September 23, 2004 Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador INVESTMENT WILL HELP POPULAR SKI HILL IMPROVE FACILITIES AND BROADEN MARKET Proving that when it comes to skiing, it's not all down hill, the Smokey Mountain Ski Club is about to make a number of enhancements to its ski hill. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will provide the not-for-profit ski club with $356,198 in funding under its Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF), for the development of a terrain park for snowboarders and upgrades to existing equipment. As well, funding will support the development of a three-year marketing plan to help the ski hill broaden its market. In announcing the funding, Labrador MP, Lawrence O'Brien said that while the Smokey Mountain hill is already a popular skiing destination, the infrastructure improvements will help the club expand its operations. "For over 40 years, this ski club has been an important part of the community here in Labrador city, "O'Brien said. "With the addition of better snow-boarding facilities and the focus on increasing the hill's profile in other markets, the club will continue to play a vital role in this community's social and economic well-being." In addition to the construction of a new terrain park, renovations to the Smokey Mountain Ski Hill will feature extensive upgrading and replacement of current equipment. Specifically, the hill will purchase a new snow groomer, construct a new garage, and make upgrades to the existing poma lift, snow groomer and lodge roof. The three-year marketing strategy will capitalize on these infrastructure improvements to increase the ski hill's appeal to outside markets. Smokey Mountain is a very popular local skiing destination, and has seen dramatically increased usage in recent years. "We recognize the potential of our ski hill as the nucleus for a more diversified tourism industry here in Labrador City," said Corey Walsh, Manager of the Smokey Mountain Ski Club. "Through improving our facilities and partnering with other tourism organizations and community stakeholders, our vision is to develop a winter tourism product that will have a long-lasting and positive impact for local business. Over the years, we have focused on creating a first-class ski hill to serve the local skiing community. Now, we recognize that the hill can provide broader economic benefits for the community as a whole. " A not-for-profit organization, the Smokey Mountain Ski Club is a model example of community initiative and partnership. Started by a group of ski enthusiasts in 1954 with the support of the Iron Ore Company of Canada-the original club members built their own ski lodge and tow rope on the southwest face of Smokey Mountain. Local business joined in the cause by donating equipment and giving financial support. In 1961, the ski paths were relocated to the east face of the mountain to allow for future expansion. The Smokey Mountain Ski Club has hosted numerous events over the years such as the 1970 Canadian Alpine Championships, the 1976 Pontiac Cup final race, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games in both 1982 and 1998. Federal funding for this project is being provided through ACOA's Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). SCIF is providing $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages the development of strategic sectors. This fund, administered by ACOA, is a component of the $700 million Atlantic Investment Partnership (AIP). FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY: The Smokey Mountain Ski Club in Labrador City will receive a $356,198 investment from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for significant upgrades to its ski hill. Enhancements to the ski hill will include the development of a terrain park for snow boarders and the purchase of new grooming equipment. Labrador MP Lawrence O'Brien commented that the funding will support the ski hill's expansion in the future. "This ski club has long been an important part of the community here in Labrador City. These improvements will increase the hill's appeal and attract more skiers to the hill, which will have positive spin-offs for the local business community." The ACOA funding will also support the development of a three-year marketing plan designed to heighten the ski hill's profile in outside markets. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Ron Crozier Office of the Hon. Joseph McGuire Minister of ACOA (902) 888-4150 Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs ACOA (709) 772-2935 Lawrence O'Brien, MP Labrador (613) 996-4630
