BY APRIL ANTONIAZZI
Adanac Ski Hill's first season back is only the beginning of
what may prove to be multi-use facility for Sudbury residents.
The re-opening of the Adanac this year attracted close to
13,000 visits and generated $160,000 in lift ticket revenues
alone, up more than $90,000 from the 2003 season, when it last
operated.
Greater Sudbury Mayor David Courtemanche, along with Jim
Thompson, the chair of Adanac's citizens' committee and Brian
Smith, chair of the Friends of Adanac group, explained that
they are pleased with Adanac's season but there is still much
to do.
"The long-term vision for the facility, in fact, is that it
does become a four-season facility," said Courtemanche.
The hill is situated beside Rotary Park, which has trails
connecting New Sudbury to the Flour Mill as well as more scenic
trails. These trails are what will start to attract people to
the area year round, said Courtemanche.
Smith said that fundraising will also continue even though
the skiing season is over. The Friends of Adanac have raised
approximately $100,000 to date, and will continue to fundraise
until they reach their goal of $370,000.
"We want to make sure that the hill runs as well as it could
so it'll never be on the chopping block again," said Smith.
The group has planned a golf tournament to raise funds and
is in the early stages of organizing a fundraising auction.
They continue to accept donations from the public at TD bank
locations.
The first improvements to be made to the hill for next year's
season will be the construction of a new chalet and a carpet
lift to make the hill more accessible to younger children.
Many other possible improvements, such as the creation of soccer fields and cross-country skiing trails may come in following years.
