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Hardwood ski facility north of Barrie raising funds for new chalet after 2017 fire

Chalet at Oro-Medonte facility was destroyed by fire on Christmas Day in 2017

Hardwood Ski and Bike is determined to rebuild its chalet that was lost to fire more than a year ago, but it will need a little help from its friends.

During an event Wednesday at the Oro-Medonte business, the Friends of Hardwood campaign was unveiled. The goal is to raise $650,000 to build a new facility.

“It has been a very long and frustrating process over the past 14 months,” said Hardwood president and general manager Gareth Houben.

He was referring to dealing with the insurance company. He was hoping the insurance process would have been settled by now, but it continues to drag on. That’s why Hardwood is reaching out to the community for help.

“We really need this. We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t,” said marketing manager Louise Jackson. “It’s almost embarrassing, and humbling, to have to ask for help, but here we are.”

Because Hardwood is a for-profit business, it is throwing in some goodies for those who donate certain amounts of money, including trail passes, season passes, apparel and more.

The campaign comes at a time when many non-profits are competing for fundraising dollars, but Jackson described a donation to Hardwood as an investment in the community.

Hardwood sponsors sports teams, donates items to silent auctions for charities and hosts charity events. Helping Hardwood, she said, helps Hardwood give back.

“The story of its rebuild will be a testament to the community and its love,” Jackson said.

Hardwood is working with Normerica to build the new chalet.

An electrical fire on Christmas Day in 2017 destroyed the original.

“It has been tough,” Jackson said, but added, “The community has been great” in terms of offering support over the past year.

The new chalet will be built in two phases. The first will be 7,000 square feet and include a basement, while Phase 2 will add another 4,700 square feet.

The goal is to have it open by October.

To find out more about the Friends of Hardwood campaign, click here.


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Nathan Taylor

About the Author: Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the desk editor for Village Media's central Ontario news desk in Simcoe County and Newmarket.
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