Prince Rupert Port Authority Community Investment Fund assists critical infrastructure at Shames Mountain

With Ski Season at an end in the Northwest, Shames Mountain has
looked back at some of the new experiences for residents funded
through the Community Investment Fund from the PRPA
(image from PRPA)

Northwest skiers are set to put away their skies and boards for the 2022 season and as they do, they can reflect on some new elements in place this year to make their experience that much more enjoyable.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority shared some background today towards its contribution to two key infrastructure projects at the Northwest ski facility just west of Terrace.

Partnering with My Mountain Co-op through its Community Investment Fund, PRPA committed $240,000 to projects both on-and-off the hill that have expanded capacity, enhanced safety and functionality, and developed new opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to access the winter recreation area. 

As is noted from an information backgrounder released today.

The biggest change to the visitor experience has been the addition of a new conveyor lift, which replaced the old rope-tow that proved to be challenging for beginners and people with disabilities to use. The new ‘Green Carpet’ is an industry-standard lift designed for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels and is fully enclosed to protect the equipment and riders from the elements. 

The conveyor belt system has enabled the development of two new tubing lanes adjacent to the beginner slope, that offer guests a chance to experience the thrill of the hill without committing to skiing or riding. 

The total cost of the project was $695,000 and PRPA’s Community Investment Fund contributed $80,000.

The Hit of the Hill! The new conveyor system at Shames has gainde
much praise from ski hill users

“Previously, we had a high failure rate amongst new skiers and boarders, but the conveyor lift has transformed the experience for young children, helped lower the average skier age and introduced an entirely new demographic to Shames Mountain. We are grateful to the Community Investment Fund for allowing us to lower the barrier for beginners to attract more people to our facility and keep them coming back.” -- Christian Theberge, My Mountain Co-op’s General Manager.

The Community Investment Fund was also put to use towards some additional parking access for the Shames facility.

The Community Investment Fund committed $160,000 to expand parking at Shames Mountain and make the facilities easier to access. The project included upgrading the access road, expanding the existing parking area, and building a new lot and structures to house snow-clearing and other equipment. The developments have allowed for a greater number of visitors and provided the infrastructure needed to support operations both on-and-off the hill.

Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority noted of the opportunity the Port had in helping the facility reach more youth and families this season. 

 “These investments have broadened access to the recreational activities at Shames Mountain and opened up new opportunities, particularly for youth and families. As one of northwest British Columbia’s most important winter outdoor recreational assets, we’re delighted to continue to support its growth through our Community Investment Fund, so more people in our region can become involved in skiing and snowboarding.”

A video released today highlights some of the work done at the ski hill this year to improve the experience for Northwest residents and attract others from outside the region.

Learn more about today's update on the improvements at Shames here.

More items on the Northwest Ski season can be explored from our achieve page here.