Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club has requested a big jump in funding (from the RDEK) to continue maintaining the Lake Windermere Whiteway.

That pill was hard to swallow for some board members recently when general manager Quentin Randall gave a presentation on the longest ice track/trail in the world (at 30 kilometres).

Randall asked directors to increase their annual funding to $60,000 (from $7,500), which raised the eyebrows of Area F director Susan Clovechok, who said that leap would have a significant impact on local taxpayers.

Randall acknowledged it’s a big increase but said the club believes it’s a ‘fair ask” in order to eliminate their operating deficit and create more community events. According to the Whiteway’s financial statement, it is losing $2,500 a year at current activity levels.

He noted the club’s mission is to grow nordic skiing by promoting the Whiteway which is a “source of pride” for the Columbia Valley. He added their goal is to find a young racer to compete at the provincial level.

Besides skiing, the trail also caters to hikers and skaters, including people with disabilities.

“It’s one of the most accessible and affordable ways to enjoy the lake,” Randall said.

He pointed out that the club needs to improve the Whiteway’s grooming contract to increase the number of users and events.

According to Randall, $60,000 would ensure the Whiteway’s long-term sustainability.

During question period, director Mike Gray (mayor of Radium Hot Springs), asked if the club has looked at paring down the trail to reduce expenses. Randall said 30 kilometres “might be a little overkill” for skating, but reducing the track would not be ideal for cross country skiers.

It was noted the trail has a day-use box for donations, and the club has an ambassador to answer questions and encourage people to pay a fee. Randall noted that when an ambassador is on site, the rate of payment rises about 75 per cent. When there is no ambassador, the rate falls to near zero, he said.

Randall said they have spoken to Travel Columbia Valley and are aligning with their brand.

Invermere Mayor Al Miller said the trail is a valuable asset to the community. “I think our locals use that lake more in the winter than the summer. If we didn’t have it, we’d miss it.”

The RDEK board agreed to forward the grant request to budget deliberations.