The Mount Evergreen and Kenora Nordic Trails Association (KNTA) boards are happy to announce that their one million dollar expansion project and dream has been approved by the Northern Ontario Heritage Program!
KNTA and Mount Evergreen are both not for profit organizations run completely by community volunteers. Over the last 5 years, both clubs have worked very hard to improve the Nordic trail system and downhill facilities to provide locals and visitors with some of the best skiing in the area.
The expansion of the Nordic trail system has substantially increased the number of visitors to the area. There are now 7 km of skate and over 15 km of classic trails winding their way around the downhill runs. These trails are impeccably maintained by a great volunteer grooming crew.
This new development project is the result of many grant applications and new partnerships with local charity groups, educational centres and businesses.
Stage one of the project was started last year. The existing T- bar system was revitalized to ensure smooth operation. Chalet renovations were completed in order to serve both clubs better. The heating system was upgraded, the kitchen and dinning areas were completely gutted and a new roof installed. The interior of the entire chalet was repainted and the washrooms were retrofitted. This year the exterior siding will be restored, new flooring will be installed along with a warm and cosy gas fireplace. Service Canada Job Creation & student employee programs along with students from the Academy for Technical and Vocational Training & Beaver Brae carpentry courses helped complete these projects.
The Kenora Kinsmen and funding from the Ontario active 2010 program have helped both clubs purchase top of the line downhill and Nordic (skate and Classic) equipment for it’s new rental shop. Thanks to the Lake of the Woods foundation the club even has ski helmets to safely protect your noggin.
Municipal funding secured a new (used) groomer that can be utilized on both the Nordic Skate trails and the down hill runs. This will make substantial changes to our ability to maintain our snow base and create a fun terrain park.
The Kenora Rotary club and the Ontario Trillium Foundation funding will see the creation of the new Rotary Learn to ski Area this year. Students from the Confederation College heavy equipment course assisted with the development of the new area which will be complete with a magic carpet lift that will help learners gain easy access to the hill.
The next phase will see dramatic changes to our infrastructure. A new garage to house both the downhill and Nordic grooming equipment will hopefully be completed by December. The old garage will be well utilized as the new Nordic training facility and will have also become home to a combined ski rental shop, ski patrol area along with administrative offices for both clubs.
Snow, Snow and yes more snow. The biggest piece of the project that will effect skiers the most is the addition of top of the line snow making system to the Nordic stadium area, sprint trails and the downhill runs. This will effectively ensure the continued viability of both clubs and will result in us having a dependable snow base. Kenora has never had any trouble with lack of cold weather so we will be able to produce snow when ever we need it!
So come and enjoy one of Kenora’s best kept secrets this winter!
For more information visit our website skikenora.com or contact KNTA@ 548-2866 and Mt.Evergreen Ski Club@ 548 5100.
Posted: Tuesday, September 18th, 2007 under What's New.
