NEWS RELEASE:
Port of Prince Rupert and District of Kitimat make major contributions toward purchase of My Mountain Co-op snowcat
As the snow continues to accumulate on Shames Mountain, My Mountain Co-op (MMC) is preparing for opening day with new powder-pushing power thanks to financial support from across the region.
The non-profit community service cooperative that owns and operates the Shames Mountain Ski Area recently took possession of the refurbished snowcat grooming machine, ensuring MMC can provide residents of the Pacific Northwest with reliable access to the area’s premier winter recreation destination. Fundraising for the $300,000 machine began in the 2016-17 season, with support pouring in from individuals, municipalities, and small and large businesses.
“We are ever grateful for the overwhelming support we receive from the many communities that continue to make our operations possible,” said Christian Theberge, general manager of My Mountain Co-op. “The dedication of the MMC membership to see Shames Mountain succeed is incredible, and evident in the fact that our largest financial contributors to this project were organizations from outside Terrace who see the value we’re able to create through capital projects like this.”
Through its Community Investment Fund, the Port of Prince Rupert provided $50,000 towards the purchase of the Prinorth BR 350 snow grooming machine, a newer model of the existing snowcat. The old machine will be kept a backup and parts machine, enabling MMC’s staff to more easily maintain the new infrastructure and avoid disruptions to its seasonal operations if replacement parts are required.
“The Port of Prince Rupert is continuously seeking out projects that help improve the quality of life in our region that we can enable through our Community Investment Fund, which has contributed $3.9 million to 60 local initiatives to date,” said Shaun Stevenson, Vice President of Trade Development and Public Affairs for the Port of Prince Rupert. “Shames Mountain is an important recreational asset for the Northwest, and we’re proud to continue to support My Mountain Co-Op’s efforts.”
The District of Kitimat was another large donor. It is fitting the Port of Prince Rupert and the District of Kitimat partnered with MMC on their latest investment, and continues a history of the two organizations supporting the regional ski hill. This time around, the District of Kitimat has already contributed $25,000 to the initiative and has another $25,000 donation proposed in the 2018 budget, which would bring the total contribution to $50,000. This contribution will help ensure that Kitimat’s 8,500 residents will continue to benefit from access to the Shames Mountain Ski Area.
“The District of Kitimat is pleased to be able to contribute to My Mountain Coop’s new groomer. Shames Ski Resort offers some world class winter recreation, which we feel lucky to have located so close to our community,” said Mayor Phil Germuth. “Shames Mountain is an important source of enjoyment for many of our residents, and it also helps us attract new residents to our community.”
