NEWS RELEASE

The chairlift at Shames Mountain continues to bring eager skiers and boarders up the hill thanks in part to a $50,000 donation from Rio Tinto. The donation was put toward the purchase of a refurbished bull wheel, an integral piece of the chairlift that drives the movement of the cable.

“This was a critical piece of equipment that needed to be replaced this summer,” says Shames Mountain General Manager, Christian Theberge. “We are very grateful for Rio Tinto for its support.”

The bull wheel replacement took place over the summer months as part of the ski hill’s summer maintenance program. “Shames Mountain is an important community asset, and we at Rio Tinto are proud to provide funding for its ongoing operations,” said Patrice Bergeron, Rio Tinto’s BC Works Operations director. “Many of our employees and their families have created positive memories at Shames Mountain, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to be part of a healthy lifestyle in the Kitimat-Terrace area.”

Rio Tinto has been an important part of the Shames Mountain and My Mountain Co-op (MMC) for many years. In 2012, they provided $175,000 in funding, which was critical in allowing the mountain to operate and undertake critical infrastructure upgrades.

“Donations from our community and corporate sponsors are key to ensuring the sustainable operations of Shames Mountain,” says My Mountain Co-op board chair, Steve Salem. “By showing commitment to healthy communities, organizations such as Rio Tinto play an important role in the fabric of the co-op, and for that we are very thankful.”

Media Contacts 

Christian Theberge, Shames Mountain General Manager
[email protected], 250-975-0560

Kevin Dobbin, Manager, Communications & Communities, Rio Tinto BC Works
[email protected], 250-639-8343