I can't see the Regional Conservation Authority being unhappy with the new deal that is unfolding regarding the cross-country ski trail system in the Hiawatha Highlands, the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club taking over the operation of them.
After all, where the authority used to get about $6,000 a year from STAR, the Sault Trails and Recreation body that folded this spring, for handling some administrative details, storage, clearing the parking lot, etc., it will now get more than that, $7,500 in fact, for doing absolutely nothing.
How could it get a better deal than that?
If there is a loser in the whole affair, it is probably going to be the citys taxpayers. Councillors Neil DelBianco, a member of the authoritys board, and Debbie Amaroso will be presenting a resolution to council that it pick up the tab for the $7,500.
Actually, I am not against the resolution and the city picking up the tab because I believe it is time the city put something toward cross-country skiing, the $7,500 nothing in comparison to the $350,000 it threw Searchmonts way. My only problem with the payment in this case is that I dont think it should be necessary in the first place.
If the Sault Trailblazers Snowmobile Club can cross 10-15 kilometres of authority land without charge, cross-country skiers should be afforded the same opportunity and authority members who say otherwise are blowing smoke.
Doug Millroy is editor emeritus of The Sault Star.
