Ski resort in trouble

Misty Ridge Ski Hill is in trouble says board chair Kerry McElroy. County of Barrhead councillors voted in favour of extending financial assistance to the tune of $10,000.

McElroy made his comments to county council at its meeting April 18, explaining that the facility required financial assistance and council voted unanimously in support of a motion made by Coun. Dennis Nanninga to help cover payroll costs.

In a separate motion by Coun. Darrell Troock, council voted to have county administration work closely with the facility in an effort to prepare financial statements to better understand the depth of the issue.

“We are in trouble,” McElroy said, adding three years of bad weather has not made the situation better and Shelley Van Beek, another representative of the hill’s board agreed.

“Our staff have not been paid since January and there’s $9,900 due to them,” she said.

McElroy said Misty Ridge was looking at a $25,000 deficit over the next three years, due in large part to the fact that an existing bunny hill tow needs to be replaced.

Even before the hill opens to the public each season, the club invests approximately $10,000 to get operations up to government inspection standards.

“We did look at getting magic carpets for the bunny hill but that would cost us $170,000 and is obviously unrealistic,” McElroy said.

He said season pass holders typically cover startup costs, but due to the warm weather, those numbers are now dwindling.

“We are discussing what sort of incentive program we should be offering to keep these people but nothing has been settled yet. There are many things we can and will be doing to mitigate our issues but right now, in addition to the payroll issue, we owe about $7,000 to the county for insurance and this is the first year we haven’t been able to cover our bills,” McElroy said.

Recreation is never a for-profit business, he said.

“It is a lifestyle and we’re proud to be independent. We’re a non-profit, low-budget resort and we’ve got a beautiful hill.”

County of Barrhead chief administrative officer Debbie Oyarzun said there is money that can be utilized to help.

“In the recreational organizational reserve, there is $30,000 budgeted for this type of scenario,” she said, adding while it is not typically council’s practice to give out funds for operational costs, it is a decision for council to make.

Reeve Doug Drozd agreed.

“We don’t really have a formal policy of only helping with capital but it has been the practice of this recent council however,” he said, adding it was either council helps out now or they inherit the resort.