical because it could affect eligibility for government assistance to the Club, might act as a "disincentive to its volunteer structure", would reduce marginal profits further and was contrary to the Club's constitution.
Rowswell too said that when the Conservation Authority Board makes a decision on Tuesday it would be for one proponent only.
